Horsehair Bow Tutorial Supplies List

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cut Your Fabric

First things first—decide how big you want your bow to be. If you’re using 3-inch horsehair braid, you’ll want your fabric strip to be about 7 inches wide. For a 5-inch wide bow, cut your strip 11 inches long.

Make sure your edges are straight, especially if you’re using patterned fabric. Nothing’s worse than cutting into that perfect print and realizing it’s all crooked.

Step 2: Sew the Tube

Fold your fabric strip in half (hotdog style) with the right sides facing each other (that means the pretty side of the fabric should be inside). Sew a straight stitch down the long edge with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. This will create a tube.

Quick tip: If you’re still getting comfortable with your sewing machine, I have a course called Sew Confident that covers all the basics and some of the techniques I use every day as a pageant designer. It’s perfect for beginners and a great refresher if you’re a little rusty.

Step 3: Turn the Tube Right Side Out

Now for the fun part—flipping the tube right side out. You can use a loop turner if you have one, but a safety pin works just fine too. Attach the safety pin to one end, feed it through the inside of the tube, and pull until the fabric is flipped the right way. Give it a good press with an iron if needed.

Step 4: Insert the Horsehair Braid

Here’s a pro tip: place a piece of clear packing tape over each end of the horsehair braid before you start feeding it through the fabric tube. This keeps the sharp edges from catching on the fabric (and saves you from a lot of frustration).

Once you’ve taped the ends, slide the horsehair braid through the tube until it fills the entire length. Then cut off any excess braid from the ends.

Step 5: Form the Loops

Now it’s time to shape that bow! Fold each end of the tube toward the middle, overlapping about a 1/2 inch on each side. This will form the classic bow loops.

Step 6: Stitch the Overlaps

Place the overlapped ends under your sewing machine and sew a zig-zag stitch to secure them. Make sure it’s tight enough to hold everything in place—this is what gives the bow its structure and durability.

Step 7: Stack for Extra Dimension (Optional)

If you’re feeling fancy (and who isn’t?), you can stack two bows on top of each other to add more depth. I did this for my Gingerbread OOC design, and it looked incredible on stage. Just make a smaller bow following the same steps and layer it on top of the larger one.

Step 8: Add the Center Details

This is where you can really let your creativity shine. Wrap the center with embroidery details, add appliques, or even use themed fabric for extra flair. For my Dumbo OOC design, I embroidered details that tied into the theme of the outfit, and it made the whole look feel cohesive and polished.

Step 9: Attach the Bow

The best way to attach your bow is by sewing snaps to both the dress and the bow itself. This way, the bow stays secure but can be removed easily for washing or adjustments. It’s super practical, especially if you’re making a bow for little ones who love to move around.

Tips for the Perfect Pageant Bow

• Use good quality horsehair braid to ensure the bow holds its shape.

• Press your fabric before starting to keep everything neat and tidy.

• Experiment with sizes and fabrics to find what works best for your design.