How to Sew a Bow Bracelet

I will show you how to sew a cute bow bracelet - which can also be used as a hairband! If you're familiar with sewing and have a little extra material on hand, this will be a fun easy project!

I really wanted this to be multi-functional - and was trying to think of a way to give it another use (besides the cute bracelet and hairband). For example, if you're a runner, I bet it would be useful to have a little pocket for a key on this thing. But, I didn't go that route with this instructable as I really didn't think it would be comfortable to wear anymore. Maybe I'll make something like that in the future.

For now, here are the instructions and pattern on making this very cute bow bracelet/hair band! Enjoy!

Step 1: Pattern for Bow Bracelet Hairband

Here you can download the pattern for the bow bracelet. You don't need to use it - as you can see you will need to cut out a piece of material that is approximately 7 inches by 5 inches high. And an extra piece about 1 1/2 inches by 4 inches wide for the band. Please read this step of instructions before you cut out your material - so you know how to do it right!

About the material: I used a very soft stretchy material - a cotton spandex mix. Try to use something that has a good three inches of stretch to it. Please measure around your wrist before you cut out the piece. Everyone is different and you may need this to be larger or smaller around your wrist.

When you cut out the main piece, be sure the material is stretchiest along the direction that it will go around your wrist. And, if you can use a material that does not fray, that would save you some trouble in sewing. My cotton-blended spandex material doesn't fray, so I did not need to do any sewing along the edges.

My striped bracelet in the image is a cute vintage style. I cut the material out of an old vintage shirt that was uncomfortable and never worn. It was a little stretchy, but not that stretchy compared to the cotton-spandex material. It also needed the edges sewn in. So, I did a narrow hem along the edges with my narrow-hem presser foot (I also adjusted the tension to make it looser so it was easier to sew). Sewing the edges made this even less stretchy - so be aware of that. It is still super cute. But, I won't be using it as a hairband.

So, I would recommend using a stretchy, non-fraying material. Now, please cut out your pieces.

Step 2: First Sew the Band

First you'll want to sew your band. The exact width you'll want it to be, is up to you and the material you're using and the size you want it. Mine is approximately 2 inches long. I used a serger to sew mine, but a regular sewing machine will work very well.

Fold the band (you may need to trim it to the correct length), then sew along the edge and trim any excess. Then turn the band right-side out.

My striped band was about 1 inch high by two inches around. The pink one was bigger at about 2 inches wide by 2 1/2 inches around. It doesn't need to be perfect - whatever size you like will work fine as long as it's not too big around (causing it to be too loose).

Step 3: Put Band Onto Bow Piece

Take your main bow piece with the right side of the material facing up. Then, take the band which is right-side out also, and carefully feed the main bow material into the band. Stop when the band is in the center of the bow material.

Step 4: Sew Final Seam on Bow Bracelet

The last part is pretty simple. Take the bow and fold it in half (with the right side on the inside) - then line up the edges of the material. Sew a seam along the edge to finish off your cute bow bracelet. Then, turn it right-side out and trim off any threads and you are done!

Also, if you find that the bow band tends to move around too much, you can sew it to the main piece. I did it with the pink one and you can't even see it. I just did a couple top-stitches onto it - and it's secure and not noticeable!