Detachable Bow - DIY Tutorial

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Learn how to make a detachable bow for your dresses and tops. Are you hooked on the Elke Dress? This is one of my most popular girl's stretch dress sewing patterns for Winter as it is so quick and easy to make. I've had a few people ask lately how to make a detachable bow for the Elke Dress so here is a quick tutorial on how to do it.

Table of Contents

Detachable Bow - Supplies

You will need:

PATTERN - Your Elke dress pattern
SNAPS - 1 x ½ inch (12mm) press stud (also called sew in snaps)
FABRIC FOR BOW - Cut 2 pieces of fabric 12 x 7.5 inches (30.5cm x 19cm). For the dress pictured I used sweatshirt fleece. This is a thick fabric that gives the bow lots of body so it will stand up. For thin fabrics or woven fabrics, line one or both pieces of fabric with stiff interfacing.
FABRIC FOR MIDDLE OF BOW - Cut fabric 4 x 4 inches (10cm x 10cm)

Detachable Bow - Instructions

Step 1 - Sew the Bow

Put the 2 bow pieces together with the right sides together. Stitch around the edge with a ⅜ inch (1cm) seam allowance leaving a gap in the middle of one long side. The gap should be around 1 inch (2.5cm).

Clip the corners and turn the bow right way out. Press the bow making sure the seam allowance at the gap is pressed inside. Use an invisible stitch to close the gap.

Step 2 - Sew the Middle

Fold the bow middle in half with right sides together and stitch along one edge.

Turn the middle to the right side. Press it so the seam is in the middle. Wrap the middle around the bow and pull tight. The seam should be hidden inside. Depending on the thickness of your fabric, you might need to trim the bow middle a little. Using hand stitches, sew the bow middle closed at the back.

Step 3 - Sew the Press Stud

Separate your press stud in half. While the thread is still attached to your bow sew one-half of the press stud to the back. Sew the other half of the press stud to the right shoulder of the outside of the finished Elke dress.

Further Reading: How to Sew on Snaps