Wedding Invitation Belly-Bands: DIY Jacquard Ribbon Guide
A jacquard ribbon belly-band turns a flat invitation suite into a boutique keepsake. Below you'll learn how to measure, cut and adhere bands in under 2 minutes—no expensive dies or craft machines needed.
- Skill: beginner
- Time per 50 invites: 1 h 15 min
- Cost: ± 0.35 € / band
1. Supplies List
- Jacquard ribbon 12 mm or 15 mm – 32 cm per A6 invite (download chart below)
- Double-sided tape 6 mm OR hot-glue gun
- Scissors / rotary cutter
- Lighter (heat-seal edges)
- Invitation suite: 5 × 7" card + envelope
Best colours 2025: ivory, dusty-rose, sage, champagne-gold.
2. Measure & Cut (Formula + Chart)
Formula: ribbon length = invitation width × 2 + 2 cm overlap.
| Invite Size | Width | Ribbon Length | Yards per 100 invites |
|---|---|---|---|
| A6 (4.5 × 6.25") | 114 mm | 26 cm | 29 yd |
| 5 × 7" | 127 mm | 32 cm | 35 yd |
| A5 (5.8 × 8.3") | 148 mm | 36 cm | 40 yd |
3. Seal Ends in 3 Seconds
- Hold cut end 1 cm above candle / lighter flame for 1 second.
- Quickly press against a metal ruler – glass-smooth edge.
- No fraying, no bulk, no glue needed.
4. Stick or Tie – 3 Styles
Style A – Double-Sided Tape (fastest)
- Stick 6 mm tape on the back of the ribbon, 5 mm from one end.
- Wrap around suite, pull snug, press overlap.
- Burnish with bone folder – invisible seam.
Style B – Hot-Glue Dots (strongest)
- Two pea-size glue dots on the overlap.
- Hold 5 sec – ready to stack immediately.
Style C – Slim Tie (no glue)
- Leave 1 cm extra at overlap.
- Wrap 3 mm twine twice, knot on the front.
- Insert a sprig of dried eucalyptus.
5. Free Printable Template
We created a cutting guide that prints on A4 or US-Letter. Tape it to your cutting mat and slide the ribbon into the slots—no ruler needed.
6. 15-Second Timelapse Video
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more quick ribbon hacks.
Internal Link Cluster
- New to jacquard? Read our What is Jacquard Ribbon pillar guide →
- Christmas version: 7 Christmas Wrapping Ideas →
FAQ
- What width looks most professional?
- 12 mm for A6, 15 mm for 5 × 7". Wider bands can overpower petite cards.
- Can I run the ribbon through a printer?
- No—inkjet ink sits on top and will smear. Opt for custom-woven text instead (300 yd min).
- Is hot-glue safe for delicate papers?
- Use low-temp glue and a micro-dot gun. Test on scrap first.
- How far in advance should I order?
- Allow 2 weeks for dye-lot consistency + shipping buffer.