Wardrobe DIY | Ascot Bow Tutorial
Simple is pretty, and I dig it most of the time. But I've got a little thing for big bows, so when I found this simple high-neck dress at the thrift store this week, it seemed to be begging for an ascot addition. I dove into my fabric stash and found some pieces of an old thrifted dress which I had been using for business cards.
Originally I wanted to make one long ribbon to tie into a bow, but since I didn't have enough fabric length, and didn't want to piece together the fabric, I thought it might work better to arrange the bow from three parts.
First I cut out two long strips of fabric for the hanging pieces of the bow, and then two more for the top section of the bow. The pieces varied from 2.5-3' in length and around 3" in width. For the hanging pieces, I cut the ends in a diagonal, because it looks nice at the end of a bow.
When I stitched them together, I was careful to keep the face side inward (facing each other), ran the edges through the sewing machine, and left about a two-inch gap so that I could flip it right-side-out when I was finished stitching.
After I ironed the two pieces, I began to think about assembling the bow. I needed a small strip to attach the two pieces, so I stitched one up really quickly. Also, where the top part of the bow gathers, I stitched the unfinished edges together so that the bow wouldn't come apart later.
To connect the top section and the hanging section of the bow, I tied the smaller piece of fabric, trimmed the edges, and stitched it so that it wouldn't move around as I wore the bow. Then, I grabbed a nice sized safety pin and attached the bow to my dress. Pretty simple!
I'm already planning some small bows made from leftover gingham material that I want to affix on both shoulders of some strappy dresses. It's a super easy project that I will probably try again and again!
It's a perfect addition to this dress! I really love how you made it. I am sure you could find a clip to perhaps fabric glue to the bow so you don't have to pin things all the time though!
Posted by: Victoria or Justice Pirate | May 25, 2011 at 04:25 PM
I absolutely adoreee this! I'll definitely be trying it for myself soon.
xoxo.
Posted by: lady liquor vintage. | May 25, 2011 at 04:26 PM
oh, love this idea!!!!!
Posted by: Katja | May 25, 2011 at 04:27 PM
That is the cutest! I wish I could sew and had a machine!
Posted by: larissa | May 25, 2011 at 04:38 PM
I love this! Thank you for sharing :).
Posted by: helene | May 25, 2011 at 04:52 PM
Oh it is so pretty! I definitely want to have a go - though unfortunately my sewing machine needle broke yesterday! Boo!
x
www.lostinthehaze.com
Posted by: Jo - Lost in the Haze | May 25, 2011 at 05:17 PM
so cute!!
Posted by: Ashley | May 25, 2011 at 05:35 PM
This is so great! Definitely helpful. :)
Posted by: Sasha | May 25, 2011 at 06:25 PM
Ahhhh!!! This is such a perfect way to jazz up a dress! I'm already thinking of a so many different ways to use this idea! Adding bows to the dress straps - genius! Thanks so much for the tutorial :)
Posted by: Liz Pape | May 25, 2011 at 06:38 PM
I absolutely LOVE the striped dress. It's adorable. I wish I looked good in yellow :(
Posted by: courtney | May 25, 2011 at 07:58 PM
oh i really like this. i love when such a simple project makes such a big difference! and those stripes and florals just look soo good together :]
Posted by: michael ann | May 25, 2011 at 10:50 PM
OMG so pretty and creative!
Posted by: Joy | May 26, 2011 at 12:54 AM
I love bows, and the one you made looks just perfect on your dress! By the way, the tutorial for business cards is genius.
Posted by: Silvia | May 26, 2011 at 03:24 AM
I like this a LOT. :)
Posted by: allie | May 26, 2011 at 08:30 AM
Great Idea, I could see this pinned all over, not just as an ascot. Love your fabric choice!
Posted by: Theresa | May 26, 2011 at 04:59 PM
the bow's so cute! :)
Posted by: Laura | May 27, 2011 at 12:48 PM
Cute!! I love how something simple like just adding a bow, can completely change an outfit! Great tutorial, I think I shall bookmark this one for an outfit for myself! x
Posted by: See Me Everywhere | May 28, 2011 at 07:08 AM
Ooo, I love it! That bow gives the dress such an entirely different look!
-giedre
www.walkingdotphotography.com
ps. just found you via the hummingbird girls and am now following, cheers!
Posted by: Giedre | May 29, 2011 at 09:39 AM
This is one of my favorite DIY's lately. Love this idea, so simple but such a great impact. I think this would be cute for little kids outfits too (probably not your thing) but I hate kids clothes these days ...I'm going to make something like this to add to my daughters boring dresses. :)
Posted by: Erin Wilson | May 31, 2011 at 11:39 PM
Cool! I love this idea. And the fabric you chose is gorg-a-rama. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Ellen @ Black And White And Loved All Over | June 01, 2011 at 08:20 AM
Such a cute idea! It looks very pretty. Definitely going to have to get bow-sewing! x
Posted by: Katie | June 03, 2011 at 08:19 PM