
This tutorial is for quick and simple toddler or mini-sized bowties. I like the contrast of the ribbon, setting it apart from other ties. Using ribbon, snaps and scraps of fabric – I made these up as fun shower favors. You could even put them on your pet or use elastic instead of ribbon and make headbands. They are easiest to sew with a sewing machine but you could stitch all by hand, just less quick.
Supplies
- Fun fabric about 8 1/2 inches by 6 inches
- Ribbon lengths, I used 5/8 (preferred), 1/2 inch and one with 1 inch wide grosgrain
- Snaps or velcro
- Needle and thread
- Scissors
Instructions
- Cut your fabric into 8 1/2 by 6 inch rectangles.
- Fold in half, wrong sides together the long-way.
- Sew with a 3/8 inch seam (or along the presser foot edge). Pick a width really, just be consistent.
- Turn right side out and press with the seam down the middle (not the edge. this is the ‘back’.
- Fold in half match up raw edges. The seam will be on the outside.
- Sew again 1/2 inch. Turn the fabric so that the raw edge you just sewed is on the inside. Press.
- Using needle and thread (i used doubled up thread), make a running stitch with a big knot on the end so you can pull and gather up the fabric. This stitch goes just long side the seam.
- Before cutting thread, pull and gather fabric up a bit. This helps give the bow its shape. Once you have it gathered to your liking, wrap the extra thread around the pinched part and tie off the thread.
- Cut an approximately three inches length of ribbon to sew around the middle of tie. This covers up the gathers. I do like to finish my raw grosgrain edges really quickly with a lighter or fray check.
- Measure and cut the ribbon to make the neck portion. Choose a length to fit the neck it is intended for (child, adult, dog etc). I cut 18 inches which was plenty more than I needed for a bunch of 2T little people but I prefer it to be loose on them.
- Thread it through the middle ribbon loop you attached to the tie.
- Affix snaps or velcro. I used up some white plastic snaps I had on hand, placing two for sizing options. You could also use actually bowtie hooks and clasps. I hate sewing velcro.
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