*This is from an earlier post - Updating Meg's original post dated 1/18/11
Petersham is a hard-finished, closely woven, cross-rib fabric. It is available in ribbon widths, and most commonly used for waist stays, facings and hat bands, among other creative uses. It is crisper than grosgrain, and gives structure and shape to areas of stress on garments and accessories.
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| Rows and rows of petersham ribbon at Pacific Trimming |
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| Example |
Petersham ribbon, when used as a facing or support, is like a gift from the sewing gods! It kinda looks like regular grosgrain ribbon but its flexible picot edge allows you to shape it with an iron to curve and conform to your project, which grosgrain will not do.
Designers like Moschino, Tahari, MaxMara and Milly have used petersham ribbon as trim on their jackets and coats, and, of course it's perfect for no-waistband skirts and pants. If you make corsets, petersham can be of great use to you!
One great source for petersham ribbon in NYC's Garment District is Pacific Trimming on W. 38th Street. They have tons of colors in several different widths, very affordably.
Update: Just a word of caution that there is no sign or label indicating "petersham" ribbon at Pacific. The staff may not be able to point you in the right direction, so you just have to know what to look for: the edges of petersham have little scalloped ridges, whereas regular grosgrain ribbon edges are completely straight. In many stores, they will not know what you are talking about if you ask for it by name. Some stores will say they have it, but then offer something that isn't quite right - I have seen stores offer grosgrain as petersham, thinking the products are the same.
Mood has a few colors and sizes, but Pacific Trimmings has the best selections anywhere I've seen and they carry the 2" wide. There prices, btw are very good. Have they put up a sign that actually says that it's petersham? I have mentioned this several times when buying it, but they just kind of stare at me. It's the all rayon stuff for anyone looking. I have been using it for facing waistbands and it makes a very comfortable and stable waistband. It also doesn't shrink as much as the cotton rayon blend that Judith Millener sells online. That stuff just shrinks up like you touched an iron to plastic wrap. BTW, in the room with the zippers, you know the riri zips I am in love with, they have twill tape trim in more colors and sizes than I've seen anywhere and you can't even find it online. I've seen this as trim on designer things as well. The only problem I have with PT is that none of this is online and I was unsuccessful at trying to buy from the site. I never got billed but I also never got the stuff
ReplyDeleteSigh, my local shop has exactly four rolls of petersham: two white, two black and it's pricey.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
ReplyDeleteNew York Sewer
I was looking all over my stores for this yesterday. Thanks for the tip! I need it to belt the dress I'm working on.
ReplyDeleteI could spend hours in Pacific. OK, I confess...I have. They have things I didn't even know I needed til I saw them there, LOL!
ReplyDeleteGreat place for colored elastic, purse handles, webbing, buttons, hooks, chain, etc. etc. etc. If you like pawing through button bins or picking out exactly the piece of handle you want without having to ask someone to get a box down for you, then this is your store. A browser's paradise.
If you want to dash in, grab one thing, and dash out, you'll probably overlook 1001 other cool things you could have used, too. (I know I overlooked the petersham...) One trip to Pacific only begets another!
I have Burda skirt pattern that my daughter wants that requires a petersham ribbon waistband, so thanks for the information. I may have bought crossgrain by mistake.
ReplyDeleteI just found your site - it's fantastic! I shop in this area as well and am loving your finds, tips and tricks!
ReplyDeleteI live right in Herald Square, so I always try to stop by Pacific Trimmings at least once a month. Is there any way you can upload a picture of Petersham ribbons? I'm not too good at distinguishing the differences. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteI am looking for crystal and pearl embroidered ribbon to make a belt for a bridal gown. Can you suggest a good source in NYC? Thanks, I am a recent transplant and the one I found at the bridal salon was over $500! Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteI wish I knew the answer to this question. Considering you are looking for a finished object, not a sewing supply store to make one yourself or have one made, I really don't know where to look, other than more bridal shops.
DeleteI wish that they would add it to their website.
ReplyDeleteI wanted some petersham for an upcoming skirt class. I started to order from Mood, but that shipping was a no go. Vogue fabrics to the rescue with great prices. Their shipping was good too.