How to sew bowties

Still have a few people to get gifts sorted for this Christmas? Let's get started with these easy-sew bowties by Jennie Jones.

Add a touch of pizzazz to your outfit with these geek-inspired bow tie to showcase your favourite prints from your stash. Designer Jennie says: “By using a bow tie clip set, widely available at most haberdasheries, your bow tie will not only be adjustable, but will also look super professional, too!”

This project is just the thing if you're looking for a quick-sew gift to make tonight!

How to sew bowties

You will need

Cotton fabric: 1 fat quarter
Bow tie clip set
Pencil
Basic sewing kit

Notes

Use a 1cm (³⁄₈in) seam allowance throughout.

Cutting out

Step one Cut the fabric into these pieces:

Bow: 35x15cm (14x6in)
Loop: 9x6cm (3⁵⁄₈x23/8in)
Strap: 55x6cm (21⁵⁄₈x2³⁄₈in)

Step two Fold each piece of fabric in half lengthways, right sides (RS) together, and pin.

Making the pieces

Step three For the bow, sew along all edges, leaving a 3cm (1¹⁄₄in) turning gap on the top left hand side. Trim the seams and corners.

Step four For the loop and strap, sew together leaving one short end open.

Step five Turn all pieces right sides (RS) out. Use the blunt end of a pencil to turn out the loop and strap and press.

Step six Slip stitch the opening on the bow closed and then fold in a zigzag to make three equal sections, and press again.

Step seven Fold the bow in half lengthways and sew a 2cm (³⁄₄in) line 1cm (³⁄₈in) in from the folded edge in the centre. This will create a crease in the tie.

Assembling the bow tie

Step eight Wrap the loop around the centre part of the bow, fold in the raw edges and oversew, but don’t stitch through the bow.

Step nine Feed the strap through the loop. To attach the clasps, feed the turned under end through the hook, fold over and sew. Feed the raw end through the slider part, then feed it through the loop, and back through the centre of the slider in the opposite direction. Fold the raw edge under and sew.

Step 10 Now present to the geek of your choice, or wear yourself!

How to sew bowties