I used to own a few small ties that I could knot or shape into bows for collared shirts to give everyday outfits a little extra polish. They originally came with certain shirts, and I would mix and match them to change the look. Over time those tiny accessories vanished — they’re the kind of small items my dresser seems to swallow without a trace.
Rather than hunt for replacements, I decided to make my own. Bow ties are simple projects: a few strips of fabric and a sewing machine are all you really need. With a little patience you can create either a long, skinny bow or a shorter, chunkier version in whatever fabric you prefer.
Materials
- For a long, skinny bow tie: one strip of fabric 55 x 1.5 inches
- For a shorter, wider bow tie: one strip of fabric 36 x 3 inches
- Sewing machine (or needle and thread if you prefer hand sewing)
Step-by-step Instructions
1. Fold your fabric lengthwise with the right sides facing each other so the raw edges line up. Use pins to hold the layers together and keep everything straight while you sew.
2. Sew a straight seam along the long edge of the fabric. Leave an opening of about 2 inches somewhere near one end — not exactly at the very end — so you can turn the piece right side out later.
3. To give the ends a more finished or decorative look, sew a diagonal line across each end before trimming. Clip away excess fabric from the corners to reduce bulk and help the corners turn neatly.
4. Turn the piece right side out through the opening. Use a blunt tool such as a dowel, chopstick, or the back of a pen to gently push the corners and edges into shape so the seam sits flat.
5. Close the turning gap with small hand stitches. An invisible (slip) stitch will give the cleanest finish, but a neat whipstitch is also fine. Press the bow gently with an iron if the fabric allows, avoiding high heat on delicate or velvet materials.
To style your bow tie, simply knot or tie it as preferred, or sew a small loop at the back to attach it to a collar. For a more permanent finish, you can add a center band by wrapping and securing a short strip of fabric around the middle of the bow — this also helps hold the bow shape.
Bonus idea: make a very narrow version and wear it as a choker. A long skinny strip in satin, velvet, or leather gives a minimalist, on-trend look when fastened at the back with a small clasp or tied into a bow.
Photography Brittni Mehlhoff
Sewing Liz Scoper
Which version is your favorite? Do you prefer the longer, slimmer bow or the shorter, wider style? Both are quick to make and easy to customize, so experiment with fabrics like velvet, satin, cotton, or even recycled shirts to match your wardrobe.