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How To: Easy Bows
With little over three weeks left before college begins again, I've been attacking various clothing projects that I've had in mind for ages. However, as none of them are anywhere near complete and the sound of my beloved Bernina for days straight has finally given me a headache, I felt it would be wise to pause for a while. And yet I was compelled to do something with my time during my break, and so I bring you the following.



Fabric for Bow: one 14.75in x 7in rectangle
Fabric for Knot: one 3.75in x 3.5in rectangle
End Product: Approx 6.5in x 3in

This pattern is best to use when you want to attach bows to an outfit, or a smaller version would look nice attached to a hair clip or to one side of a head band. They are not very thin and it would be hard to attach lace or other trim to them.
Clearly, you don't have to follow the exact measurements, but whatever you wish to do, I suggest blocking out your pattern first on either tissue paper or newspaper (the latter is not so wise if you're making a light colored bow, as newsprint rubs off on everything). When cutting out the fabric, the smaller edge of the pattern should be parallel to the selvage.



The Bow
With your larger rectangle of fabric, take the two long sides and fold in half, RIGHT sides together.
Stitch the entire length, with a 3/8in seam. Trim the seam.
Turn the bow right side out, bringing the seam to the center on the underside, and press.
Bring ends to the center on the underside, overlapping them 3/8in. Stitch along center of bow.
---> ---> ---> --->

The Knot
With your smaller rectangle of fabric, take the two shorter sides and fold in half, with RIGHT sides together.
Stitch this edge, with a 3/8in seam. Trim the seam.
Turn the knot right side out, bringing seam to center on the underside, and press.
---> ---> --->

Putting It Together
Crush the bow at center and place the knot around the center of bow, turning under and lapping one end on the underside.
Slip-stitch ends securely catching in the underside of the bow.