Big Bow & Sash Sewing Tutorial

How was that for a title?  I tell ya, I’m struggling with them these days.  I’ll sit and think about what a fun title will be longer than what it takes to make the actual project.  So today, it’s just that. A big ‘ol bow and sash sewing tutorial.   I have had many requests for a simple how to ever since the Lined Pillowcase Dress Tutorial (used to make the dress shown), I am thinking what you’re really after is measurements, but I do have a few tips to make sure you get a great looking sash and bow.

You can make the sash for pillowcase dresses, or even for a tie on a dress to add a little something fun. Like that dress? Super cute right? It’s made from the Sweetheart Dress Pattern by Shannon at luvinthemommyhood and it has a super cute heart cutout on the back.  You can find my review of the pattern here, plus a giveaway!

Catch me after the jump for the tutorial!

How To Make A Large Bow & Sash

I am going to show you a few different ways to go about this, because depending on the result you are looking for and the amount of fabric you plan to use will determine which route you should take for your sash.

For instance, are you going for drama?  Then bigger, longer, and lined is the way to go. Short on fabric? Then a single layer will do the job.  Making it for a baby? Then a detachable, untie-able bow is best. Let’s get started!

Long Lined Sash Instructions:

This type of sash is perfect for tying around a dress at the waist, or for the tie on a pillowcase dress like I used here.  It is folded in half giving each side of the sash a finished look. It also adds to the bulk of the bow, adding a little more drama.  When shopping for fabric, keep in mind this sash takes quite a bit, and you will want it bought off the bolt for one continuous strip.

Fabric Requirements:

For the two sashes shown I used a little less than a half yard cut off the bolt (44″-45″ wide).

Fabric Cuts:

You can cut these any width you want, but keep in mind you will fold the fabric in half and to add the seam allowance. For both the pillowcase dress and the Sweetheart Dress I cut as follows:

• two 6 x 40″ inch pieces – these are for long sashes, you can always start at this length and adjust later

This would be the perfect width and length for 3 and older – for 2 and under I would cut the width to 5 inches.

Sewing:

Take and end from each strip of fabric and sew together with the right sides facing each other, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.  Press the seams open like shown.  Then turn your iron to a low heat setting.

At this time, you can test the length if you need to. Tie it on the little one, string it through the dress…cut any length you need.

Now with the right sides together, fold the strip in half lengthwise, with the raw edges meeting up. Sew with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Before you turn out, take the warm iron and press the side seam open down the length of the sash. This makes it so much easier to press flat in the next step. Turn your iron back up when your finished.

Now turn it right side out – it seems like it will take forever, but really just a couple minutes :).

Once you have it turned out, press with the seam up one side and the folded edge on the other. See how simple that was with the seam pressed on the other side?

Then cut the ends at an angle with the folded side being the tip (easiest to start cutting on the seam side, then up), and snip the top corner of the sash about a 1/2 inch.

Now with one finger, fold the raw edge of the seam side in about a 1/4 inch. Then just fold up to the tip and press. Where this is on the bias, you can get a fun little arch to create a little drama. You can see how there is a little curve to my tips.

Then just sew along the edge to secure the ends.

Then just tie it on. Easy peasy. Again, loved this dress and there is more about it here.

If you don’t have that much fabric, let’s say you only have a 4 inch wide strip – just sew together the ends, and then iron all the edges over 1/4 inch twice.  For the bow I made above in the Lined Pillowcase Tutorial I actually only made the sash 44 inches long and three inches wide because it was for a little little one. The bow is fixed with stitching through the center, and I made it detachable. The appearance of the sash comes from just using the elastic neckline technique.

Have I mentioned how much I love this little dress?  It’s about the only thing I will sew more than once – it’s just so fun to make. You can find the entire Fat Quarter Pillowcase Dress Collection of tutorials here. Including a cutting chart for sizes 3 months up to 6 years. So many options with this one!

I made a cute little pair of Banded Ruffle Cuff Pants to go with this one, full tutorial for those here.

So there you have it! An easy sash tutorial – I just can’t believe it took me almost a year to get it up for you :)

If you have any questions leave them in the comments!

Destri

p.s. the fabric is from the French General collection.

Tagged as: accessories, Fat Quarter Pillowcase Dress, girls