A ribbon tape woven in almost any width from 3-12mm with vertical ribs that give strength and definition. In plain colours or wonderful stripes often used for hat bands – boaters for example,whether designed for boating or school uniform are always decorated with a distinctively striped petersham ribbon.
Petersham as a binding is stiff enough to hold both itself and the material so we use it to edge tablecloths, unlined curtains and to finish the edges of reversible and double faced fabrics. It is also useful as piping, whether flat or rolled, and as laid-on decoration, being a good and even flatter alternative to other flat woven braids.
When it’s used to turn the underside of rugs the ridges help to prevent slipping, and because of it’s strength it can be useful at the back of curtain headings and hems.