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Detail Inspiration: Pretty Bows

Bows can show up in many forms: the functional sort that tie and produce a three-dimensional bow, or the kind that are applied (whether embroidery, applique, painting, etc.) and are flat and immoveable. Bows have been a sweet, feminine detail added to clothes for centuries, and still are favored by many designers to add a bit of whimsy to modern clothes. Perhaps one of the easiest to sew embellishments you can tack on to any project, here is a roundup of both functional and applied bows.

This first, oversized and glitzy example is from the Erin Fetherston spring/summer 2012 collection. The appliqued shoulder bow is a detail that shows up often in 1940s fashion as well, and is a great way to bring the eye up to the neckline or shoulder. While this example is glamorously encrusted with beads, other options could be self or contrast fabric applique or even ribbon.

A more tailored style with a bit of white binding. I really adore how this particular bow works with the binding along the front opening; almost acting as a “bookend” to the trim and finishing what could be an awkward stop with elegance. Tailored bows are perhaps the easiest to incorporate into modern styles as well, since they are not as overly fussy and obtrusive.

Fluffy, tied neckline bows are a perennial favorite. A delightfully summery striped blouse, the bow is worked into a neat and tailored collar that splits at the center back. This particular bow style would look just as perfectly placed on a lower neckline or even at the waist of a skirt or dress. These full, tied bows are quite easy to make out of a few rectangles of self or contrast fabric. (For more structure, add a lightweight interfacing like silk organza.)

Images: Erin Fetherston dress, 1950s dress, vintage blouse.

Casey Cartwright

Comments

Fabulies

July 18, 2012 #

I love bows on dresses and blouses, but I always have problems to tie it up in a pretty bow. Most of the time, it ends up looking more like a knot. With all your experience, do you have any tips on how best to tie a pretty bow?

Shirley

July 18, 2012 #

I had trouble tiying bows until I started getting into a little card crafting! Alot of card crafters use ribbons that they tie into bows on cards, and they would illustrate how to do this on their site.

Fabulies

July 19, 2012 #

Thanks for the tip, I’ll check it out. No more awkward knots (hopefully) :-)

Sara

July 18, 2012 #

Also, sometimes you can get buttons that are shaped like bows, or have bows printed on them.

Sassy T

July 18, 2012 #

Love the applique one, looks more edgy than the average bow trim.

Kate

July 18, 2012 #

Love your tips and ideas!

Sam

July 18, 2012 #

Totally adore that first dress with the sequinned applique bow! What a great idea for an understated – but “statement” – dress for a special occasion.

Jessica

July 18, 2012 #

I just saw that Erin Fetherston dress on TV last night. It looks fun in the photos but it looks so glamourous on screen.

Shannon

July 18, 2012 #

The blouse with the bow reminds me of my mother! I think there is a picture of her somewhere wearing one almost identical!

Roxy

July 18, 2012 #

So Cute! I’ll have to add a bow to something soon.

Kat

July 18, 2012 #

I love that sleeveless blouse that buttons in the back and the bow treatment on the tailored dress is really unique. Thanks for the inspiration!

BusyLizzie

July 18, 2012 #

I love bows, I just made a jacket with a bow fastening and a dress with a bow belt and bow above the kickpleat. Nice way to add a girly touch to an outfit. I love the beaded bow, I may have to incorporate that somewhere soon, thanks for the inspiration!

Shannon Wood

July 19, 2012 #

I love that glittery bow! It makes me want to learn how to embroider beads. I love nontraditional bows. And normal bows…

Jen

July 24, 2012 #

this article would have been more useful with a few links to tutorials on making and adding bows.