Satin Ribbon vs Petersham Ribbon: What’s the Difference?

Satin and Petersham are two very different ribbons that are often used in sewing, millinery, garment construction and décor. Satin is prized for its smooth, glossy elegance, while Petersham is valued for its ribbed texture and ability to follow curves. Understanding the differences will help you select the right ribbon for your project. Here’s a clear side-by-side comparison.
 
satin vs petersham ribbon

Texture and Appearance

Satin ribbon has a smooth, lustrous surface created by a satin weave. It reflects light beautifully and gives a soft, luxurious, high-end look. It is available in single-faced (shiny on one side only) or double-faced (shiny on both sides) versions.
Petersham ribbon has a distinctive ribbed texture with raised lines running across the width. Its most recognisable feature is the scalloped (wavy) edge along both sides. It has a matte or low-sheen finish and a more structured, classic appearance.
 

Edges and Construction

  • Satin: Usually woven or heat-slit edges. The surface is flat and smooth.
  • Petersham: Features woven-in scalloped edges. These scallops are what allow the ribbon to flex and curve without puckering.

Flexibility and Shaping

This is one of the biggest practical differences:
  • Satin is soft and fluid. It drapes beautifully and creates soft, flowing bows, but it has little natural structure and can slip when tying.
  • Petersham is more structured yet highly shapeable. It can be steamed, gently stretched or moulded to follow curves (similar to bias tape). This makes it ideal for rounded edges and three-dimensional work.

Durability and Handling

Petersham is generally more durable and holds its shape better under handling. The ribbed weave and scalloped edges give it good stability.
Satin is more delicate — it can snag or show creases more easily and may fray if the edges are not properly finished (heat-slit versions perform better in this regard).

Best Uses

Choose Satin ribbon when you want:
  • Elegant gift wrapping and luxury packaging
  • Soft, shiny bows and formal event décor
  • Apparel trims, sashes and lingerie details
  • Projects where a glossy, high-end appearance is the priority
Choose Petersham ribbon when you want:
  • Millinery and hat making (especially brim binding and curved hatbands)
  • Garment construction that needs to follow body or hat curves (waistbands, collars, binding)
  • Structured yet flexible trims that won’t pucker on rounded edges
  • School blazer bindings, stays or projects requiring a clean, shapeable edge

Side-by-Side Comparison

 
Feature
Satin Ribbon
Petersham Ribbon
Surface
Smooth, glossy
Ribbed, matte / low-sheen
Edges
Woven or heat-slit
Scalloped (wavy)
Flexibility
Soft and fluid
Structured but highly shapeable
Shaping ability
Limited (drapes rather than holds curves)
Excellent (steams and curves well)
Appearance
Luxurious, elegant, shiny
Classic, tailored, structured
Best for
Gift wrapping, soft bows, formal décor
Hats, curved trims, garment binding
Durability
More delicate
More robust

Summary

Satin ribbon delivers shine, softness and elegance — perfect when visual luxury is the goal. Petersham ribbon delivers structure plus the ability to follow curves cleanly — the preferred choice for millinery and shaped garment work.
At Ribbon Place we stock a variety of both satin and Petersham ribbons in multiple colours and widths.

View our Petersham range here  or explore our full satin selection for gift wrapping and sewing projects.  Nationwide delivery across South Africa is available on all orders.