How to Make a Bow Tie: Step-by-Step Guide with Free Printable Pattern

A bow tie is a timeless accessory that adds a touch of elegance to any outfit. Whether you're dressing for a formal occasion or simply love the classic look, making your own bow tie is easier than you might think. In this tutorial, we'll guide you through how to make a bow tie from scratch—covering both the sewing process and how to tie the perfect knot around your neck. I’m making a traditional self-tie bow, so there is no extra closure needed. We’ve included a free printable pattern to make things even simpler!

With this pattern a bow tie is so easy and fast to make. You can make one for every occasion, to match with every outfit or you can even create extravagant bow ties for your Halloween costume parties. With the right shape at hand, it is not that hard to make bigger or smaller bow ties.

I’m making a bow tie for our New Years Eve party. We always have themed parties and this year it is James Bond, so my husband needs a … black bow tie made out of a silky fabric! For the tutorial I’m using cotton as it is easier to photograph, but I also finished the black Bond bow tie.

Before you begin, gather the following materials:

• Cotton or satin fabric of your choice
• Matching thread
• Fabric scissors
• Sewing machine (or needle for hand sewing)
• Iron
• Pins or clips
• Interfacing (optional, for a stiffer bow tie)
• The Madam Sew Bow Tie Pattern

There are two pattern pieces. Piece A is the bow, piece B is the necktie. Print at 100% so the size is correct. There is a 1 inch checkbox on the printable pattern.

This bow tie pattern is large enough to fit most neck sizes, and you can scale it up or down as needed. Just make piece B shorter or longer. If you are not sure about the size, you can just go to step 3.1 and test it around your neck. If it is too long, just cut an inch or two off and sew the two parts back together.

Click here to download our free bow tie pattern. Download it on your computer and print it out. Cut along the lines of piece A and B. Attach both pieces at the narrow end. If you plan on making a lot of bow ties, use cardboard.

1. Fold your fabric in half, with the right sides facing each other.
2. Pin the bow tie pattern onto the folded fabric and cut two identical pieces of each pattern piece.
3. If you’re using interfacing for added structure, cut two pieces of interfacing as well. If you use stiffer cotton, this is not necessary but with satin-like fabrics, you’ll need interfacing. Layer it on the wrong side of two fabric pieces.

1. Place the short end of two bow tie fabric pieces together, right sides facing. Pin and sew this short end together and do this for all four pieces. You will end up with two long bow tie pieces. Test one of the pieces around your neck and see if you need to adjust the size.

2. Place two long bow tie pieces together, right sides facing in. Pin together.

3. Sew around the edges, leaving a small gap in the middle for turning the fabric inside out.

4. Clip the corners and curved seams to reduce bulk.

5. Turn the fabric right side out. Use a tube turner to turn the two ends and then shape the corners neatly with a chopstick or sewing stiletto.

6. Press the bow tie with an iron for a polished finish.

7. Hand-sew the gap closed using an invisible stitch.

The bow tie sewing part is done! All you need to do is tie this bow around your favorite person’s neck!

Now comes the fun part: learning how to tie your bow tie! Well, maybe I’m a bit sarcastic here, because for me it is not the fun part. I’m not good at it, so if you are a newby like me, ask a friend for help and follow these steps:

1. Drape the Bow Tie: Place the bow tie around your neck with one end slightly longer than the other, about an inch and a half.

2. Cross and Loop: Cross the longer end over the shorter end, pinch with one hand and loop the long end up through the neck hole, creating a knot.

3. Form the Bow: Fold the shorter end into a bow shape (you can use your index finger) and hold it in place.

4. Wrap Around: Bring the longer end down over the middle of the bow shape. Grab the two bow tie ends together (the ones from the shape you made in step 3)

5. Finish the Bow: Fold the longer end back on itself into a bow tie shape and tuck it in the hole you created behind the bow by bringing the long end down. Now pull on both ends to adjust. The bow tie you created in step 3 will sit in the front backed by the other bow tie shape you created in this step.

And, did you know? A perfect bow tie shouldn’t be completely symmetrical. It shows character if it is a little skew. Winston Churchill’s bow tie wasn’t straight! 🙂

• Experiment with different fabrics, from bold prints to luxurious silks.
• Add a personal touch with embroidery or even fabric paint.
• Make a matching pocket square to complete the look.

Making your own bow tie is a rewarding and creative little sewing project. Whether you’re sewing one for yourself or crafting one as a gift, this DIY accessory is sure to impress. You can make one for the whole family and arrive to a party with matching bow ties!

Download the free bow tie pattern here and share your creations in the comments below or on one of our Facebook Groups or Instagram with the hashtag #madamsew

Happy Sewing!

An
Madam Sew’s inhouse blogger