Large Fabric Bow Pattern (Easy Oversized Fabric Bow Tutorial)
earn how to make a large fabric bow with this easy oversized bow pattern. These statement bows are perfect for decorating dresses, costumes, wreaths, gift baskets, cushions, and home décor. Made with quilting cotton and fusible interfacing, this large fabric bow holds its shape beautifully and can be sewn by beginners in under an hour. This step-by-step tutorial includes cutting measurements, sewing instructions, and tips for creating crisp, professional-looking oversized fabric bows.
How to Make a Large Fabric Bow (Quick Guide)
Here is the easy way to make a large fabric bow:
- Cut the bow, tails, center strip, and interfacing.
- Fuse the interfacing to the bow piece.
- Sew and turn the bow. Sew the ribbon tails.
- Gather the bow.
- Wrap the center strip around the middle.
- Hand sew or glue the bow to your project.
Supplies
You will need:
- Fabric – Cotton fabric is best. Use fat quarters of quilting fabric
- Sewing Basics – Sewing machine, needle, thread, scissors
- Hand Sewing Needle
- Heavy Fusible Interfacing
Best Fabric for Large Fabric Bows: Medium-weight quilting cotton works best because it holds crisp folds while remaining easy to sew. Heavy fusible interfacing gives the bow structure and helps it keep its oversized shape. You can also use linen, canvas, velvet, or faux leather.
Large Fabric Bow Pattern Measurements
This cutting guide will give you large fabric bows of a finished size of 6 x 9 inches (15x23cm), including the ribbon. I found quilting cotton fabric gave really nice results, especially when used with heavy interfacing inside the bow.
Cutting Instructions for Large Fabric Bows :
- BOW – cut fabric 14 x 8 inches (35.5×20.5cm)
- RIBBON – cut fabric 19 x 4 inches (48x10cm)
- CENTER – cut fabric 3 x 2 inches (7.5x5cm)
- HEAVY FUSIBLE INTERFACING – cut 14 x 3.5 inches (35.5x9cm) to give shape to the bow
How to Make a Large Fabric Bow (Step by Step)
Large Bow Video Tutorial
Step 1 – Sew the Bow Piece (14×8″)
- Press the interfacing on the wrong side of the bow fabric. Make sure it is centered vertically as shown.
- The seam allowance for this DIY fabric bow pattern is 1/2 inch (12mm).
- Fold the bow piece in half lengthwise and stitch along the long raw edges with a 1/2 inch (12mm) seam allowance. Press open the seam.
- Turn the bow to the right side and press the seam to the center. Fold the bow in half with the right sides (non-seamed side) together. Stitch along the raw edges. Press the seam open and turn the bow to the right side. The seam will now be on the inside.
Step 2 – The Ribbon Piece (19×4″)
- Fold the ribbon in half lengthwise. Cut the ends at a 45-degree angle. Stitch along the raw edges, leaving a gap of 2 inches(5cm) in the middle.
- Clip the ends and turn it to the right side. Give it a good press.
- Arrange the bow center with your fingers and use your needle and thread to wrap around the center. Pinch the ribbon in the middle and use the thread to wrap around both the ribbon and bow.
Step 3 – Center Strip (3×2″)
- Press the strip with the raw edges meeting in the middle and on the wrong sides. Press it in half again.
- Wrap the middle around the bow and stitch the ends at the back.
- Depending on the thickness of your fabric, you may need to cut it a little shorter.
Step 4 – Attach the Large Bow in Fabric
Your DIY big bow is now ready to attach. Just hand-stitch it onto clothing. For some home decor and wreaths that won’t need washing, you could even use a hot glue gun. Make the large fabric bows in lots of colors.
How to Make an Even Larger Fabric Bow
Simply increase every pattern piece by the same percentage while keeping the proportions the same. Heavy interfacing becomes even more important as the bow gets larger to prevent it from collapsing.
Tips for Beautiful Oversized Fabric Bows
- Use heavy interfacing for crisp loops.
- Press every seam before turning.
- Hand gather the center tightly.
- Use matching thread so stitches disappear.
- Add detachable snaps if using the bow on clothing.
Pin for Later
In Conclusion
Now you know how to make a large fabric bow, you can create beautiful statement bows for dresses, costumes, wreaths, gifts, and home décor. Experiment with different fabrics, prints, and sizes to create bows that suit every occasion. Once you’ve mastered this oversized style, try my smaller fabric bow tutorials for hair accessories and everyday sewing projects.
More Bow Patterns
- DIY Hair Ties
- DIY Felt Bow – With FREE Printable Pattern
- DIY Fabric Bows (smaller bows)
- Felt Bow Template
- DIY Felt Bows
- How to Make a Ribbon Bow:
Large Fabric Bow Sewing Pattern
Difficulty
Tools
- Sewing Basics
Materials
- Fabric
Instructions
- BOW – Cut fabric 14 x 8 inches (35.5×20.5cm). Cut interfacing cut 14 x 3.5 inches (35.5x9cm). Press the interfacing on the wrong side centered vertically. Fold the bow piece in half lengthwise and stitch along the long raw edges with a ½ inch (12mm) seam allowance. Press open the seam. Turn to the right side and press the seam to the center. Fold the bow in half with the right sides (non-seamed side) together. Stitch along the raw edges. Press the seam open and turn the bow to the right side. The seam will now be on the inside.
- RIBBON – Cut fabric 19 x 4 inches (48x10cm). Fold the ribbon in half lengthwise. Cut the ends at a 45-degree angle. Stitch along the raw edges, leaving a gap of 2 inches(5cm) in the middle. Clip the ends and turn it to the right side. Press.
- ASSEMBLE – Arrange the bow center with your fingers and use your needle and thread to wrap around the center. Pinch the ribbon in the middle and use the thread to wrap around both the ribbon and bow.
- CENTER – Cut fabric 3 x 2 inches (7.5x5cm). Press the strip with the raw edges meeting in the middle and wrong sides together. Press it in half again. Wrap the middle around the bow and stitch the ends at the back. Hand stitch or glue to an item.
Author - Luisa Clare
Luisa Clare is the founder of Treasurie, a sewing and crochet education platform offering step-by-step tutorials and printable patterns. With over 15 years of experience in dressmaking, pattern design, crochet, and craft education, she specialises in teaching beginners through clear, easy-to-follow lessons. Her tutorials and patterns are used by home sewists and crocheters worldwide to build practical skills and confidence. Learn more about Luisa and Treasurie.
