Lots of people don’t believe in Valentines day and the way it has become so commercial, but I think if there is an excuse to tell someone you love them… why not take it!?
So, just ditch the commercial bit and make something for your man this valentines. Handmade gifts are so thoughtful and he will love it… and look great in it too!
WHAT YOU NEED…
Fabric – if you use a thicker fabric your bow tie will be more plump! I have used a blue/grey linen for this example and I am really pleased with the results.
I got my linen from Fabworks in Dewsbury and the floral above from B&M Fabrics in Leeds Market.
CUTTING:
Cut pieces of fabric:
1 x Bow Tie: 12.5cm x 37.5cm
1 x Knot: 9cm x 7.5cm
2 x Band = 54cm x 4cm (Cut this piece to a point at one end)
STITCHING:
1. With right sides together fold the Bow Tie piece in half length ways and press.
Stitch with a 1cm seam allowance around the cut edges, leaving a gap to turn through. Repeat with the knot piece.
2. Clip your corners and turn through the gap to the right side showing. Hand stitch the gap with a slip stitch. Repeat on the knot piece.
3. Fold in half width ways and measure 6cm from the non-folded end. Then stitch together at 6cm.
4. Open out the ends to bring the line of stitching to the centre…
5. Lay flat and ‘stitch in the ditch’ to fasten in this position…
6. Pinch the bow tie to make a pleat in the middle.
7. Wrap the knot around the bow tie and hand stitch to secure.
8. To make the band… with right sides together stitch the 2 band pieces together, leaving an opening at the non-pointed end to turn through…
9. Clip the corners, turn through and press. Then hand stitch the open end, closed…
10. Thread the bow-tie onto the band and secure with a hand stitch if needed…
11. Add a popper at the end to fasten…
Tah Dah… You have made a bow tie! Package up in a pretty box and give to your man. I found it easier to leave the popper off until I had given the bow tie to my hubby so I could get the length of the tie fitting perfectly.
The Sewing Sessions 