Learn how to make a charming bowtie for children — and adults — perfect for Easter or any other occasion. These bowties are simple to customize, letting you match fabrics to personalities and outfits. Have a child who loves construction? Use a bulldozer print. Prefer bright colors? Choose a sunny yellow scrap and you’re set.
I asked Jessica from Living the Swell Life to share her adorable DIY Easter bowties for kids. She generously included clear, step-by-step instructions and an easy way to adjust the size for adults as well. Take it away, Jessica…
These DIY bowties are a great way to use leftover fabric scraps. The pattern is versatile: make kid-friendly bowties with Velcro closures, scale up for adults, or adapt the shape into hair bows. While the project is straightforward, it does require basic sewing skills, so I’d classify it as intermediate level.
If you’re ready to make bowties from scratch, follow the steps below for a neat, customizable result.
Last weekend I made a small bowtie for our son’s Easter outfit, and I haven’t stopped since. They’re fun to sew from small fabric scraps and similar in spirit to my stuffed-animal tutorial. This tutorial focuses on a kid-friendly version with Velcro, but the same pattern adapts easily for grown-up neckwear or a feminine hair bow.
Supplies (must haves):
- Fabric: 6 × 20″ strip (you’ll cut required pieces from this)
- Interfacing (medium/heavy): 4 × 15″ strip — optional but recommended for structure
- Velcro (1″ width)
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Needle and thread
- Iron
- Measuring tape
Supplies (nice to have):
- Pins
- Pencil
- Fabric marker
- Rotary cutter and cutting mat
How to Make a Bowtie
Note on sizing: For a toddler, I used a 15″ band which fit comfortably around my 2-year-old’s neck and shirt collar. For an older child or adult, measure the shirt collar circumference while worn and add 2″ for Velcro overlap. You can further modify the strap for a more adjustable adult finish if desired.
Step 1: Cut fabric
Cut the fabric into these pieces:
- Band: 2.5 × 15″
- Center wrap: 3.5 × 3″
- Bow: 3 × 20″
Cut the interfacing into these pieces:
- Band interfacing: 1 × 14″
- Bow interfacing: 3 × 10″
Step 2: Begin the bow
Fold the 3 × 20″ bow fabric in half across the short side with wrong sides facing out. Place the 3 × 10″ interfacing centered on top and pin the layers together.
Straight-stitch along three sides of the rectangle, leaving one short end open for turning.
Step 3: Turn the bow and press
Turn the piece right side out through the open end and press it flat. Mark the center of the rectangle with a fabric marker or measuring tape. Fold both short ends toward the middle so they meet at the center.
Step 4: Pin and stitch the center
Pin the folded edges together and stitch a wide zig-zag or multiple rows of stitching down the center to hold the folds in place. You may need to adjust machine tension because of the layered thickness.
Step 5: Fold and secure
Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise so the right sides are together and the zig-zag runs down the center. Sew a 1″ straight seam perpendicular to the zig-zag to secure the fold. Use a fabric marker to draw a guideline if needed.
Step 6: Make the band
Take the 2.5 × 15″ band fabric, fold it in half lengthwise with wrong sides out to form a narrow strip, and place the 1 × 14″ interfacing on top. Pin the layers together and sew a 3/8″ seam along the long open edge and along one short end (so two sides are sewn).
Turn the strip inside out to form a neat tube. Use a pencil or turning tool to help push the fabric through. Press the band flat.
Step 7: Attach the Velcro and finish band edges
To hide the raw edge at the unfinished short end, fold the sides in and fold the tip down like an envelope. Pin the Velcro piece over this folded tip and stitch around the Velcro’s border to secure it. Repeat for the opposite end of the band, attaching the matching Velcro piece to the other side of the strap. The finished side does not require the envelope fold.
Step 8: Make the center wrap
Fold the 3.5 × 3″ center fabric in half lengthwise (no interfacing needed). Pin and sew two unfolded edges, turn it right side out and press. Leave the remaining edge unstitched; you’ll tuck and close it in the final assembly.
Step 9: Assemble the bowtie
Mark the center of the band and align it with the center of the bow. Wrap the center fabric piece around the middle of the bow and band, adjusting until you reach the desired tightness. Tuck the unfinished edge of the center wrap inward and secure it with small whip stitches by hand. If you prefer, use hot glue for a quicker finish, though stitching is more durable.
Congratulations — the bowtie is complete. Fasten the Velcro around your child’s collar and enjoy the finished look!
About the author: Jessica shares beautiful everyday things through words, crafts, and photography on her blog Living the Swell Life. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota in a white house with a red door with her husband and young son.