Ribbons and folded bias tapes for sewing projects

The French tradition of ribbon making

The ribbon industry in France has a rich history rooted in textile traditions, particularly in the Lyon and Saint-Étienne regions.

From the Middle Ages, weaving expertise helped Lyon stand out, while Saint-Étienne, Saint-Chamond, and Saint-Didier-en-Velay later established themselves as production centers, thanks to numerous small specialized workshops.

During the Renaissance, ribbons, often made of silk, became luxury accessories prized by the nobility to adorn clothing and hairstyles, a trend reinforced by the court at Versailles. Queen Marie Antoinette was particularly fond of ribbons and used them extensively.

In the 19th century, technical advancements like the improvement of bar looms from 1830 onwards allowed for serial production and the introduction of more varied and colorful motifs. The most beautiful designs, requiring perfect mastery of weaving techniques, emerged in the latter half of the 19th century, marking the peak of the ribbon industry.

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