Twisted Bows!

Gnarly, dude! (I couldn't resist.) I recently went on a scrap busting spree to free up some much needed room in the ol' fabric scrap drawer. I shared a photo of one of the projects with the awesome ladies in my sewing group over on Babycenter. They thought they were cute, and asked me to post a tutorial... so, *wiggle nose, clap arms in front of self* BOINNNGG: The Twisted Bows Tutorial! (Please tell me you caught the "I Dream of Jeannie" reference back there?)

 

Supplies:

• 2 rectangles of fabric (2''x3'' works well to start) Note: I use 1/8'' seam allowance. If you prefer larger, you might want a bit bigger rectangle.
• Sewing Machine
• Sewing Needing and thread (there is only a tad of hand sewing-- and it doesn't have to be pretty!)
• Scissors

First you have to cut out your two rectangles of fabric. You will be sewing them together right sides facing in. (Print sides should be on the inside, folks!) Sew around the rectangle leaving an opening large enough to turn the rectangle right side out.

Hint: Sew together like this so you don't have to worry about corners when you turn it right side out!

 Once you get that bit of sewing done, turn your rectangle right side. (You can stick a dullish pencil or something in there to make sure your corners are pointy.) Now, sew the opening closed and topstitch all the way around the rectangle.

For some reason, I couldn't get a good pic of my actual sewing. These are my mad Picnik skills.

Now, time to do the Twist! All you have to do is hold it with both hands, and give it one twist! Basically, it feels like a half of a twist. The left hand stays still, and the right hand does the twist. (Or vise-versa.) Have fun with it! When it looks how you want it put a pin in it to hold the shape, and bust out the needle and thread!

Hand stitch the twist in place by sewing on the back of the bow. Feed the needle in and out making sure to catch just the inner layer of the front of the bow. When the bow's twist feels secure, you are golden! Just tie off a couple knots, trim the ends, and you are done! If you want to make into a hair bow, just hot glue it (or sew it) to the clip of your choice! I hot glued the green one above to an alligator clip. I am going to dew some on a dress for Lil'bug one of these days, too. Possibilities are endless!