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DIY Sailor Bow Tutorial and free pattern
I’ve been searching for a good DIY Sailor Bow Tutorial and free pattern, but couldn’t find one… so I decided to create my own! I’ve loved seeing them all over Etsy and Pinterest, but the stores I try to buy them from are always closed. Now I can make as many as I want, with any fabric I like!  I do have one from Etsy, and I will tell you that it is incredibly well made and totally worth the money if you can catch the bow you want!
Quick Update! I have a new post showing how to cut these bows on a Cricut Maker! There is also a free SVG file on that post to use to make them!
Making this as a gift? Check out this post too for awesome FREE printable Christmas gift tags! They are some of our new favorites to cut out on the Cricut or with a 2 inch punch.
Received this as a gift? Send one of these cute Thank You cards to someone you love! And find more great free printables here!
These are incredibly addicting, and my own personal disclaimer is that I should warn you ahead of time that these are a tad bit more time consuming to make than they appear, so be prepared! Happy sewing!
DIY Sailor Bow & Baby Bow Instructions
Materials
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Fabric
- Glue gun and glue (I used fabric hot glue)
- Alligator hair clips, nylons, pattern pieces
- Bodkin for turning if you have one (or just use your fingers) – a knitting needle or something with a blunt end will make your corners look sharp without poking through
Directions for sewing Sailor and Baby Sailor Bows
4) Turn inside out.
5) On long pieces roll the seam to the back middle. Iron.
7) Pinch together bottom bow piece and wrap with wire to top piece.
9) Fold and iron center piece, and glue to back of bow and wrap it around clip or headband to secure. The end should fold over 1/4 inch at the very end for a nice clean edge. Glue end. I always wrap down and then up and over the front for my bows.
Thanks for visiting our site, be sure to check our our new announcement, and newest additions to our Minted, Spoonflower and Etsy stores on your way to the pattern download below!
Click on the links below to download your patterns! And tag me #diysailorbow on Instagram with your final projects! @nataliemalanstudio
Click here to Download the DIY Baby Sailor Bow Free Template and Tutorial
Click here to Download the DIY Sailor Bow Free Template and Tutorial
Be sure to check out this new highly requested post!

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How much fabric is needed for each bow?
A 1/4 yard or a fat quarter is enough to make either bow, and you should be able to get at least two bows from 1/4 yard. Hope that helps!
I was looking for a simple bow pattern to add as a statement piece to my plain, white Sailor-collared Dress but this is even better! Thanks so much for taking the time to make this ♥
Hi! That’s just fine; just credit the pics and use a backlink. I’d love to see the article you post. 🙂
What is the actual headband part made of?
It’s made from a nylon stocking. I cut about a one inch width strip, and it curls up into the band.
What type of nylon stockings do you find work best for headbands? Is there a particular brand that you use?
I use my old ones that get a snag or the cheap ones in the little plastic balls at Walmart. As Alice is growing the used ones or the part by the thigh is fitting best.
Is it best to print as two separate pages? Or both patterns on one page?
It’s set up for two separate pages. 🙂
Hi Natalie,
Just curious where you purchased your alligator clip from? Also, how big is the alligator clip?
Thanks!
Sally’s! I bought a whole box. It’s about 2 inches???? ?
Do you have a recommendation on a inexpensive but cost effective sewing machine?
Hi! Sorry, my blog has been down, but I have a Brother from WM that I have used for 9 years and love. It is a CE 5000 PRW. It was inexpensive but works great for me (and I have sewn TONS on it over the years).
It would be really great if you Offer a Free Tutorial or Do a Free Class of an Introduction to Watercolours, so we all can have starting point to Do It Ourselves.
Hi! My free online classes just launched. You can find the links here.
Thank you for this pattern! I used both patterns to make a double bow with contrasting fabric and it turned out super cute. 🙂
Hi Natalie, may I sell from this pattern? Thanks
Yes! You sure can. Sorry for the crazy late reply, I need to get better at checking my comments! And thanks for asking!!!! xoxo
Hi! Would you mind if I used this pattern for bows in my Etsy shop?
How can I download and print pattern
Found it so sorry
Love you made this out. So clear to follow. Thanks for sharing with us such awesome DIY tutorial.
Hello! I saved the pattern but it saved it as both patterns being on one single page…how do I get it to be on 2 separate pages?