Learn How to Sew Five Easy and Cute Bows
In this tutorial, you’re going to learn how to sew not one, not two but five different types of bows. We’ve got a regular bow tie bow, a tails-down bow, a knotted bow, a round bow, and a butterfly bow. Many of the steps for each of the bows are the same or similar, but each bow has its own unique element to it. This is a very easy sewing project, so if you’re just getting into sewing, then this is perfect for you. Have a go at all of them and see which one you like best!
Tools and materials:
- Fabric (see each individual bow tutorial for specific dimensions)
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
- Scissors
Bow 1: Regular bow tie
Cut the fabric
Cut two pieces of fabric - one 6x5inch (16x14cm) and one 4x2inch (10x5cm).
Fold and sew
Take the larger piece of fabric and fold it in half width-ways with the right sides facing each other. Sew around the three open edges and leave about a 1cm seam allowance. Make sure to leave a gap in the middle of the long side of about a third of the measurement (as shown in the picture).
Trim corners and sew the gap
Once you’ve sewn the fabric, trim all four corners with a diagonal cut and then turn the fabric inside out. Now sew up the open gap.
Tip: You can use a pencil to help you point out all of the corners.
Iron the smaller piece
With your smaller piece of fabric, place it right side down and fold up about a quarter of the length from the bottom. Iron this down. Repeat for the top as well.
Join the pieces together
Pinch the larger piece of fabric together in a bow shape. Wrap the smaller piece around it (right side down). Then make a straight stitch along the smaller piece. Cut off the excess fabric but leave a seam allowance.
Turn inside out
To finish off, turn the middle part of the bow inside out, and you’re done!
You have a classic, regular bow tie.
Bow 2: Tails-down bow
For this bow, you need two pieces of fabric - one 20x6inch (51x15cm) and one 4x2inch (10x5cm). The first three stages of this bow are the same as they were for bow 1, with one slight difference: for Step 2, you need to leave a gap of 2 inches (5cm).
Fold the bow
Once you’ve done these first three stages, iron the fabric so that it’s nice and flat. Continue to fold the bow the same way as in the picture, and then turn it face down.
Join the pieces together
With your smaller piece of fabric, copy step 4 from tutorial 1. Once done, pinch the larger piece of fabric together in a bow shape. Wrap the smaller piece around it (back side down). Roll and tuck the smaller piece around the middle and then pin it in place. Finish off by sewing it up.
You have a beautiful tails-down bow.
Bow 3: Knotted bow
For this bow, you need one piece of fabric - 8x6.5inch (20x16cm). The first three stages of this bow are the same as they were for bow 1.
Tie and fan
Roll the fabric up, tie a knot in the middle and then fan the sides out.
You’ve made a knotted bow.
Bow 4: Round bow
Cut the fabric
See the picture for the dimensions that you’ll need to cut for the bow. This cutout is half of the bow, so cut this with the fabric folded so that you’ll end up with a full bow. Do this twice so that you end up with two complete pieces.
Sew the bow
Place one piece on top of the other with the right sides facing each other. Sew around the edges but leave an open gap in the middle section. Proceed to turn the bow inside out and sew up the opening.
Tie and fan
Roll the fabric up, tie a knot in the middle and then fan the sides out.
You have a round bow.
Bow 5: Butterfly bow tie
For this bow, you need two pieces of fabric - one 11x6inch (28x15cm) and one 4x2inch (10x5cm). With your smaller piece of fabric, see step 4 from bow 1.
Sew the fabric
Fold your longer piece of material in half lengthways with the right sides facing each other. Sew just along the length, ensure to leave the other sides open. Once sewn, turn the material inside out.
Fold
Press the fabric down. Then fold each side inwards (as shown in the picture). You will want one side to slightly overlap the other.
Sew closed
Proceed to sew the material together while using the thread to pull the middle together and pinch the ribbon.
Join the pieces together
Wrap the smaller piece (back side down) around the larger one. Roll and tuck it around the middle and then pin it in place. Finish off by sewing it up.
You have a butterfly tie bow
You’ve learned how to make five different bows. Bows are such a cute and versatile accessory that works well with so many different things - you could wear one as a bow tie, wear one in your hair, pin one to a handbag, and so much more! Which bow is your favorite?
Enjoyed the project?
Suggested materials:
- Fabric
- Sewing machine
- Scissors
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Very cute ideas!