DIY Bandana Bow
How To Make a Bandana Bow
I was looking for a new hair accessory for this summer, and wanted something pretty and fresh while still feeling classic. There’s nothing more classic than a bandana! I made an oversized hairbow using two bandanas and I love how it’s soft and light feeling while still being just a touch dramatic with its size. Today, I am going to show you how to make a bandana bow!
This bandana bow is really easy to make, and while I used a sewing machine, you could even do it by hand with a needle and thread if you didn’t have a sewing machine because it takes minimal sewing.
You Will Need
Making the Bow Loops
The bow will have three parts: the larger lower bow loops, the smaller upper bow loops, and the tails. If you choose to use different bandana colors for the different parts, make sure to pay attention to which part you cut out of which bandana color. The tails of the bow are made with one bandana- do not cut into this bandana for the loops, save it for only the tails.
For the larger lower bow loops, measure and cut one piece of bandana that is 18″ wide and 9″ long.
For the smaller upper bow loop, measure and cut one piece of bandana that is 14″ wide and 7″ long.
Fold one strip in half right sides together lengthwise. Pin/clip the long raw edges together. Sew. Repeat with the second strip.
Turn both strips right side out. Arrange the seam so it is at the center of the strip. Press. Repeat with second strip.
The seam is now the “wrong side” of the piece. Fold the strip right sides together aligning the short ends. Sew the short ends with a zigzag stitch right at the edge. Repeat with second strip.
Center this seam to the back of the loop. Gently pull on the fabric on either side of the seam to flatten the seam (be careful not to break the seam). Turn the loop right side out. Repeat with second loop.
For each loop, pinch the center together in an accordion fold. Anchor by hand tacking, or by tying a piece of sturdy string around the pinch.
Stack the two bows on top of each other, and tie together tightly with a thin strip of scrap fabric or sturdy string.
Making the Bow Tails
Fold the second bandana right sides together diagonally, bringing two opposite points together so that it is folded like a triangle, with the point facing down.
Draw a line across the bandana 5″ below the fold. Cut across this line, removing the bottom point of fabric.
Pin/clip the cut edges. Sew. Turn right side out.
Center the seam on the back, and press.
Turn right side up.
Pinch/accordion fold the center of this piece, creating two tails.
Place this piece under the bow loops, and tie the whole thing together with another piece of string or little scrap of thin fabric.
Finishing the Bandana Bow
Cut a little scrap of bandana about 2″ wide and 4″ long. Press the two long edges wrong sides together so they meet in the center. Press one short end wrong sides together 1/2″.
Wrap the bow center tightly around the bow. Layer the short folded side over the short raw side (trimming as needed to get to the correct length). Secure with a dot of hot glue or fabric glue.
You’re Done!
You have finished your bandana bow! Slide a larger alligator clip through the center piece and you have a gorgeous new hair accessory for summer! For a softer, more worn in look, crumple up the bow and then smooth it back out without ironing. You can also adjust the dimensions to make the loops or tail larger or smaller.
Love sewing hair bows? Check out our bow patterns here!
I hope you enjoyed this DIY bandana bow tutorial. If you sew one, we would love to see it! Join our Facebook group for a wonderful community of sewing enthusiasts or tag us on our instagram at @booandlupatterns to show us what you’ve made!
