How to Make Fabric Bows (Photos+Video) Easy!

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 learn how to make a bow, you may even make a dent in your scrap fabric baskets! These easy fabric bows are designed for beginners to make and will only take you a short while. They can be sewn with your sewing machine or by hand, making them a versatile sewing project.

Best Fabric for Making Bows: Cotton quilting fabric is one of the best fabrics for making bows because it has enough body to hold its shape. If you are using soft fabrics such as rayon, silk, or polyester, add fusible interfacing to give the bow extra structure. Other good choices include velvet, linen, faux leather, and felt.

How to Make Fabric Bows (Step-by-Step)

Here are the instructions for making a fabric bow.

Step 1 – Cut the Pieces

Cut the main fabric hair bows piece 9 inches (23 cm) x 5 inches (13 cm) and the strip for the center 1 inch (2.5 cm) by 3 inches (7.5 cm). 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 the Ends

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 the 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 centerpiece 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 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

Tips for Perfect Fabric Bows

Here are 5 tips for making a bow:

1. Choose the right fabric: Your fabric should be medium-weight and slightly stiff so it holds its shape. Cotton fabrics work well.
2. Measure accurately: Ensure your cutting and pressing are even and accurate so the bow is well-proportioned. A rotary cutter and mat is good for accurate cutting.
3. Press: Press the fabric before you start and as you go to ensure there are no wrinkles.
4. Embellish the bow: Add crystals, buttons, sequins, ribbons, or other embellishments to add a personal touch to your bow.
5. Experiment with size: Scale the bow measurements up or down to make different sizes of bows you can put together.

How to Stiffen Fabric for a Bow

If you require a stiffer bow, there are a couple of options.

1. The easiest is to use heavy fusible interfacing inside the bow. This will give it shape without affecting the fabric on the outside.
2. Alternatively, use a fabric stiffener. There are several brands on the market, including sprays or liquids. Test a small piece of fabric first, as it may affect the color and look of your fabric. Read more about how to stiffen fabric for some other methods.

What Can You Use Fabric Bows For?

Fabric bows are versatile embellishments that can be attached to:

• Hair clips
• Headbands
• Dresses
• Baby clothes
• Tote bags
• Pillows
• Gift wrapping
• Christmas decorations

They also make excellent craft fair items and handmade gifts.

How to Make a Fabric Bow FAQs

Fabric Bows -In Conclusion

Now you know how to make fabric bows, you can create them in every color and size imaginable. These easy bows are perfect for hair clips, headbands, clothing, and gifts, and they are a wonderful way to use up fabric scraps. Experiment with different fabrics, embellishments, and sizes to create your own unique handmade accessories.

Love making hair accessories? Explore my DIY Hair Accessories guide for more easy projects, including scrunchies, ribbon bows, felt bows, lined alligator clips, and flower clips.

Pin for Later

If you enjoyed learning how to make a fabric bow, here are some more tutorials on making hair accessories.

1. How to Make a Ribbon Bow
2. Felt Bow with Printable Template
3. How to Stop Ribbon from Fraying
4. How to Make Fabric Hair Accessories
5. DIY Felt Bow
6. DIY Hair Ties
7. How to Line an Alligator Clip
8. How to Make a Scrunchie