How to Make a Large Bow

This crisp metallic tafetta skirt has a bowed belt.

Large bows are eye-catching additions to any formal wear, bridal ensemble, or children's clothing. Properly tied bows are attractive, comfortable, and have good staying power. Learn how to properly tie a full, balanced bow using belts, sashes, or scarves.

Things You'll Need

• Belt
• Sash
• Scarf

Instructions

1. Grasp the ends of the belt along the longer edge. Avoid clutching the fabric so that it doesn't crease or wrinkle.

2. 

   Bring the right belt end over the left, keeping the fabric flat. Loop the top belt layer over the bottom one, pulling until snug.

3. 

   Use your left hand to hold the right belt piece about 1/3 of the way down. Bring your hand up to the twist and grab fabric at the top of the right belt piece to form a loop. Hold the loop loosely in the circle, using your thumb and forefinger.

4. 

   Holding the left belt piece in your right hand, wrap the fabric around the loop, bringing it over the left hand, and then through the opening created by your left fingers. Use your right thumb to push the fabric through, creating a second loop.

5. 

   Tighten the bow by pinching the loops at the folds and pulling outward. Adjust the loop size by pulling the ends of the belt and tightening once more. Adjust pleats and creases according to taste. The ends don't have to be even.

Tips & Warnings

• Keeping fabric flat during this process makes for a less bulky bow knot. This is crucial to the wearer's comfort, especially if the bow lies on the lower back.

• Crisp fabrics work best for bigger, fuller bows.

• To stop satin bows from slipping, secure the knot with a hidden safety pin in the back of the bow.

• For an added touch, pin a rhinestone or jewel brooch to the center of the bow. This will also stabilize your creation so that it doesn't loosen with wear.