Liz makes a bow-tie

I decide to make a simple craft today since, even though Spring break is over, I still have two midterms coming up. Bow ties are really easy to make and they would be perfect for little boys (or grown men)! In order to make one yourself, you'll need a 4" x 7" piece of fabric, a 1" x 3" piece of fabric, a piece of 1/4" elastic that fits around your neck snugly/comfortably, thread, sewing pins, a sewing machine, an iron and an ironing board. Let's get started!

Grab your piece of fabric.

Now lie it right-side down and iron it into thirds. Then fold it over and iron it in half.

Now you'll want to sew down both sides of your fabric. I like to use a small stitch length for this.

Now fold your long strip of fabric into thirds and sew a straight line down the fold. (The blue thread in the picture below is what I'm talking about.)

Now grab your 1" x 3" piece of fabric and fold it in half around the bow. Using a sewing pin, mark where the strip of fabric would fit around the bow. Sew in place. Cut off excess fabric. Turn inside out.

Now slip the "bow" part through the little tube you just made. I like to fold in the raw edges inside the tube so they aren't exposed. This is a lot easier than hemming them!

Now take your piece of elastic. Again, make sure it will fit around your neck (or the person's neck you're making this for) snugly but comfortably. Thread the elastic through the loop of the bow. Put one edge of the elastic over the other and sew a square over the overlap so it will stay in place.

Now you're all done!

Now all you have to do is place it on someone's neck! I think it turned out great. And doesn't Tyler just make the best model?

Have a great week!

Love, Liz