How to Make Bow Ties for Pets

A bow tie is an interesting way to give your pet a different look, whether for a formal event, Halloween or just for fun. It is a simple, easy-to-make accessory. You can make bow ties in any color you want, so your pet can wear a new one every day. It is also easy to fit the size and style of the tie to your pet. Each bow tie only takes a few minutes to make and can last your pet a long time.

Things You'll Need

  • Hot glue gun
  • Ribbon
  • Pencil or fabric marker
  • Iron
  • Needle and thread
  • Hook-and-loop fastener set
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a ribbon size and color that suits your dog. If you want the classic bow tie look, go with black ribbon, but you can also try red, white, powder blue or patterned ribbon. Metallic ribbon makes great bow ties as well. Suit the width of the ribbon to your pet. For small pets, 1- to 2-inch-wide ribbon is best; for medium-sized pets, use 2- to 3-inch ribbon, and for large pets, use ribbon that is 3 or more inches wide.

    • 2

      Cut the ribbon to a length that is twice as long as the finished size of the bow tie. For a small pet, a 3-inch bow tie is good, so cut a 6-inch long piece of ribbon. Double this, or more, for a larger pet.

    • 3

      Find the center of the ribbon by folding it in half. Lightly mark the center on the back side of the ribbon. Lay the ribbon out flat with the back side facing up.

    • 4

      Make a line of hot glue down the center line. Quickly bring each side up to the line, and press the ends into the hot glue.

    • 5

      Fold a 2-inch piece of ribbon into thirds, with the cut seams meeting in the middle of the underside of the ribbon. Iron the ribbon so that the folded pieces stay in place.

    • 6

      Glue one end of the short piece of ribbon to the center of the back of the bow tie. Wrap it around the middle, with the seams against the tie. Make it tight enough to pull the center of the tie together, creating the bow shape. Glue the other end firmly to the back of the tie. Sew everything together with a few stitches for added holding power.

    • 7

      Attach one side of a hook-and-loop fastener to the back of the tie. Glue the other side to the pet's collar. The bow tie can now be added or removed as desired.