Quote Originally Posted by Mike S View Post
I've always wondered why most manufacturers baste the ribbons of the Balmoral together at the top in one fashion or another if they were intended to be tied in a bow.

Doing so in that manner certainly doesn't protect them during shipping etc. in the manner of a Kilt's pleats.
I suspect it's a matter of keeping the ribbon together while it is sewn into place on the back of the bonnet. That little triangle at the top has to be sewn in a lot.