I love a sewing detail that is both pretty and practical, and these little shoulder bows are exactly that!
This simple faux bow detail is an easy way to give your favourite vest top sewing pattern a completely different look. You can add them to lots of different vest top styles, use up smaller pieces of fabric from your stash and, as an added bonus, they can even help to keep your bra straps neatly hidden underneath your vest straps.
For my version, I’ve added the bows to my Laurence Top by Vivian Shao Chen, made in our gorgeous Guthrie & Ghani exclusive Fleur Meadow fabric. I love how such a simple addition changes the look of the top and adds a really pretty detail at the shoulders.
Shop my look here, adding only what you need to make your own!
For my version, I added the bows to the Laurence Top by Vivian Shao Chen, made in our gorgeous G&G Exclusive Fleur Meadow fabric.
Top tip: This is a brilliant little scrap-busting project! Have a rummage through the leftovers from your handmade vest tops – you might already have the perfect matching fabric for your bows.
Cut the pattern piece twice on the fold to give you 4 bow pieces in total. If you have enough fabric left over from making your vest top, this is a lovely way to use some of those smaller scraps!
Place two bow pieces right sides together. Sew around the outer edge with a 1cm seam allowance, leaving the space between the notch for turning through.
Trim down the seam allowance, particularly around the pointed end to reduce bulk, taking care not to cut through your stitches. Pinking shears are great for this!
Turn the bow right side out through the gap and gently push out the point with a point turner.
Give your bow a good press, making sure the seams sit neatly along the edge. At the opening, press the seam allowances to the inside so they sit in line with the finished edge.
Stitch the opening closed by hand or with a neat line of topstitching close to the edge.
Repeat with the remaining two pieces so you have two finished bow pieces.
Position one bow piece underneath each vest strap at the shoulder. If you’d like it to double up as a handy bra strap holder, make sure your bra strap is tucked in too.
Bring the ends together and tie into a knot. And that’s it – YAY! A cute little detail with a practical bonus!
Such a simple little addition, but one that can give a favourite vest top a lovely new look – while keeping those pesky bra straps neatly tucked away too!
It’s also a brilliant way to use up leftover fabric from your project, so you can make your bows to match perfectly.
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I’d love to see what you add your shoulder bows to – don’t forget to share your makes with us!
