Learn how to make fabric bows in under 10 minutes! Do you want to decorate your latest project with cute DIY fabric bows? A fabric bow is perfect for adding to clothing, hair clips and small sewing projects and if you make enough of them, you may even make a dent in your scrap fabric baskets!
Table of Contents
DIY Fabric Bows Supplies
- Fabric Scraps – Crisp cotton or quilting fabric makes the nicest fabric bows as it gives some body and shape. If you are using a thin or soft fabric such as silk or polyester, consider adding some fusible interfacing.
- Sewing Supplies – Hand sewing needles and strong thread. I like to use upholstery thread or polyester strengthened thread.
Further Reading: Types of Thread, Hand Sewing Needles
How to Make Fabric Bows – The Video
Here is a YouTube video I made for you on how to make fabric bows. Like all my videos it is short and sweet. Make sure you subscribe to my YouTube channel for weekly sewing and craft videos.
How to Make Fabric Bows – DIY Fabric Bows
Step 1 – Cut the Pieces
Cut the main bow piece 9 inches (23cm) x 5 inches (13cm) and the strip for the center 1 inch (2.5cm) by 3 inches (7.5cm). This will make a 4 inch (10cm) bow.
Step 2 – Stitch the Bow
Fold the bow piece in half lengthwise with RIGHT sides together and stitch down the long edge with a 3/8 inch (1cm) seam allowance.
Turn the bow the RIGHT way out and press the seam to the center.
Step 3 – Fold
Fold your piece in half and mark the center by pressing a crease. Place the bow piece on your table with the seam facing up. Fold the raw ends into the center overlapping them by 3/8 inch (12mm).
Step 4 – Hand stitch the Center
Thread a needle with a long piece of double thread and put a small running stitch up the center. This is just an up and down stitch.
Pull the thread tight gathering the center. Arrange the folds nicely with your fingers and wrap the thread around the center a few times before knotting off.
Step 5 – Create the Center Piece
Now to the center! Press the long raw edges in to meet in the center with WRONG sides together.
Place your bow on the center strip with the WRONG sides facing up.
Wrap your center piece around the bow and stitch the ends at the back of the bow. You will probably need to trim the center piece a little shorter.
If you are going to sew your bow on a clothing article you can use the still attached thread to sew it on.
These diy fabric bows are great for making into hair clips too. Use a hot glue gun (kids ask an adult for help) to stick it to an alligator clip.
Further Reading: How to Line Alligator Clips
How to Make Fabric Bows – In Conclusion
Now you know how to make fabric bows, you can make them in every color. They are great for using up your scrap fabrics. Never throw nice fabric pieces away as there are so many small sewing projects that you can make.
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More DIY Hair Accessories:
If you enjoyed learning how to make a fabric bow, here are some more tutorials on making hair accessories.
- How to Make a Ribbon Bow
- Felt Bow with Printable Template
- How to Stop Ribbon from Fraying
- How to Make Fabric Hair Accessories
- DIY Felt Bow
- DIY Hair Ties
- How to Line an Alligator Clip
- How to Make a Scrunchie
Felt Bow Ribbon Bow Hair Bow Large Bows DIY Fabric Hair Clips DIY Hair Ties
V says
This is soooo awesome- I made a bow following your directions with no problem! Many thanks π
Dawn Harrell says
This is the best bow tutorial I have found! Thank you so muchβ€
Vera says
Love your video. Straight to the point and easy to follow. Thanks!!!
Dzyna Geoff says
Very nicely explained tutorial. Thanks alot for your contribution.