There's nothing sweeter than bows except maybe lots of them strung together! I made this simple bow garland for Ruby's second birthday party from some of my favorite vintage sheets but it can be customized in a variety of colors or prints.
Step One: Choose three or four coordinating fabrics and decide how many bows you'd like on your garland. Each cut of fabric needs to be about 20" wide by 9" long. Step Two: Fold it in half lengthwise with the right sides facing each other and pin. Stitch along the long edge.
Step Three: Fold it right side out and press flat. Make sure your seam is in the center of one side. Fold it in half so that the two open ends match up. Step Four: Stitch along that short end. Turn your tube of fabric so that the seam is on the inside and press flat. Make sure that seam is in the center of the back side of your bow as shown above.
Step Five: Fold your bow accordian style and tie a knot around the middle with embroidery thread. Step Six: Cut a strip of fabric measuring about 2" x 4" and fold the long edges in to create clean edges. Press flat. Wrap it around the center of your bow so that the ends meet on the back and stitch together.
Step Seven: Create as many bows as you need and then connect the top corners together with embroidery thread by stitching through the back piece of fabric at each corner and tying a double-knot. Step Eight: These bows can make a heavier garland so you'll want to keep that in mind when you're deciding how long you want it. I chose to make two strands and hang them on a mirror. If you make one long strand you may want to hang it up every 4-5 bows. Enjoy!
If you make your own bow garland feel free to link up to this post!
xo,
Rachel
I love it! That is totally going in my ideas folder in my brain for future use!
Posted by: Crystal | 11/09/2011 at 08:01 PM
This is just beautiful - love love love it!
Posted by: Rebecca | 11/09/2011 at 08:05 PM
awesome! I saw this on your post before and I already had it in my mind to make this garland for my daughter's birthday and use it for Christmas too! Thanks for the Tute!
Posted by: Amber | 11/09/2011 at 08:14 PM
So cute! Also what is that blue fabric in the background? I want it!
Posted by: Holly | 11/09/2011 at 08:29 PM
so cute - i wish i was this creative!
-grace
http://herumbrella.com
Posted by: grace | 11/09/2011 at 10:17 PM
this is the cutest garland EVER!
Posted by: melody | 11/09/2011 at 10:25 PM
eeeek so sweet!!
i wonder if i could make a boyish bowtie one? my boy turns 2 next month!
mamaSTYLE
Posted by: melissa | 11/10/2011 at 04:18 AM
looks so adorable
Posted by: Zane | 11/10/2011 at 05:44 AM
i'm totally going to make this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: margot | 11/10/2011 at 06:22 AM
This is adorable and makes me want a little girl. :) I love how the NICE letters are reflected in that last photo! Thanks for the tutorial.
Posted by: Elizabeth | 11/10/2011 at 06:25 AM
This is amazing in every way! When I saw your post about the party this element intrigued me and I am so happy you posted a tutorial! I love those colors in the fabric- and against the mirror? SWOON.
Posted by: Angela | 11/10/2011 at 06:34 AM
This is so cute! I'm going to make some for my dining room :) I love the colors on yours. I just picked up a really pretty floral sheet at a thrift store the other day for $1 :D
Posted by: Cat | 11/10/2011 at 07:02 AM
will try..cute.. :)
http://lovesimplegreen.blogspot.com/
Posted by: IRene | 11/10/2011 at 07:29 AM
Yay! Thank you for doing a DIY post about your bow garland!
Posted by: Ana | 11/10/2011 at 08:20 AM
This is such a cute idea! It would be a great way to use up fabric scraps too.
Posted by: Carissa | 11/10/2011 at 08:24 AM
best garland ever! i have two boys. i need a widdle girl :(
Posted by: Amanda | 11/10/2011 at 10:09 AM
oh by the way, you should check out my DIY today ;)
http://simplemittens.blogspot.com/2011/11/diy-wooden-spool-ornament.html
Posted by: Amanda | 11/10/2011 at 10:17 AM
very very cute!!
http://infinitelifefitness.com
http://mscomposure.blogspot.com
Posted by: Stephanie | 11/10/2011 at 11:58 AM
Wow!! That was fast!! I know many of us followers commented on the adorable garland and how we would like to make one ourselves when we first saw it a couple days ago. Even if you planned on posting this regardless of our comments, thanks! I can't wait to decorate!!
Posted by: Lauren Kilmer-Thompson | 11/10/2011 at 12:26 PM
I am confused withs steps 3 and 4 (specifically the folding in step 3 and all of step 4). Can I get some clarification before I go and mess up my fabric please? Thanks!
Cant Wait...To Decorate!!
Posted by: Lauren Kilmer-Thompson | 11/10/2011 at 12:36 PM
I love it!!!! I can't wait to make one for my princesses 1st birthday in february! Thanks!!!!
Posted by: Jayleen | 11/10/2011 at 01:47 PM
this is the most beautiful garland i have ever seen. i am going to make one this weekend for a party i am decorating for! thank you for the wonderful idea.
Posted by: deer donna | 11/10/2011 at 02:02 PM
Oh these are super cute - I haven't got little ones yet but I want some just for myself!
Posted by: Hannah | 11/10/2011 at 02:12 PM
Loving those colors!
Posted by: Kristin | 11/10/2011 at 02:22 PM
I was hoping you would share that with us...so adorable!!!
Posted by: rachel | 11/10/2011 at 06:22 PM
just so cute. you have the BEST ideas! happy veteran's day to your hubby.
Posted by: ruthie | 11/11/2011 at 05:41 AM
So creative!!! I love it. Thanks for sharing. Your blog is great.
xo,
http://www.shannonhearts.blogspot.com
Posted by: Shannon | 11/11/2011 at 01:04 PM
Yes! I was waiting for this (or hoping, after Ruby's birthday post)!
Posted by: Heidi | 11/11/2011 at 05:11 PM
This is adorable! I'd love to make one of these... now I just need to find some fabric :)
Posted by: THE-LOUDMOUTH | 11/12/2011 at 10:45 AM
That's something I'm gonna do for sure! Love bows!
http://fromheretofashion.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Agnes Deer | 11/13/2011 at 04:17 AM