How to Make Mickey Mouse Bows

A yellow bow tie is a signature Mickey Mouse accessory.

Mickey Mouse wears his yellow bow tie to welcome visitors to Disney theme parks around the world. You can make your own signature Mickey Mouse bow tie for Halloween to greet trick-or-treaters at your door. Wear this over-sized accessory to complete your cartoon costume. You can make this simple accessory in less than an hour.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• 8-inch wide wired yellow satin ribbon
• Scissors
• Ironing board
• Fabric marker
• Heavy spray starch
• White linen cloth
• Clothes iron
• Safety pin

Instructions

1. Measure the length from the outer edge of your right shoulder to the outer edge of your left shoulder. Cut the 8-inch wide yellow satin ribbon to that length.

2. Lay the yellow satin ribbon flat on an ironing board. Use the fabric marker to mark 1/4 inch from each end of the satin ribbon. Fold the yellow satin ribbon inward along the lines. Spray the yellow satin ribbon lightly with heavy starch.

3. Follow your clothes iron manufacturer's instructions to choose the correct steamed heat setting to prevent scorching the yellow satin ribbon. Place the white linen cloth between the iron and the yellow satin ribbon, apply moderate pressure along the lines to form creases. Lightly iron to smooth the length of the yellow satin ribbon. Remove the white linen cloth and allow the yellow satin ribbon to cool for two minutes.

4. Fold the yellow satin ribbon in half lengthwise. Lightly iron along the fold to form a crease, using the white linen cloth between the iron and the yellow satin ribbon. Turn off the iron and set it aside.

5. Unfold the satin ribbon, and turn it over. Cut a two-inch piece of yellow satin ribbon. Use your thumb and index finger to bunch the larger piece of yellow satin ribbon at the center crease. Wrap the 2-inch piece of yellow satin ribbon lengthwise around the center of the larger yellow satin ribbon. Use safety pins to secure the bow tie to your costume.

References

• "Mickey Mouse History and Other Essays on American Memory": Mike Wallace; 1996