Make This:

Silk Bow

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This sharp little bow is perfect way to add a menswear inspired touch to a headband, barrette, top or dress. It’s easy to make and a great use for a recycled necktie!

Supplies:

– part of a disassembled silk tie or other piece of fabric
– fusible interfacing
– iron
– needle, thread, scissors (sewing basics)
– ruler

 

A heavier weight of interfacing will create a crisper bow but it will gather less in the center. A lighter weight of interfacing will create a softer bow but it will be easier to crush. Consider how you’ll be using the bow when you choose your interfacing.

 

I used the narrow tail end of the silk from a necktie. I’ve included my measurements, but be sure that these pieces will fit on the fabric you have before cutting. It should be easy enough to make adjustments if need be!

 

If you’ve never taken apart a necktie and that’s what you’re planning to use, here’s a handy tutorial.

Cut one rectangle of each size from the interfacing:

 

1.5 x 2 inches
2.5 x 11 inches

Fold the large piece in half and cut the ends as shown.

Fuse the interfacing to the back of the silk. Be sure to leave at least 1/2 inch between the pieces.

Trim the extra fabric away, leaving at least a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Fold each piece in half. Be careful to keep all pins in the seam allowance so that they don’t leave holes in the fabric that will show. Stitch as show on the blue dotted lines – along the long side on the small piece, and along the edges of the large piece leaving a gap at the center. Sew with a back stitch following the edge of the interfacing, leaving just a bit of a gap (about 1/16th on an inch if you’re into precision.)

Turn the small piece, press flat with the seam at the center back.

Trim any extra fabric and turn the large piece, you can leave your needle attached.

Sew the gap closed. Press flat.

Fold the large piece in half, sew across it 3 inches from the fold. Tie off your thread.

Flatten it out by separating the tails, then flattening the loop being sure to align the center (folded) point with the seam.

Sew across the center and pull to gather. Tie off. Sew the small piece around the center.

That’s it! Sew it onto a pin back, barrette, headband, top, or whatever else you’d like!