The 5-point pattern explained round by round, mini stars for the tree and gift wrap, a stiff tree topper, the 5-petal...
Our journey through the bag yarns available in the Tessiland catalogue continues.
After talking about cords, structures, thicknesses and materials perfect for shaping our handmade projects, today our magnifying glass focuses on a category that is both loved and debated: ribbons for bags. Because let’s be honest: with ribbons, the relationship can be intense. Some people love them because they allow you to create important, eye-catching and impressive bags in a short time, while others, at the mere thought of managing tension, elasticity and thickness, already feel the need for a calming chamomile tea.
But the truth is that, very often, it is not the ribbon that is difficult; it is simply the wrong one for the project we have in mind. That is why, in this episode, we decided to bring a little order and divide the ribbons available on the Tessiland website into two main categories:
ribbons with moderate elasticity and non-elastic ribbons.
Two different worlds, two different ways of working, two completely different results.
The first ones follow the hand, stretch, compact and allow you to obtain lightweight, soft yet full and structured bags. The second ones, on the other hand, are more stable, more technical, more defined: perfect for those looking for support, definition, work on mesh or resistant home decor projects.
In short, before adding a ribbon to your cart just because “that colour is beautiful and is calling me by name”, it is worth understanding exactly what you are buying.
Let’s start, then, with ribbons with moderate elasticity, where the leading name is one: Lycra.
Ribbons with moderate elasticity: the Lycra family.
When we talk about elastic ribbons at Tessiland, there is one name that brings them all together: Lycra.
Lycra is loved because it allows you to create bags that are lightweight, soft to the touch, yet still compact. It is that material which, when worked with the right tension, takes on a beautiful tubular effect and gives the project a polished, full and modern look.
And no, you do not need to have been born with a crochet hook in your hand and single crochet in your DNA: with a small test swatch and a little attention to tension, Lycra can be much kinder than it seems.
Lycra Light: the lightweight, silky and versatile solid colour
Lycra Light is the solid colour elastic ribbon for those looking for a lightweight, luminous and pleasant material to work with.
It has a width of about 3 cm, is available in a 300 gram bobbin for 150 metres and is worked with a recommended crochet hook size 5-7.
Its strong point is lightness, allowing you to create voluminous bags, baskets and home decor accessories without getting that classic bag full of bricks effect before you have even put your wallet inside.
Tessiland Lycra Light is made from new lycra cut specifically for this purpose, not from recycled fabrics. This means a more uniform cut, fewer irregularities and smoother work. When worked slightly under tension, the ribbon takes on its characteristic tubular look, very elegant and compact.
When should you choose it?
Choose Lycra Light if you want to make:
- lightweight handbags;
- beach bags;
- storage baskets;
- catch-all trays;
- soft yet refined clutches;
- home decor accessories with a clean look.
It is the ribbon to choose when you want an essential, solid colour, luminous result that is easy to match with accessories such as handles, chains, closures and bag bases.
Lycra Print: the shaded version for those who want colour without complicating life
Lycra Print is the shaded version of the Lycra family.
It has a width of 3 cm, moderate elasticity, a 300 gram bobbin for about 150 metres and is worked with a recommended crochet hook size 5-7.
Here, the strong point is obvious: the colour already does half the work. The shades give movement even to the simplest stitches. So yes, you can even make a single crochet bag and still obtain an interesting effect. Wonderful news for those who love wow results, but have no desire to argue with complicated patterns at eleven o’clock at night.
Lycra Print is ideal for bags, clutches and crochet accessories with strong visual impact, without weighing down the finished work.
When should you choose it?
Choose Lycra Print if you want to make:
- colourful bags;
- shaded clutches;
- decorative baskets;
- placemats;
- storage accessories;
- home accessories with a cheerful touch.
It is perfect when you want the yarn to do the talking: you work, it steals the scene. A fairly honest agreement.
Lycra Lux: the luminous one for evening-effect bags
Lycra Lux is the ribbon for those who want light, shine and a more fashion-forward result.
It is made of nylon and polyester, has a satin metallic effect on one side, a width of about 2.5 cm, moderate elasticity and a 300 gram bobbin for 150 metres. In this case too, the recommended crochet hook size is 5-7.
The most interesting feature is the metallic print applied to one side only: while working, the natural tension helps keep the shiny side visible. Translation: you do not have to spend the whole time adjusting it like a rebellious fringe in front of the mirror.
It is a perfect ribbon for creating elegant bags, evening clutches, luminous accessories, but also more scenic home decor details.
Just pay attention to one thing: in intensely pigmented shades, there may be a slight colour release onto the hands during work. This is a normal behaviour of yarns with high colour saturation and does not compromise the quality of the finished product.
When should you choose it?
Choose Lycra Lux if you want to make:
- elegant clutches;
- evening bags;
- luminous mini bags;
- hairbands;
- decorative cushions;
- small fashion accessories.
It is the ribbon to choose when you want a bag that does not simply say I made it myself, but I made it myself and yes, compliments are welcome.
Lycra Eco Skin: the faux leather effect for elegant bags
Lycra Eco Skin is the faux leather effect ribbon for those who want an elegant, modern result closer to a fashion accessory.
The bobbin is 300 grams for about 140 metres, the width is 2.5 cm and the composition is 92% polyester and 8% PU. The recommended crochet hook size is 5-7.
It is designed for handmade bags and accessories that want a more sophisticated look, almost like crochet leather goods. The result is soft, resistant and also suitable for simple stitches, because the leather effect already enhances the surface of the work.
When should you choose it?
Choose Lycra Eco Skin if you want to make:
- elegant bags;
- faux leather effect clutches;
- minimal accessories;
- modern projects;
- bags with metal closures or statement chains.
It is the right choice when you want a sober, chic and contemporary project. Few frills, plenty of impact.
Non-elastic ribbons: structure, stability and important projects
Now let’s move on to non-elastic ribbons. Here, the conversation changes completely: if Lycra follows and adapts to the hand, non-elastic ribbons offer more structure, definition and stability. They are ideal for those who want to create supported bags, work on mesh, baskets, rugs, home decor accessories and more technical projects. In this family we find Pandoro Queen, Tagliatella and Pappardella.
Pandoro Queen: the queen of bags on mesh
The name does not lie: Pandoro Queen really does have the air of a product that knows it is important.
It is a tubular ribbon in polyester and polyamide, weighing 200 grams for 300 metres, about 0.4 cm wide, with a beautiful glossy silk-effect appearance. It is a 100% Made in Italy production and is worked with a recommended crochet hook size 4-6.
Its greatest strength? It is perfect for working bags on plastic mesh, because it covers the 3 mm hole very well.
This feature makes it an excellent choice for those who want to create structured, precise, refined bags with a professional look. Pandoro Queen has a flat tubular structure that ensures smoothness, visual uniformity and good structural rigidity, while still maintaining a certain flexibility.
When should you choose it?
Choose Pandoro Queen if you want to make:
- bags on plastic mesh;
- structured shoppers;
- backpacks;
- elegant clutches;
- summer hats;
- decorative rugs;
- refined baskets;
- boutique-effect accessories.
It is a premium ribbon, suitable for those who want a clean, neat and luminous result. If you are looking for that famous handmade bag that looks like it came out of a shop window effect, Pandoro Queen is definitely on the candidate list.
Tagliatella: the resistant tubular ribbon for bags, baskets and 3D shapes
Tagliatella is a 100% polypropylene tubular ribbon, with a hollow structure of about 0.8 cm, in a 200 gram spool for 110 metres. It is worked with a recommended crochet hook size 7-9.
The name may sound fun, but do not be fooled: it is a very technical ribbon.
Polypropylene gives it a slippery, resistant and easy-to-work surface. It is ideal for projects that need to maintain shape and structure, such as bags, baskets, rugs and even three-dimensional creations.
Its hollow tubular structure also allows internal reinforcements to be inserted, such as wire or plastic tubes, to create more rigid elements, handles, self-supporting edges or decorative shapes.
When should you choose it?
Choose Tagliatella if you want to make:
- structured bags;
- organizer baskets;
- rugs;
- plant pot covers;
- crochet sculptures;
- 3D projects;
- resistant accessories;
- home decor elements.
It is the right ribbon for those who want to experiment with shape. Not just I am making a bag, but I am making a bag that stands up on its own and maybe even looks at me proudly.
Pappardella: the robust ribbon for contemporary bags
Pappardella is a robust Made in Italy ribbon, with a structure similar to lycra but designed to offer greater stability.
Each spool weighs 200 grams and gives about 60 metres. The width is about 1.5 cm and it is recommended to work it with ergonomic crochet hooks size 10 or larger.
It is an important, visible, tactile ribbon; it is not the yarn that goes unnoticed, let’s say that. If you use it, the stitch becomes the star.
Its smooth and uniform texture makes it suitable for modern bags, roomy shoppers, structured clutches and decorative home accessories. It has a slight give that makes it easier to work, while maintaining strength and stability.
When should you choose it?
Choose Pappardella if you want to make:
- bags with a contemporary design;
- large shoppers;
- statement clutches;
- bucket bags;
- structured cushions;
- decorative rugs;
- poufs and home decor projects.
It is recommended when you want a fast, visible, high-impact project. With a large crochet hook and a wide ribbon, the work grows quickly: something that, for those who already have three projects started and one “almost finished” for months, is not a minor detail.
Elastic or non-elastic ribbon: which one should you choose?
The choice depends on the project, the desired result and also on the way you work.
If you want a lightweight, soft, luminous and easy-to-carry bag, go for Lycra.
If you want a structured bag, work on mesh, a rigid basket or a resistant home decor project, it is better to choose a non-elastic ribbon.
There is no perfect ribbon for everything; there is the right one for what you want to make. And in the handmade world, that is already half the work.
The right ribbon is not necessarily the most beautiful one overall; it is the one that works best for the project you have in mind. And when material, crochet hook and idea come together well, that thing happens: you start out making “just one bag” and end up with a new creative obsession.
Standard procedure, in the handmade world.
Rosaria Tessiland®
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