How to Make a Removable Fabric Bow for a Dress (Easy Tutorial)

Learn how to make a removable fabric bow for a dress with this easy beginner sewing tutorial. A detachable fabric bow is a simple way to add a decorative detail to dresses, tops, baby clothes, costumes, and special occasion outfits. Using sew-on snaps, you can easily remove the bow for washing or swap it for different colors and fabrics. This quick tutorial shows you how to sew a soft fabric bow and attach it securely so it can be removed whenever you like.

Why Make a Removable Bow?

A detachable bow gives you much more flexibility than permanently sewing one in place. Benefits include:

• Great for children’s clothing that changes with the seasons.Supplies
• Remove it before washing.
• Change bow colors to match different outfits.
• Replace damaged bows easily.
• Use one dress with several interchangeable bows.

Supplies for a Removable Fabric Bow

You will need:

• PATTERN – Your Elke dress pattern
• SNAPS – 1 x 1/2 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)

Best Fabric for Dress Bows: Medium to heavy-weight fabrics such as quilting cotton, ponte, sweatshirt fleece, velvet, or linen make beautiful bows that hold their shape. For lighter fabrics, add fusible interfacing to prevent the bow from collapsing.

How to Sew a Removable Bow (Step by Step)

Step 1 – Sew the Fabric Bow

Put 2 bow pieces together with the right sides facing each other. Stitch around the edge with a 3/8 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 – Make the Center Band

Fold the bow in half with the 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 – Attach the Snap Fastener

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

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Detachable Bow – In Conclusion

Now you know how to make a removable fabric bow, you can quickly add interchangeable bows to dresses, tops, costumes, and children’s clothing. Try making several bows in different colors and prints so you can easily change the look of an outfit without sewing a permanent embellishment.

More Bow Patterns

1. DIY Hair Ties
2. DIY Fabric Bows (smaller bows)
3. Felt Bow Template
4. DIY Felt Bows
5. How to Make a Ribbon Bow