Making a bow tie with your own hands can save you money and will give you a wide variety of choice of colors and patterns. Whether you need it for a theatrical performance, for Carnival or for every day, the bow tie is an elegant and exclusive accessory. To make it, follow the instructions in this article.
Note: For instructions on how to tie it, read How to tie a bow tie.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Sew an Adult Bow Tie
Step 1. Choose the fabric
You can buy the fabric on the internet or at a haberdashery. Alternatively, you can also recycle a garment you no longer use from the wardrobe!
You will need approximately 22 cm of fabric and an additional 22 cm of thermo-adhesive interlining
Step 2. Find a fairly easy pattern to make the bow tie
You can buy it at a DIY store or download and print it for free from the internet. It is best to read the reviews available to evaluate its quality and make sure it is suitable for your skill level.
Step 3. Cut the fabric and the interlining following the shape of the bow tie
Use the pattern to cut the fabric and interlining to the appropriate size and shape. Chances are you will need to get 4 pieces of fabric that are the same in size and shape.
Step 4. Iron the interlining over the fabric
You will need to iron it on the wrong side (from the back side which will not be visible) of the two pieces of fabric.
- Normally the interlining is covered with a damp cloth and then ironed with the rough side facing the fabric.
- Read the instructions on the package to make sure you iron it properly.
Step 5. Using your sewing machine or using a needle and thread, sew the smaller edges of the two pieces to which you have attached the interlining
- Place the two pieces of fabric (without the interlining) facing each other, straight side, and sew straight stitch along the narrow edge (you should see the interlining as you topstitch).
- Open the two pieces together and with the iron flatten the seam inside.
Step 6. Using your sewing machine or using a needle and thread, sew the smaller edges of the two remaining pieces of fabric together
- Place the two pieces of fabric facing each other, right side up, and sew straight stitch along the narrowest edge.
- Open the two pieces together, and with the iron flatten the seam inside.
Step 7. Sew the two longer pieces of fabric together, using the sewing machine
- Place the "straight" sides of the fabric close from the inside.
- Use the straight stitch and keep the same distance (3 to 6 mm) from the edge of the fabric. Leave an edge without stitching.
- Shorten the corners of the bow tie, taking care to cut only the outside of the applied points.
Step 8. Flip the inside of the bow tie out
This can take some patience, as it can be difficult to pull the whole bow tie through a small hole.
Step 9. Sew the remaining edge
- Turn the edges inside out and sew straight stitch, closing the bow tie so that it forms a long tube.
- Straight stitch the other edge making sure that all the edges of the bow tie match each other.
Step 10. Iron the bow tie
By ironing it, you will be able to tie it more easily and give it a more taut look once it is placed around the neck.
Step 11. Tie the bow tie, using the tips from this WikiHow article:
How to tie a bow tie.
Method 2 of 3: Sew a Baby Bow Tie
Step 1. Choose a thin fabric
Scraps of fabric or scraps taken from haberdashery will do well. You will need about 22cm.
Step 2. Using scissors, cut the fabric into two parts
- The first piece must be in the shape of a rectangle with the size of 12x17 cm. If you change these measurements, you will change the size of the bow tie, so adjust accordingly if you want the bow tie to be larger or smaller - but try to keep the same proportions.
- The second piece should measure 6x6cm. It will form the loop to wrap in the center of the bow tie.
- As for the square, use a fabric to match or contrast, to get a more extravagant bow tie.
Step 3. Fold and join the pieces of fabric
- Fold the rectangle in three parts lengthwise, placing the fabric print up on both sides. Sew or glue the seam (fabric glue or hot glue will work).
- Fold the smaller piece of fabric into three parts and iron or glue it to hold its shape.
- Fold the ends of the rectangle to match in the center. Sew or use some glue to keep them in place.
- Use a ruler to find the center of the rectangle.
- Squeeze in the center of the piece of fabric. Apply a few drops of fabric glue or hot glue to bring the fabric together in the center and hold it together, or tie a piece of thread or thin ribbon in the middle to keep the shape of the bow tie.
- Wrap the smaller piece in the center of the bow tie and secure it with glue or 1-2 stitches at the back of the bow tie.
Step 4. Decide how the child should wear the bow tie
- Attach a paper clip to the back of the bow tie with hot glue.
- A safety pin can also work, but be sure to attach it to clothing before putting the shirt on the baby.
- The bow tie can be sewn onto a onesie or shirt with a couple of simple stitches.
Method 3 of 3: Making a Crochet Bow Tie (for Beginners)
Step 1. Get the supplies
It includes a skein of yarn and a crochet hook between 3, 25 and 6 millimeters (if it is smaller, the stitch will be tighter). If you've never crocheted before, you should check out the following article: How to Crochet.
Step 2. Work with a rectangle roughly 5x15cm if the bow tie is for a child, or 7.5x23cm if it's for an adult
You can adjust the measurements if you want to make a bigger or smaller bow tie.
- Start with a normal series of chain stitches, in this case 30.
- Turn and chain 29 single crochet for one end.
- Turn and chain 30 for the other end.
- Repeat until the bow tie is the width you want. Probably 12-15 rows, depending on the size of the crochet.
Step 3. Fold and secure the crochet rectangle
Fold the ends to match in the center, then sew them with thread or join them with hot glue.
Step 4. Give the knitted shirt the shape of a bow tie
- Tighten in the center of the shirt so that it has the shape of a bow.
- Wrap a piece of wire around 18-25 times or until you are happy with the thickness of the midsection.
- Firmly tie the end of the thread to the back of the bow tie and tuck the knot inside the shirt.
Step 5. Attach a paper clip or rubber band to the bow tie
Using hot glue or using a needle and thread, attach a clip to the bow tie. Alternatively, you can attach the latter to an elastic, cut according to the measurement of the circumference of the neck of the person who will wear the bow tie.
