Why 1/4" Ribbons for Petite Supertouch Toy Typewriters Are Obsolete (And What to Do Next)

By Walid Saad & Joujou — Typewriter experts & restorers at Mr & Mrs Vintage Typewriters (Featured on BBC’s The Repair Shop)

At our workshop, we receive emails almost every single week asking a variation of the exact same question:

"Hello, we recently bought a Petite typewriter. We are looking for 1/4" ribbon. Would you happen to sell 1/4" ribbons?"

Because we are dedicated to helping writers, collectors, and families enjoy fully functional typewriters, we want to provide a definitive, professional answer regarding these miniature machines, their ribbon sizes, and why commercial restoration workshops do not stock supplies for them.

1. The Difference: Toy Typewriters vs. Real Manual Typewriters

The Petite Supertouch, along with models like the Petite Post Office or Sears Petite Super International, were manufactured in the 1970s and 1980s primarily as children's toys.

Unlike commercial manual typewriters produced by brands like Hermes, Olympia, Olivetti, Royal, or Imperial, toy typewriters were made with lightweight plastic gears, simplified key linkages, and non-standard mechanical parts. They were distributed exclusively through toy stores rather than commercial office suppliers or typewriter dealers.

While they are charming nostalgic keepsakes, they were not engineered for heavy drafting, manuscript typing, or decades of mechanical servicing.

2. Why 1/4" (6.5mm) Ribbons Are Obsolete

The standard universal size for virtually all 20th-century manual typewriters is 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) wide fabric ribbon.

Toy typewriters like the Petite Supertouch used a proprietary 1/4 inch (6.5 mm) wide ribbon. Because these machines were manufactured strictly for the toy market and the parent companies no longer exist, 1/4" typewriter ribbons are completely obsolete and out of production worldwide.

Why You Cannot Cut Down a Standard 1/2" Ribbon

A common DIY suggestion is to take a standard 1/2" fabric ribbon and cut it horizontally down the middle with scissors. We strongly advise against this.

When woven fabric typewriter ribbon is sliced down the center, the woven edges immediately fray. The loose nylon or cotton fibers quickly tangle in the small plastic vibrator guides, coat the internal gears in sticky ink residue, and render the mechanism useless.

3. What Are Your Options for a Petite Supertouch?

If you have acquired a Petite Supertouch and want to get it typing, here are your realistic options:

• Search for Specialty DIY Sellers: Occasionally, hobbyists on sites like eBay or Etsy offer deadstock or custom-wound 1/4" ribbon spools explicitly labeled for Petite toy typewriters.

• Keep It as a Decorative Nostalgia Piece: Due to their colorful plastic designs and historical charm, many families keep Petite typewriters on display in nurseries or vintage toy collections.

• Upgrade to a Real, Fully Functional Portable Typewriter: If you or your child are looking for the authentic, tactile experience of typing stories, letters, or poetry, consider upgrading to a real mid-century portable typewriter.

Looking for a Real, Ready-to-Write Typewriter?

If you want a genuine manual typewriter that uses standard 1/2" ribbons that will never go extinct, explore our collection at Mr & Mrs Vintage Typewriters.

Every machine in our shop undergoes a multi-day mechanical overhaul by Walid & Joujou, arrives fitted with a fresh ribbon on authentic metal spools, and is backed by a functionality guarantee and lifetime technical support.

• 📖 Have more questions about ribbons or models? Read our master guide: Typewriter FAQ: The Ultimate 100 Questions Answered

• 🛒 Browse Fresh 1/2" Ribbons & Accessories: Shop Typewriter Accessories & Parts