A handmade embroidered hair bow adds a touch of charm and elegance to any outfit. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through making your own cottage core bows (two variations-- a simple bow and a bow with long ties), from fabric selection and pattern creation to embroidery and sewing.
Bring a touch of storybook charm to your hairstyle with these handcrafted embroidered hair bows.
Perfect for braids, ponytails, or clipped at the side, these bows blend vintage elegance with handmade warmth. Whether you’re wandering through a garden, dressing up for a picnic, or simply adding a dreamy accent to everyday outfits, an embroidered cottage core bow is the perfect finishing touch.
It's lightweight and comfortable – easy to wear all day.
It has a timeless style – pairs beautifully with dresses, skirts, and cosy knitwear.
A sweet accessory for lovers of slow, handmade fashion.
Supplies You’ll Need
* Fabric: Medium-weight cotton, linen, or cotton-blend canvas (approx. ¼ yard)
* Embroidery floss: Colors of your choice (DMC or Anchor work well)
* Embroidery hoop: 5–6 inch size is ideal
* Embroidery needles: Sharp, with a medium eye
* Water-soluble fabric marker or heat-erasable pen
* Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
* Pins or sewing clips
* Sewing machine (or hand sewing needle for small finishes)
* Iron and ironing board
* Hair clip or elastic band (optional for finishing)
Pattern Creation
1. Bow base: Draw two rectangles 5" × 3" (for the bow loops).
2. Tails: Draw two rectangles 14" × 3". Cut the ends into curved shape for a classic ribbon look.
3. Center knot: Draw a small rectangle 2.5" × 2".
4. Add ½" seam allowance all around.
Embroidery Preparation
1. Trace 1 bow piece and 1 tail piece onto the fabric for embroidering, and then secure the fabric in the embroidery hoop. Trace and and cut out the other pieces of bow and tail, as well as the center piece, and keep them aside.
2. Using your favourite transferring method, tranfer your embroidery designs onto the bow base and tails.
3. Place fabric with the designs in your embroidery hoop.
4. Choose stitches as you like, and finish the embroidery.
👉 Tip: Keep your embroidery within 1/2" of the seam edges so the design is visible after sewing.
Sewing Tutorial
1. Cut fabric: Once embroidered, cut out your bow, tail, and knot pieces.
2. Sew bow base:
* Sew the two rectangle, right sides together, leaving a 1 1/2 inch opening at the center of the longer lower edge.
* Turn right-side out, close the opening by whip stitching it, and press.
3. Sew tails:
* Place two tail pieces right sides together.
* Sew around edges, leaving a 1 1/2 inch opening at the center of the top edge.
* Clip corners, turn right-side out, close the opening by whip stitching it, and press.
* Thread a needle and pass it through the center of the bow’s tail pieces, starting at the bottom edge and coming out at the top edge. Form accordion pleats as you stitch, then wrap the thread several times tightly around the centre to secure the gathers in place.
* Fold down the short edges of the small rectangle by 1/2 inch and sew along the folded edge.
* Fold lengthwise, right sides together.
* Sew along the long edge, turn right-side out, and press.
5. Assemble:
* Fold bow base into loops (ends overlapping at the center).
* Layer tails below the bow.
* Wrap knot piece around center and hand-stitch or machine-stitch securely.
* Attach to a clip or elastic band if desired.
Attaching the Bow to a Hair Clip
-
Choose the clip
-
Alligator clip (great for everyday wear, easy to slip in).
-
French barrette (more secure for thicker hair).
-
-
Wrap the bow center
-
Keep your bow’s middle “knot” piece (the small fabric strip you used to cinch the bow).
-
Before stitching it down completely, slide the clip underneath.
-
-
Secure by stitching or glue
-
Hand-sew through the fabric and clip holes (if using a barrette).
-
Or, apply a strong fabric glue or hot glue directly onto the flat part of the clip, then press the bow in place. Hold until set.
-
Attaching the Bow to a Hair Elastic
-
Make a loop in the center piece
-
When wrapping the small fabric strip around the bow’s center, slide the elastic band into place.
-
The strip should enclose both the bow and the elastic.
-
-
Sew securely
-
Overlap the ends of the center strip tightly and hand-sew the ends, ensuring the elastic is trapped inside.
-
Reinforce with a few extra stitches so it won’t pull loose.
-
-
Optional reinforcement
-
Add a dab of fabric glue or hot glue for extra durability, especially if the bow will be worn often.
-
✨ You’ve now created a gorgeous embroidered bow with ties! Perfect for gifts, everyday wear, or special occasions.
Finishing Touches
* Press gently with a warm iron (avoid ironing directly on embroidery).
* Trim loose threads.
* Add fabric stiffener for extra structure.
Variations
* Use velvet or satin for a dressy look.
* Try monogram embroidery for personalization.
* Add beads or sequins for sparkle.
Download Link:
👉 Cottage Core Hair Bow Free PDF Pattern
Happy Sewing!
---Flora
