Easy How-To: Give a T-shirt New Pizzazz with a Bow

It’s almost back-to-school time!! That means getting the school clothes ready for action. Here’s an easy way to give a t-shirt new pizzazz with a bow. This small bow makes a big impact, following the “less is more” design concept.

Supplies and Equipment to Give a T-shirt New Pizzazz with a Bow

• Mini Bowdabra
• 9″ length ¼” satin ribbon
• 36″ sewing thread to match ribbon
• T-shirt
• Needle and thread (or fabric glue)

Instructions for Bow and T-shirt

1. Select a t-shirt with a design and decide where the bow will add the most impact to the design. For my t-shirt, I’m adding the bow as leaves on the back-to-school apple.
2. Cut the ribbon and thread to appropriate lengths. Seal the ends of the satin ribbon by quickly passing them through a flame.
3. Fold the thread in half, then in half again.
4. Place the folded thread in the Mini Bowdabra.
5. Position the ribbon in the Mini Bowdabra with a ½” tail extending from the ribbon support.
6. Make ½” to ¾” loops on each side of the mini Bowdabra, ending with a tail.
7. Compress the bow with the Mini Bowdabra wand.
8. With the bow still in the Mini Bowdabra, pass the ends of the thread through both loops, and tighten.
9. Bring the ends of the thread to the back of the bow and tie a knot. Leave the ends long for sewing the bow to the t-shirt.
10. If necessary, trim any excess ribbon, and reseal the end.
11. Sew the bow to the t-shirt. Thread a needle with one set of threads, and sew these to the t-shirt.
12. Repeat with the second set of thread, this time inserting the needle about 1/8″ from the first set of threads.
13. On the inside of the t-shirt, tie the two sets of thread ends with a secure knot. Trim the threads, leaving about ½” tails.

I can think of lots of options for dressing up a t-shirt with a bow—or how about multiple bows. Let your imagination run wild!! You’ll have a back-to-school wardrobe with pizzazz.

We’re all ready for second grade here!!

Come back to Bowdabra blog each week for more adorable crafts, videos, recipes and so much more!

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