A bow is two loops and a knot, sewn in the order that makes them stay put

A sewn bow starts with two rectangles of fabric folded into loops, then stitched together at the center with a small band of fabric that hides the seam. The loops stay in place because you sew them to each other and to the band before you attach the whole thing to a garment or accessory. You can make one by hand with a needle and thread, or on a machine—the machine version is faster and the stitches hold better under wear.

The size of your bow depends on how long and wide you cut the rectangles. A bow for a child's hair clip uses rectangles about 3 inches long and 1.5 inches wide. A bow for a dress or bag uses rectangles 4 to 6 inches long and 2 to 3 inches wide. The band—the piece that wraps the center—is always a thin rectangle, about 1 inch long and half an inch wide.

Key Takeaways

  • Cut two rectangles for the loops and one thin rectangle for the band, then fold and press each piece so the raw edges are hidden inside.
  • Sew the two loops together at their centers, then wrap the band around that seam and stitch it closed on the back.
  • Machine sewing is stronger than hand sewing and takes less time, but hand sewing works if you use a small, tight stitch.
  • Attach the finished bow to a clip, barrette, or garment by sewing through the band on the back, not through the loops themselves.
  • Press your bow with an iron after sewing so the loops lie flat and the band sits neatly around the center.

Cut and fold your fabric pieces

Start with three pieces of fabric, all cut from the same material or from a contrasting fabric for the band. For a medium bow, cut two rectangles 5 inches long and 2.5 inches wide for the loops, and one rectangle 1.5 inches long and 1 inch wide for the band. Use a ruler and fabric scissors or a rotary cutter to keep the edges straight.

Fold each loop rectangle in half lengthwise, so the right side of the fabric faces inward and the wrong side faces out. Press the fold with an iron. Then fold the raw edges inward to meet the center fold, so the rectangle becomes a long, narrow strip with no raw edges showing. Press again. This folded piece is now your loop.

Do the same with the band rectangle: fold it in half lengthwise, press, fold the raw edges to the center, and press again. You now have three pressed pieces ready to sew.

Sew the two loops together at the center

Bring the two loop pieces together so they cross in the middle, forming an X shape. The fold lines should face outward. Pinch them together at the center point where they overlap. This overlap is where you will sew.

If you are using a machine, set it to a straight stitch and sew across the center of the X, going back and forth two or three times to lock the stitches. Use a thread color that matches your fabric. Sew a line about half an inch long, right through the middle of both loops.

If you are sewing by hand, use a needle threaded with a length of thread about 18 inches long. Tie a knot at the end. Push the needle through both loops at the center point, then back through again, making small stitches about a quarter inch apart. Go back and forth at least four times, then tie off the thread on the back side. The stitches should be tight enough that the loops do not slip.

Wrap and sew the band around the center

Take the band piece and wrap it around the center of the X where the two loops meet. The band should cover the stitches you just made. Overlap the two short ends of the band on the back side of the bow, so the seam is hidden.

On a machine, fold the overlapped ends under slightly so they lie flat, then sew the band closed with a straight stitch, sewing parallel to the length of the band. Make the line of stitching as close to the edge as you can without catching the loops. Sew back and forth twice to lock the seam.

By hand, use the same small, tight stitch you used for the loops. Sew the overlapped ends of the band together, then sew along the length of the band to hold it in place around the center. Tie off the thread on the back when you are done.

Press the finished bow

Lay the bow flat on an ironing board with the band facing up. Set your iron to the heat level that matches your fabric—check the fiber content on your fabric bolt or label. Press the band gently so it lies flat and smooth. Then flip the bow over and press the back side, which is where you will attach it to a clip or garment.

Pressing at this stage makes the bow look finished and helps the loops hold their shape. If the loops are bunched or creased, gently pull them into a rounded shape before you press, so they dry in the right position.

Attach the bow to a clip, barrette, or garment

To attach the bow to a hair clip or barrette, sew through the band on the back of the bow, not through the loops. Use a needle and thread that matches the clip or the bow. Make four or five small stitches through the band and into the clip, then tie off the thread. The stitches should be tight enough that the bow does not rotate or slip.

To attach the bow to a garment—a dress, a collar, or a pocket—mark the spot where you want it with a pin. Sew through the band only, using small stitches that do not show on the front of the garment. If the garment is delicate, use a backing patch of interfacing on the inside so the stitches do not tear through the fabric.

Never sew through the loops themselves when attaching the bow. The loops need to move freely, and stitching through them will make them stiff and pull them out of shape.

Troubleshooting common bow problems

If your loops are uneven, the bow will look lopsided. Cut your two loop rectangles as close to the same size as possible, and fold them the same way. If one loop is already larger after folding, trim it with scissors before you sew the loops together.

If the band is too loose around the center, the loops will slip. Make sure you sew the band closed with tight, close stitches. If the band is too tight, it will pinch the loops and make them look bunched. Wrap the band so it just touches both sides of the overlap, with no extra tension.

If the loops are drooping or not holding their shape, you may not have pressed them firmly enough. Press them again with a hotter iron, or use a spray starch on the fabric before pressing. Spray starch adds body to the fabric and helps it hold a shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a bow without a sewing machine?

Yes. Hand sewing takes longer—about 15 to 20 minutes instead of 5—but the bow will be just as strong if you use small, tight stitches and go over each seam at least twice. Use a needle that fits comfortably in your hand and thread that matches your fabric.

What fabric works best for a bow?

Cotton, linen, and quilting fabric are easiest to fold and press because they hold a crease. Silk and satin are beautiful but slippery and harder to keep in place while you sew. Avoid stretchy fabrics like jersey or knit, which will not hold a crisp fold.

How do I make a bow with tails?

Cut two longer rectangles for the tails—about 8 to 10 inches long and 1.5 inches wide. Fold and press them the same way as the loops. Sew them to the back of the band before you wrap the band around the center, so the tails hang down behind the loops.

Can I use a bow pattern from a sewing website?

Yes. Most bow patterns give you exact measurements and step-by-step photos. Print the pattern and follow it exactly, especially for the fold lines and seam placement. Patterns often include variations for different bow sizes and styles.

How do I attach a bow to a stretchy headband?

Sew through the band of the bow and into the headband using a needle and thread that matches one of them. Make at least six stitches in a small area so the bow does not rotate. If the headband is very stretchy, use a small patch of interfacing on the inside to reinforce the spot where you sew.