A DIY Tutorial For a Gorgeous Fabric Bow
Jennifer Alford
Hello fellow makers!
Spring is in the air. The extra light in the afternoon and evening is so great for quilting and photographing.
I've been experimenting this spring with new blocks and new methods. I started a series on Mondays called Make It Splendid where I highlight a free tutorial or block. It's been a fun little time of creative play. If you've missed any episodes, you can go my reels section on Instagram where the series are all marked with Make It Splendid on the cover pages.
Tulip Time
I've really enjoyed these little projects and hope you have too. If you try any, tag me so I can highlight your makes on my Instagram page. Tulip Time, one of the free projects, has been a popular free download as of late. This FPP block is still available for free download through March.
I'm adding to my scrappy garden over the weeks to come for a sampler style quilt. Here's one layout I'm considering. Currently, I'm using a variety of blues for the background and some bright pinks/purples for the tulips but I think this block would look smashing in a consistent single color, like a bold red.
Here's another sweet layout with a different orientation of the block.
Today, I have a project for you that's not quilt related, but something to add a personal touch to your Easter baskets and wreaths.
For Episode 9 of Make It Splendid, I've written up a DIY tutorial for a lovely fabric bow.
These little projects are great because it allows you to be creative and allows you to finish a project in a short time period. Like most people, I don't have endless hours to sew and quilt, but sometimes I have a real desire to start and complete a project.
This little bow is so versatile and you can personalize it with your favorite fabrics!
If you prefer a PDF download of the tutorial, click here.
Fabric Bow Tutorial
By Cotton Splendor
All seams are ¼" seam allowance.
Supplies:
Scissors or rotary cutter/mat
Thread
Basic sewing machine
1 FQ fabric or scraps
Fabric:
Bow: 5.5" x 13" rectangle
Tail: 5.5" x 18" rectangle
Bow Center: 3" x 3.5" rectangle
Bow:
With right sides together (RST), sew the long sides of the rectangle together.
With the seam in the middle of the rectangle press seam open (Figure A).
Turn right side out. With the seam facing out fold in half and sew the open edges together (Figure B). Turn the fabric right side out. With the seam in the center, press in half (Figure C).
Figure A
Figure B
Figure C
Tail:
Press in half lengthwise. Trim the end of the tail on each side (Figure D).
With RST, sew along the open edges and leave a 2"- 3"opening in the center. Turn right side out, press, and topstitch the center opening.
Figure D
Bow Center:
Use the same process you did with the bow section. With RST sew the longer edges together. With the seam in the middle of the rectangle press seam open. Turn the fabric right side out. With the seam facing out fold in half and sew the open edges together. Turn the fabric right sides out again.
Assembly:
Fold the bow in half lengthwise and slide the bow center over the bow with the seams toward the back. Adjust the bow folds to your liking. Run the tail through the bow center below the bow. A safety pin may help you get the tail through the bow center. Pull to the center and adjust the tails.
Use a piece of ribbon or yarn looped through the back of the bow center to tie onto a basket or a wreath. Add a safety pin to the back of the bow center to attach to a sweater or dress.
What’s on your cutting table this week? If you liked this little tutorial, I’d love to hear your feedback and show me all the bows! You can easily adjust the size of the bow and tails to your liking. Whatever you make, make it splendid!
#cottonsplendorpatterns
#makeitsplendid
#DIYfabricbow
Jen
@CottonSplendor