It is always so hard to try to think of handmade Christmas presents for the guys in my life. But today’s project is the ultimate gift for a fancy lumberjack… or any guy that wears bow ties. I, unfortunately, don’t know too many guys that will wear bow ties – but you better believe that every single one I know that does wear them will be getting one of these for Christmas this year!
What you need:
-Thin crafting wood (Michael’s)
-Pencil and ruler
-Scroll saw
-Belt sander
-Fabric
-Iron
-Sewing machine
-Hot glue gun
-Hooks and eyes
-Needle and thread
How to make it:
-Measure and sketch out the design of your bow tie on the back side of the wood.
-Use the scroll saw to cut around your design.
-Use the belt sander to sand down the rough sides. I used a thin belt sander to bevel the edges.
-Use whatever finish you desire on the wood or leave it natural.
-For the fabric that goes around the middle of the bow tie, measure the width of the middle section, double the measurement and add about 1/4″ or so. Sew down the side with the backside facing out. Once it is sewn, flip it right-side out and iron it flat with the seam in the back.
-You will repeat most of these steps with the fabric that will go around the neck. But for this you need to add about 1/2″ to the width your need (make sure it isn’t wider than the bow tie or it will show in the middle) and add 1″ to the length. Fold in 1/2″ on each end before sewing the length so the unfinished edges won’t be seen once you turn the fabric inside out.I did not make mine adjustable, so I had to measure the size of neck of those that I was making them for. (You can find many other tutorials on how to make an adjustable band if you’d prefer that.)
-Use a dab of hot glue to secure the long piece in the middle of the back of the bow tie and then hot glue the middle piece around it.
-Now sew on the hook and eye to the end of the fabric that will go around the neck. Make sure you’re sewing it to the correct side!
^ I think Levi approves! Haha!
Go try it out! You can get a whole bunch of Christmas presents done by making a quick batch of these!
xo. Caitlin
