What is the difference between ribbon and T-shirt yarn?

When working on knitting, crochet, weaving, or macramé projects¹, choosing the right yarn is essential. Two popular options for chunky crafting are ribbon yarn and T-shirt yarn. While they might look similar, they have distinct textures, properties, and best uses.

The main difference between ribbon yarn and T-shirt yarn is their structure and material. Ribbon yarn is flat, smooth, and often made from silk, cotton, or synthetic fibers, while T-shirt yarn is made from stretchy cotton jersey fabric. Ribbon yarn drapes well for decorative projects, while T-shirt yarn is thicker and more durable for rugs, bags, and home décor.

Let’s dive deeper into the differences, uses, and benefits of each yarn type.

What is ribbon yarn?

Ribbon yarn is a flat, tape-like yarn made from various materials, including silk, cotton, or synthetic fibers. It is lightweight and has a smooth or slightly textured surface, giving it a luxurious, draping quality.

Characteristics of ribbon yarn:

✔ Flat and lightweight – Similar to a fabric ribbon.
✔ Made from silk, cotton, polyester, or bamboo fibers.
✔ Soft and flexible, drapes beautifully.
✔ Great for decorative and elegant projects.

Common materials for ribbon yarn:

Material	Features	Best For
Silk Ribbon Yarn	Soft, shiny, elegant	Luxury scarves, shawls
Cotton Ribbon Yarn	Natural, breathable, soft	Baby blankets, bags
Polyester Ribbon Yarn	Strong, wrinkle-resistant	Home décor, upholstery
Bamboo Ribbon Yarn	Sustainable, silky	Lightweight clothing

Ribbon yarn is often used for fashionable and decorative projects due to its smooth texture and graceful drape.

What is T-shirt yarn?

T-shirt yarn is a thick, stretchy yarn made from cotton jersey fabric. It is also known as fabric yarn, trapilho², or recycled jersey yarn and is often upcycled from old T-shirts or fabric scraps.

Characteristics of T-shirt yarn:

✔ Thick, tubular, and stretchy – Made from jersey knit fabric.
✔ Recycled from T-shirts or factory offcuts.
✔ Great for chunky, durable projects.
✔ Ideal for baskets, rugs, and macramé.

Common materials for T-shirt yarn:

Material	Features	Best For
100% Cotton Jersey	Soft, breathable, slightly stretchy	Knitting, crochet, weaving
Cotton-Polyester Blend	More durable, holds shape better	Rugs, bags, accessories
Recycled T-shirt Fabric (Trapilho)	Eco-friendly, upcycled	Sustainable crafts

T-shirt yarn is a great option for sturdy, structured projects that require durability and stretch.

Key differences between ribbon yarn and T-shirt yarn

Although both yarns can be used for knitting, crochet, and macramé, they have major differences in their texture, stretch, and best applications.

Comparison table: Ribbon Yarn vs. T-shirt Yarn

Feature	Ribbon Yarn	T-shirt Yarn
Shape	Flat, tape-like	Tubular, rounded
Material	Silk, cotton, polyester, bamboo	Cotton jersey, cotton-poly blend
Stretch	Minimal stretch	High elasticity
Drape	Flowy, lightweight	Thick, holds structure
Durability	Delicate, can fray	Strong, long-lasting
Best For	Clothing, scarves, accessories	Rugs, bags, baskets, macramé
Eco-Friendly	Depends on material	Often recycled/upcycled

If you need a strong, durable yarn, T-shirt yarn is better. If you need a lightweight, drapey yarn, ribbon yarn is the best choice.

When should you use ribbon yarn instead of T-shirt yarn?

Ribbon yarn is better for lightweight and decorative projects that require a smooth texture and elegant drape.

Best projects for ribbon yarn:

✅ Scarves and shawls – Flowy, soft, and elegant.
✅ Lightweight handbags – Adds a fashionable look.
✅ Jewelry and accessories – Great for unique bracelets and necklaces.
✅ Lace-like knitting and crochet – Suitable for delicate designs.

If you want a refined, silky finish, ribbon yarn is the ideal choice.

When should you use T-shirt yarn instead of ribbon yarn?

T-shirt yarn is better for structured, durable projects that require thickness and elasticity.

Best projects for T-shirt yarn:

✅ Rugs and mats – Thick and cushioned for durability.
✅ Storage baskets – Holds shape well, perfect for home décor.
✅ Chunky crochet bags – Strong and sturdy for carrying weight.
✅ macramé plant hangers³ – Stretchy and secure.

If you need a strong, sturdy yarn for heavy-duty crafting, T-shirt yarn is the best option.

How do you choose between ribbon yarn and T-shirt yarn?

Choosing between ribbon yarn and T-shirt yarn depends on the type of project, the desired texture, and durability requirements.

How to decide:

If you want…	Choose
A smooth, silky yarn with a soft drape	Ribbon Yarn
A thick, strong yarn for durable projects	T-shirt Yarn
A lightweight option for scarves or accessories	Ribbon Yarn
A heavy-duty yarn for bags or rugs	T-shirt Yarn
A decorative yarn for delicate projects	Ribbon Yarn
A sturdy yarn that holds its shape	T-shirt Yarn

If you need flexibility and strength, go with T-shirt yarn. If you need elegance and softness, choose ribbon yarn.

Where can you buy ribbon yarn and T-shirt yarn?

Both yarn types are widely available in craft stores and online marketplaces.

Best places to buy ribbon yarn and T-shirt yarn:

Store	Best For
Amazon	Bulk options, various brands
Etsy	Handmade, unique colors
Hoooked Zpagetti4	High-quality recycled T-shirt yarn
Bobbiny5	Eco-friendly, premium yarn
Local Craft Stores	Wide variety of yarn materials

For eco-friendly T-shirt yarn, Hoooked Zpagetti and Bobbiny are top choices. For luxurious ribbon yarn, Etsy and craft stores offer a great selection.

Conclusion

Ribbon yarn and T-shirt yarn are both excellent choices for crafting, but they serve different purposes.

• Ribbon yarn is smooth, lightweight, and flowy, best for scarves, accessories, and elegant projects.
• T-shirt yarn is thick, stretchy, and durable, ideal for rugs, baskets, and structured crafts.
• If you need a strong, heavy-duty yarn, go for T-shirt yarn.
• If you need a soft, decorative yarn, ribbon yarn is the best choice.

By choosing the right yarn for your project, you can create beautiful, high-quality handmade items.

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