DIY Fabric Bow Tutorial

So after Saturday's bow-spiration moodboard, I'm sure you're itching to make yourself one or two or a thousand. Well, no need to fear, here is a quick and easy tutorial for making your own fabric bow. It might look like a lot of steps but it's really fast and easy. And, it only takes a little bit of fabric. I used scraps leftover from this refashion. Let's get started!

Step 1: Cut one piece of fabric 4 x 8 inches and one piece 4 x 1.5 inches. The small piece will be the center band that holds it all together and the big piece the bow itself. This size makes a bow about 3.5 x 1.75 inches.

Step 2: Fold the fabric pieces right sides together so that the long edges meet. Stitch the long edges using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Step 3: Turn the pieces right side out. For the band (small tube), attach a safety pin to one end, push the pin inside the tube and pull out the other end.

Step 4: Press the band flat with the seam along one edge. Press the bow flat centering the seam in the middle. The side with the seam is the wrong side. Fold the bow in half, right sides together so that the short ends meet. Stitch the short ends together using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

 Step 5: Turn the seam to the inside and center it in the fabric circle. The side with the seam is the back of the bow.

Step 6: Pinch and fold the bow in the center with the edges angled down. The shape of the folds is kind of like a double humped camel or an "M".

Step 7: While holding the bow in position, put one end of the band inside the fold of the bow on the back side. Wrap the band tightly around the bow and trim away excess.

Step 8: Fold raw edge under and pin. Slip stitch the band in place.

You now have a lovely little bow! Use the bow to embellish a headband, purse, dress, pocket or even your shoes! Experiment with different fabrics and sizes to fit your needs. Obviously, if you want a bigger bow, cut bigger fabric. I cut the fabric on the bias because it looks cool with the plaid. But it's not necessary. A medium weight cotton is probably the easiest to work with but you could you anything you wish. Remember, the weight of the fabric will also determine how stiff your bow is. If you want an extra stiff bow you could apply interfacing to the fabric. I hope you enjoy this little tutorial!