How To Make Fabric Bows - DIY Fabric Bow Tutorial

Fabric bows are a versatile and fun craft project that you can use in a variety of ways, from accessorizing hair to adding a charming touch to gift wrapping or home decor. Whether you're making hair clips for your little girl, tying together a special gift, or crafting decorative accents for your home, fabric bows are the perfect way to add a handmade touch to your life. In this tutorial, we'll guide you step by step on how to make beautiful fabric hair bows in different sizes using various fabrics.

A white headband with a blue and floral-patterned bow, showcasing intricate design details, placed on a table. A perfect accessory for those who love learning how to make a fabric bow.

What You'll Need:

Pieces of fabric in different fabrics (cotton fabric works well for beginners)
Sewing machine (or needle and thread for hand stitching)
Glue gun
Scissors
Pins
Safety pin
Elastic ties or hair ties
Alligator clip or hair clip
Optional: plaid fabric, bow tie clips, or other embellishments

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric
Choose your fabric and cut it into pieces based on your desired bow size. For a small bow, you'll need a bow piece (the larger piece) and a middle piece. The size of your fabric pieces will depend on how big or small you want the bow to be. Make sure to cut your fabric straight and even, trimming off any loose threads.

Iron the fabric, folding over a 1.5cm seam at the top and the bottom (wrong side to wrong side). Then fold the two sides in so they slightly overlap and iron again.

A person demonstrating a fabric bow tutorial by cutting a piece of fabric with scissors.

Step 2: Sew the Bow Piece
Sew the fabric in a straight line through the middle so the two sides are sewn together and you have a neat rectangle of fabric. Don't worry if this piece of sewing isn't neat as you will be covering it with the other piece of fabric.

A floral fabric hanging with a bow on a wall.

Step 3: Create the Centre Piece
To make the centre piece, fold the fabric in half with the right sides facing each other, then sew along the long side, again using a 5mm seam allowance. Once done, turn the fabric right side out. This piece will form the centre of the bow and will cover the stitching you made to the other piece above.

A floral fabric strap with a fabric bow on a table.

Step 4: Press and Fold
Press both pieces again with an iron to smooth out any creases. This will give your bow a cleaner, more polished look.

Now, take the larger bow piece and make accordion folds along the center of the bow. This creates the classic bow shape. Secure the middle of the bow by either hand stitching or using a dot of hot glue. If you're hand stitching, a quick double knot will do the trick.

A person showcasing a fabric bow tutorial using a blue and pink floral design.

Step 5: Attach the Centre Piece
Place the centre piece at the over the middle of the bow and stitch in place to secure. Cut off the excess fabric and adjust so that the seam is at the back of the bow.

A fabric bow tutorial featuring a blue and red floral bow tie on a white surface.

Step 7: Attach A Hair Clip or Band
Now that your bow is taking shape, it's time to turn it into a hair accessory. You can use different options depending on what you want to create. For a simple hair bow, attach an alligator clip or hair clip to the back of the bow using your glue gun. You can also use elastic ties for baby bows, or attach it to a headband. This makes it easy to create fabric bows for different occasions and outfits.

A fabric bow tutorial showcasing a blue and white bow tie on a white table.

Step 8: Add Final Touches
If you want to customize your bow further, you can use extra embellishments. Try experimenting with plaid fabric for a festive look, adding buttons, or using fabric paint to add designs. If you are making fabric bows for gift wrapping or home decor, you can add decorative elements like sequins or ribbon to give the bow extra flair.

Tips For Making the Perfect Fabric Bow

Choose fabrics that match the purpose of your bow. Cotton fabric is great for structured bows, while softer materials like satin or velvet can be used for delicate baby bows.
Ensure that your seams are sewn straight, and be mindful of the 5mm seam allowance for a consistent finish.
If you're making bows for hair accessories, make sure the alligator clip or hair clip is securely attached to avoid any accidents.
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Inspiration from TikTok - Make Bows with Style

If you're looking for fresh ideas, TikTok is in full swing with hair bow tutorials that inspire creativity! You can find tons of ways to experiment with different sizes, fabrics, and designs. Make it trendy by trying DIY fabric bows in bold colors, patterns, or even incorporating vintage-style plaid fabrics for a retro look.

Why Make Your Own Fabric Bows?

Not only are fabric bows fun to make, but they're also incredibly cost-effective. You can create beautiful, personalized hair accessories, home decor, or gift wrapping accents without the extra cost of store-bought items. Plus, DIY fabric bows make excellent handmade gifts!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Loose threads: Always trim off loose threads after sewing to give your bow a polished look.
Raw edges: Make sure all raw edges are folded under or secured by the center piece to prevent fraying.
Bow shape: If your bow doesn't hold its shape, try adding a small piece of interfacing inside the bow piece for added structure.

Good luck with your fabric bow project, and happy sewing!

This tutorial is designed to help beginners and seasoned crafters alike. Whether you're using free patterns or creating your own, making fabric hair bows is a great sewing project that you can personalize to suit your style. Don't forget to share your creations with us and tag us on social media for a chance to be featured!