How To Sew a Bow?

Bow making is one of my favorite crafts, although I still recall my early failures. Since then, I’ve developed my ability to make a wide variety of bows. Trust me, a majority of your collections will look lovely with a cute handmade bow. Although there are numerous ways to make a bow, the one I’ll be sharing with you today is the simplest. Therefore, let’s get going right away!

These homemade fabric bows are perfect for:

1. Enhancing a clothing ensemble.

2. Stringing onto a belt or decorative sash.

3. Applying to gift wrapping.

4. Make into a hair clip.

5. Adhering to metal or nylon headbands.

6. Affixing to the tops of shoes

7. Decorating a wreath

8. Stitching onto a pillow

9. Adding to a gift basket or an Easter basket

10. Attaching to barrettes or alligator clips.

Types of Bows

You can craft a variety of bow styles to match your preferences and design choices, with the following being some of the most frequently used:

1. Classic Bow

The classic bow is a simple and timeless design. It typically consists of a folded ribbon or fabric strip with two loops and tails. You can vary the size and material to match your project.

2. Butterfly Bow

Butterfly bows have a distinctive shape resembling butterfly wings. They often have multiple loops and tails for an intricate look. Ideal for embellishing gifts and accessories.

3. Double-Loop Bow

This bow features two loops on each side, creating a balanced appearance. It’s a great choice for adding a polished look to packages or clothing.

4. Pom-Pom Bow

Pom-pom bows are made by sewing or tying loops of fabric together. They have a playful, fluffy texture and are perfect for children’s items.

5. Forked Tail Bow

In a forked tail bow, the tails are split into multiple ends to create a decorative effect. These are often used in floral arrangements and home decor.

6. Ruched Bow

Ruching involves gathering fabric to create a gathered or pleated appearance. Ruched bows have a textured and stylish look.

7. Layered Bow

Layered bows consist of multiple ribbon or fabric layers stacked on top of each other. This design adds depth and dimension to your bows.

8. Pinwheel Bow

Pinwheel bows have loops that radiate outward from the center, creating a pinwheel-like shape. They are visually appealing and great for various craft projects.

9. Ribbon Roses

Sewing ribbon into the shape of a rose can create a beautiful and intricate bow. These are often used for embellishing clothing and accessories.

10. Burlap Bow

Made from burlap fabric, these bows have a rustic and natural appearance. They are popular for decorating outdoor and country-themed events.

11. Velvet Bow

Velvet fabric creates a luxurious and soft bow with a rich texture. Velvet bows are often used in formal and elegant settings.

12. Tulle Bow

Tulle bows are made from lightweight and airy tulle fabric, creating a delicate and ethereal look. They’re commonly used in weddings and special occasions.

These are but a few illustrations of the various types of bows you may make. In this article, I’ll show you how to create a Fabric and Ribbon Bow in the “Classic Bow Style.”

Measuring Bow Size

The first step is to select the fabric or ribbon you’ll be using for the bow. Different fabrics may require different measurements. Determine how large you want your bow to be. Consider the purpose and style of the bow. For example, a small bow for a hair accessory or a larger one for a gift wrap.

Lay out your fabric/ribbon and use a measuring tape to measure the width and length you’ll need. The width is typically the width of the bow, and the length is often twice the width or longer, depending on how “puffy” you want the bow.

As a general rule, use these chart measurements to create the bow size that you desire.

1. Small Hair Bow

• Width: 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm)
• Length: 6-8 inches (15-20 cm)

2. Medium Bow for a Dress or Blouse

• Width: 5-6 inches (12.5-15 cm)
• Length: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm)

3. Large Bow for Gift Wrapping

•  Width: 7-8 inches (17.5-20 cm)
•  Length: 14-16 inches (35-40 cm)

These are just approximate measurements, and you can adjust them based on your specific preferences and the look you want to achieve. Also, make sure to add a little extra length for seam allowances and to create the pleats that give the bow its shape.

Steps To Sew a Fabric Bow

Materials you’ll need:

• Fabric: Choose a fabric of your choice. It could be a patterned or plain fabric, depending on your preference.
• Sewing Machine: A standard sewing machine will do the job.
• Scissors: You’ll need scissors to cut the fabric.
• Measuring Tape or Ruler: This will help you measure and cut the fabric accurately.
• Iron and Ironing Board: To press the fabric and make it easier to work with.
• Pins: Use pins to hold the fabric in place during sewing.

Step 1: Prepare your Fabric

Lay your fabric flat on the fabric cutting table. Using your measuring tape or ruler, measure and mark the dimensions you want for your bow. A common size is around 6 inches by 4 inches. Use your scissors to cut out the rectangular piece of fabric.

Step 2: Iron the Fabric

Preheat your iron. Lay the fabric flat and use the iron to press it, ensuring it’s flat and free of wrinkles. This step makes it easier to work with and results in a neater bow.

Step 3: Fold the Fabric

Take the rectangular piece of fabric and fold it in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing each other. Use your pins to secure the long edges of the fabric, leaving the short ends open. This creates a long fabric tube.

Step 4: Sew the Long Edges

Set up your sewing machine with a straight stitch. Stitch along the long edges of the folded fabric, leaving a small opening in the middle. This opening will allow you to turn the fabric right side out.

Step 5: Turn the Fabric Right Side out

Carefully turn the fabric right side out by pushing it through the opening you left. It may help to use a blunt tool, like the back of a spoon, to shape the fabric.

Step 6: Iron Again

After turning the fabric right side out, iron it once more to ensure it lays flat and all seams are well-pressed.

Step 7: Create the Bow Shape

Take the two fabric pieces you’ve just prepared and create the bow shape by folding them in loops. These loops will form the bow’s main body. Pinch the center of the loops to create the bow’s creases and secure these creases with pins. This step shapes the bow and makes it look like a bowtie.

Step 8: Secure the Center

Cut a small strip of fabric, about 2 inches long and 1 inch wide, to wrap around the center of the bow. This strip forms the center knot of the bow. Fold it in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew along the long edge. Turn it right side out. Wrap this strip around the center of your bow, sewing or gluing it in place.

Step 9: Finishing Touches

Trim any excess fabric from the center strip or any loose threads. Adjust the bow loops and center knot as needed to ensure everything is secure and looks as desired.

That’s it! You’ve successfully sewn a fabric bow. You can now use it as a decoration for clothing, accessories, or crafts!

If you’re interested in watching an awesome do-it-yourself video about creating a fabric bow through sewing, take a look at this:

Steps To Sew a Ribbon Bow

Materials you’ll need:

• Ribbon: Select a ribbon that matches your project in terms of color, width, and material. For a classic bow, satin and grosgrain ribbons work well.
• Thread and Needle: Choose a thread that closely matches the color of your ribbon, and a good quality needle that won’t break or bend while you sew.
• Scissors: You’ll need scissors to cut the ribbon to the desired length.
• Measuring Tape or Ruler: This tool helps ensure your ribbon is cut to the correct size.
• Lighter or Clear Nail Polish (optional): If your ribbon tends to fray, you can use a lighter to seal the cut ends or apply clear nail polish to prevent fraying.
• Pins: These will be used to hold the ribbon in place during the sewing process.

Step 1: Cut the Ribbon

Use your measuring tape or ruler to measure and cut the ribbon to your desired length. The length will depend on the size of the bow you want to create. For a small bow, you might cut a 12-inch length. It’s a good idea to cut slightly longer than needed to allow for adjustments.

Step 2: Fold the Ribbon

Hold the ribbon in your hands with the ends hanging down. Fold the ribbon into two loops, ensuring they overlap slightly at the center. This overlapping part creates the bow shape. The size of the loops determines the bow’s final appearance.

Step 3: Secure the Center

Thread your needle with a thread that matches the ribbon color. Stitch through the overlapping center of the ribbon loops several times to secure the bow’s shape. You can take multiple stitches to make sure it’s well-held.

Step 4: Trim excess Ribbon

Use your scissors to trim any excess ribbon from the ends, leaving a short tail for attaching the bow to your project. If your ribbon has a tendency to fray, you can use a lighter to lightly melt the cut ends or apply clear nail polish to seal them and prevent fraying.

Step 5: Fluff and Adjust

Gently fluff the loops of the bow and adjust its shape until it looks just the way you want it. You can also make any final adjustments to the thread in the center if needed.

Step 6: Attach the Bow

Depending on your project, you can attach the ribbon bow using the tails you left on the ends. If you’re using the bow for a hair accessory or a garment, you might sew it in place using a sewing machine. For gift wrapping or craft projects, you can attach it with double-sided tape or glue.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created a ribbon bow. Feel free to experiment with different ribbon colors, widths, and textures to achieve various looks and styles.

If you’re interested in watching an awesome do-it-yourself video about creating a ribbon bow through sewing, take a look at this:

Summary

In the world of sewing, making bows is like adding a lovely finishing touch to your projects. It’s fun and it makes your creations even more special. So, whether you’re decorating clothes or gifts, remember, sewing bows is about enjoying the process and making things beautiful in your own unique way. Keep sewing, keep smiling, and have a great time crafting with bows!

Frequently Asked Questions

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