There are probably other bow tutorials out there, this is just how I do it. I posted some pics of my girls on instagram and a few people were asking, so .... here you go!
All you need:
fabric
glue gun
iron.
elastic. Or a clip, whatever you prefer.
I love my sewing machine, but I also love my glue gun, so I use shortcuts whenever I can! I think they turn out just as well when you glue, but if you'd rather sew them, go for it. I've tried both ways, and it's much quicker with the glue gun.
glue gun tip:
I always use high heat glue gun. It holds much better and gives a more permanent hold.Yes it's a little hotter (duh) and could burn, but don't be scared!
Just start with a rectangle of fabric. You can experiment with the sizes.
The size I'm showing here makes a rather large bow, the finished size is about 2.5"x5"
It's super easy math. If you have a piece of fabric, just fold it in half both ways to see what your finished bow size will be. Or if you know you want a bow that is 2"x4", just start with a 4"x8" piece of fabric. See how I did tricky math right there? Doubled each number. Yup. Get out your calculator if you need to.
So for this example:
5"x10" fabric ---> finishes at 2.5"x5"
Play around with different sizes, basically any rectangle of fabric will work.
5"x10"
It's so simple, I almost hate to even describe the photos!
1. Fold the sides into the center and iron. Eyeball it, this doesn't have to be exact.
2. Then fold the sides into the center (I don't iron this step just because I like the bow to not look TOO flat). I put a few tiny dabs of glue along the middle before I fold in the sides. Doesn't take much.
like the burn on my hand? the iron got me. sadly, this happens a lot.
3. Now pinch the bow in the middle. I just eyeball the center here, too. I am not a perfectionist. If you are, then you may want to measure it... or something. But don't worry about it. Bows are never exactly perfect!
Sometimes it takes a few pinches to get the right bends/folds, just find the right look. I like to pinch it like this:
I put a few dabs of hot glue in the creases on the BACK of the bow, just to secure it. Like so:
4. Then cut a strip about 2"x4" (or whatever size you want - again, play around with it for the look you like! wider or skinnier) and iron the sides to the middle like this:
(it's cute to use a contrasting fabric for this step, too.)
I leave it a little longer than necessary, just to make it easier to put around the bow. Then I trim it once it's glued in place. I don't have a pic of this step, but here's an out-of-focus view of the back once it's glued around the middle:
5. I used 1/4" elastic to make the simple headband. Ruby really likes these because they stay put really well - with her hair down, or in a pony. I just glued the ends together and glued it on the back of the bow with a small piece of felt over the top, which helps it lie flat on her head. (measure your child's head so it's not too tight or too big).
*you could also put it on a plastic headband (as is) or wrap the headband with coordinating fabric like I did HERE.
Then stand back and enjoy the cuteness on your little one!
This pink gingham one is about 2"x3.5" (so I started with a 4x7" piece of fabric).
I used 1/8" elastic for the headband. I made it with Greta in mind, but it looks darling on Ruby, too!
I put an alligator clip on the back of this one. Again, with a small piece of felt.
Sometimes I cover the clips with ribbon. Other times, I don't bother. It doesn't show much either way, so I often go with the quickest route.
And here are a couple more examples of tiny bows I did for my sweet neighbor twins. The bows look big but it's only because they girls are still so tiny.
The bows are about 1"x2.5" (start with 2"x5" fabric) on 1/8" elastic.
I love how simple and sweet they are.
Let me know in the comments if you have any questions. Have fun! Would love it if you link back or let me know if you try any bows!
**If you're on instagram, you can use the hashtag #sewsarabowtutorial to link up, or see other bows that people have made!
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