Bow Sleeve Tee

This is a super fast, easy technique to add to your favorite basic tee!

Today, I'm using the free Liberty Jane Trendy Tee. It's super easy to sew up, and we have it available for many different doll sizes... :)

Giveaway update: Thanks everybody for entering, we have a winner! It's Leonore, who said, "My mother taught me to tie my shoes. It wasn’t easy for either of us, because she was right-handed and I am left-handed." I am glad you figured it out -- the righty/lefty distinction can be tricky sometimes! We'll be in touch via email soon, Leonore :)

Cut out all your pieces -- and cut a couple pieces of matching ribbon. Mine are about 10" long, but you don't have to be very precise (you'll be trimming these down later). 

Follow the directions in the guidebook to sew the shoulder seams, and hem the neck edge.

Then, find the middle of your pieces of ribbon. Pin one to the outside edge of each shoulder. 

Hem the sleeves by zig-zagging over the hem edge, and turning it up once. Topstitch this single folded edge down.

Pin and sew the sleeves into the tee -- being sure you're sandwiching the ribbon between the sleeve and the body of the tee.

Trim and finish this seam, but be sure not to clip off any of the ribbon on the inside!

Finish your tee shirt, following the guidebook instructions (sew the side seams, hem the bottom, and add a closure at Center Back). 

Then, tie the ribbons up into bows, and trim the ends off neatly. If your ribbon doesn't like staying tied, you can stitch through the bows once or twice to keep them in place.

And that's it! Congratulations!

Thanks everybody, and have fun with this :)

For Pixie Faire,
Melinda


100 Comments

Carolyn
Carolyn

December 25, 2023

What a cute sleeve treatment and instructional as well! Who knew!

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betty
betty

July 24, 2015

While I can’t remember who taught me, still want to comment—it’s been wonderful reading all the comments left by others. They’ve been a treasure house of loving memories. Thank all of you for sharing.

Bonnie
Bonnie

July 24, 2015

Being a Lefty I never knew I was tieing my shoes backwards, according to right handed people. And whats so funny my 4 kids tie there shoes backwards and their right handed, taught by a lefty Mom. We laughed about it when it was pointed out by my son-n-law who is a lefty and my daughter is a righty and she ties as a lefty.

Claudine
Claudine

July 24, 2015

My mom and dad taught me. My mom is a lefty, and my dad is a righty, like me. It was very difficult for me to follow what mom was showing me, so dad would show me too. I was having such a terrible time learning to tie my shoes. Finally, mom realized something was wrong. Turns out I have a congenital deformity of my thumbs, the joint at the tip doesn’t bend. Mom figured out how to adapt her instruction, and bam, I learned to tie my shoes.

Brenda Brown
Brenda Brown

March 16, 2015

Probably my older sister, no such thing as velcro closure shoes, back then lol.

shelly
shelly

March 16, 2015

My mom taught me how to tie a bow with the ole bunny ear method. Funny thing is whenever we craft or sew together, she has me tie all the bows.

Ellie
Ellie

March 15, 2015

My mum taught me to tie a bow when I was in year 4

Lucy
Lucy

March 15, 2015

both my mama and dad.
Thanks for the tutotial, most appreciated.

AnnaAwesome
AnnaAwesome

March 15, 2015

My Mom and I collaborated to learn to tie a bow. My Mom gave me a demonstration, and I worked on it for 25 minutes. By the end of the 25 minutes, I had finally learned to tie a bow. I was super proud.

- AnnaAwesome

Gabriella
Gabriella

March 15, 2015

I taught myself how to tie a bow from a storybook my grandma had. :)
Thanks for the tutorial!

Diane
Diane

March 14, 2015

My mother taught me to tie my saddle shoes by making 2 rabbit ears and a knot.

Margaret Haffner
Margaret Haffner

March 14, 2015

i cant remember for sure, probably my mom. ;-)

Robyn
Robyn

March 14, 2015

Wow, long time ago. I would guess it would have been my mom—probably when learning how to tie my shoelaces.

Janice Smith
Janice Smith

March 14, 2015

I can’t remember, but it would probably have been my mom. I have learned a few of ways to make bows and use all of them at various times.

Jane Holleran
Jane Holleran

March 14, 2015

Wow, I really like the way these bows are done. I used to add bows like this to doll clothes and bigger ones to kids clothing. The problem I ran into after a few washings is the bows would start to look so sad, it was pitiful. I would try and try to get them to look nice again but it was a lost cause. Eventually I just stopped adding them to anything. My granddaughters could change for each holiday or to match the shoes their doll is wearing that day. Great Idea !

Svetlana
Svetlana

March 14, 2015

My mom taught me.

Margaret
Margaret

March 13, 2015

I was taught to tie a bow by a nurse while in Hospital,when I was 4 years old.This was during one of many stays in Hospital.The nurses saved the string from around the bundles of baby nappies that the children’s ward used every day.The nurses also taught me to weave the strings,and use these cloths for different things

Leona
Leona

March 13, 2015

55 years ago, when I was 5 years. old my Dad spent most of a whole day teaching me to tie my shoes(this was before velcro was invented let alone putting in on gym shoes, called tennis shoes then) and I remember having to tie my shoe strings into a bow over and over again until I could do it, by myself in front of him, I still remember the tears of frustation and it came back to me when I got a letter from my youngest son’s kindergarten teacher asking all the parents to teach their kids to tie their shoes as she didn’t have enough time to tie 30 pair of shoes every day.:)

Crystal
Crystal

March 13, 2015

My mom tried to teach me. Dad tried too. Both are lefties. I’m a righty. My grandmother finally showed me days before kindergarten started. Shoe tying was a school requirement, and my inability to tie a bow was a source of great anxiety for me. My righty husband and I both failed at demonstrating chopstick use to our lefty son. We went to dinner with a lefty friend who said to our son, “Come sit by me.” Lefty chopstick skills were imparted in about a minute.

Marketta Meyer
Marketta Meyer

March 13, 2015

My mom taught me.

Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn

March 13, 2015

I can’t really remember, but I think my mom taught me how to tie a bow! :)

Donna
Donna

March 13, 2015

My big sister taught me to tie a bow!!

Anne C-E
Anne C-E

March 13, 2015

My dad finally did. My mom tried but I couldn’t follow her hands.

Donna
Donna

March 13, 2015

My mom taught me to tie a bow along with how to sew starting with doll clothes!

Linda Wernette
Linda Wernette

March 13, 2015

I got so excited on leaving a comment I forgo to answer the question! My auntie taught me to tie a bow. She was the bestest Auntie in the whole wide world!

Linda Wernette
Linda Wernette

March 13, 2015

LJC is my favorite place to buy patterns. They are reasonably priced and have many giveaways and you can build up points for more free patterns. How great is that!

Roz
Roz

March 13, 2015

My mum taught me to tie a bow when i learnt to tie my shoelaces!
However, when i started putting bows in my hair, it was self taught as i had to do it all by feel. No-one can teach you that skill!!

Ida Meyers
Ida Meyers

March 13, 2015

I don`t remember, it`s been a long time ago,but it was probably my mom. She was a seamtress, She made clothes for my 7 siblings without a pattern. I love your website , I`ve made several outfits already. Love to win the BOW SLEEVE TEE!

Cindi
Cindi

March 13, 2015

Who taught you to tie a bow? Was it your mom, dad, grandparent, aunt, family friend….?

I really don’t remember. I was kinda young back then lol. I would guess my Mom since she didn’t work.

Crystal
Crystal

March 13, 2015

It was my older sisters that taught me to tie a bow.

Carol
Carol

March 13, 2015

I love these patterns! So easy to follow and they come out beautifully every time!!

Deb Yoder
Deb Yoder

March 13, 2015

My mom actually taught me, she’s a lefty, I’m a righty. Believe it or not, my dad lost his left arm in the World War II & was originally left handed also; he had to learn to do everything with his right hand and he was even able tie shoes with one hand! :-)

Hanna
Hanna

March 13, 2015

My mom taught me to tie a bow. I learned before my older sister, so that made her finally learn too. ; )

MIchelle
MIchelle

March 13, 2015

My sister actually taught me how to tie a bow first in my hair and then in a dress. From there i just put it in my shoes and everything else.

Edie
Edie

March 13, 2015

Gosh that was probably 55 years ago! My little sister probably taught me lol – she was always brighter :(

Kate
Kate

March 13, 2015

My dad taught me to tie a bow. He had a way to make learning easy and fun.

Leonore
Leonore

March 13, 2015

My mother taught me to tie my shoes. It wasn’t easy for either of us, because she was right-handed and I am left-handed.

Anna Mae
Anna Mae

March 13, 2015

Mom, she was the patience one!

judith martinez
judith martinez

March 13, 2015

It was either my mom or my dad but that was a really, really long time ago.

Maryann
Maryann

March 13, 2015

My grandmother taught me.

Natalie
Natalie

March 13, 2015

My mom probably taught me how to tie a bow, but I probably figured it out from constantly having to tie the ribons on my Calico Critters’ babies’ diapers!

Martha
Martha

March 13, 2015

I really do not know but had to be mother or daddy.

Diane
Diane

March 13, 2015

My mother taught me bow tying.

Joyce
Joyce

March 13, 2015

My Mother taught me to tie a bow and I taught my younger sister.

Peggy Schroud
Peggy Schroud

March 13, 2015

I am sure it was my mother who taught me how to tie a bow. Both of my parents are gone now so I can’t ask. I miss both of them a lot.

Gillian
Gillian

March 13, 2015

I am old enough that I don’t remember. But since I stayed with my grandparents while my single mom worked I am pretty sure it was one of them. I can’t wait to make this shirt for one of my granddaughters, but I’d love to win this t-shirt for the other.

Anna
Anna

March 13, 2015

Everything was taught to us by our Mom. She had more patience than Dad. Love them both so dearly.

Anna
Anna

March 13, 2015

Everything was taught to us by our Mom. She had more patience than Dad. Love them both so dearly.

Joan
Joan

March 13, 2015

My mom taught me how to tie a bow.

Carrie
Carrie

March 13, 2015

Must have been my mamma…or maybe my big brother…he was a great sub when mom was busy! The t shirt is adorable :o)

Elizabeth
Elizabeth

March 13, 2015

My older sister taught me to tie a bow and how to sew. She was an excellent seamstress and I spent many hours standing next to her whilst sewing, picking up so many useful tips. We are still the best sewing buddies today.

Michelle Smith
Michelle Smith

March 13, 2015

My mom is the one who taught me how to tie a bow.

Jayne
Jayne

March 13, 2015

My mom taught me many things, including how to tie a bow.

lena juka
lena juka

March 13, 2015

My mother taught me how to tie a bow. It was to make 2 loops and then tie a knot with them. It was a good starter method but I did learn to tie a bow the way most people do. I have taught my grandchildren the “correct” way to tie a bow. It takes a bit more patience but is worth it in the long run.

Angela
Angela

March 13, 2015

My mom taught me how to tie a bow.

Edie
Edie

March 13, 2015

I do not remember who taught me to tie a bow.
Interesting side note, I found a tutorial for tying bows that is much different than how I tie mine. I wonder how many of us tie bows the “old fashioned way” of “bunny ears”. :)

Cynthia
Cynthia

March 13, 2015

Loved the comment by an earlier poster about being a leftie! Back in the day when little girls wore dresses with tie sashes, we learned to tie a right-side up bow behind our backs. How things have changed! Enjoy reading others comments. I have never to this day have found a pair of left-handed scissors that work well! lol

Dianne Lawler
Dianne Lawler

March 13, 2015

My dear sweet Mama taught me and also the gift of loving to sew.

Mary Margaret Petty
Mary Margaret Petty

March 13, 2015

Who taught you to tie a bow? Was it your mom, dad, grandparent, aunt, family friend – Oh it was definitely my Mom! She’s a gem….My Mom was a stay at home Mom (many years ago lol!) She taught me many things I still do today & is amazed at the technology in the sewing field. She will be 96 on March 18th :o) My Mom is also the one who used to make most of my clothes & when she saw me interested in sewing, she & my Dad got me my own “sewing machine”. To say the least I was extatic! When I was of age to take good care of my own things, I was gifted my Grandma’s Treadle machine for my very own. Oh what great memories! Thank you for your contest and all you at Pixie Faire Team do for us. Kindest regards, Mary Margaret

Sue
Sue

March 13, 2015

I don’t remember when I learned to tie bows, probably tying an apron, when I was young all
my shoes had buckles and I know Dad taught me to buckle my shoes and book bag. That is a really cute accent on the shirt.

Lydia
Lydia

March 13, 2015

It was my older brother. He is always helping me wih everything I can imagine, and I guess teaching my how to tie a bow was one of them.

EG Hughes
EG Hughes

March 13, 2015

It was the mid-1950’s, and I was standing in front of my dad for the “umpteenth” time asking him to tie the laces on my Molly Maguire type saddle oxfords, when he said something like, "I think it’s time you learned to tie them yourself. Then he proceeded to show me, the single loop, in one hand with the wrap over, through and pull with the other hand to make the second loop. He being left-handed, and my being right-handed, it took me several tries before he brought me before the mirror and me again, this time seeing it in the mirror in a right-handed manner, I got in the next try.

Manal
Manal

March 13, 2015

My mom taught me how to tie a bow :)

Andrée Bergeron
Andrée Bergeron

March 13, 2015

My Mother or 1 of my 6 siblings.

Leah M
Leah M

March 13, 2015

My Dad actually taught me how to tie a bow!

Kim
Kim

March 13, 2015

I honestly can’t remember who taught me to tie a bow but I’m guessing it was my older sister since my mom had four of us in six years. But I do remember my mom teaching me to sew.

Danielle
Danielle

March 13, 2015

I believe my mother taught me how to tie.

Georgia
Georgia

March 13, 2015

My Grandfather, who was a General actually, taught me and two cousins to tie our shoes all in the same morning. Lined us all up and showed us quite patiently over and over. Three little girls in frilly dresses…lol. Tough military guy who adored his granddaughters and had infinite patience. Miss him still.

Darlene Crawford
Darlene Crawford

March 13, 2015

Remember the time when we back combed our hair this is time I leaned to tie bows because we had bows in our hair. Thank you for all the free turtorials

Vera
Vera

March 13, 2015

Good one! I am 65+ years old and I’m lucky if I remember to pick up a grandchild from school. However, I do remember that my father taught me to sew. His parents immigrated from Russia in the early 1900’s and his dad was a tailor. They lived in N.Y. at the time. He was so good that women would come with pictures and he could make the outfits.

Maryann Deke
Maryann Deke

March 13, 2015

My brother taught me how to tie! How nice of him!

Diane
Diane

March 13, 2015

My sister taught me to tie a bow on shoes. First time I actually did it by myself I tied the shoes in my walking doll. I was about 4 and she was almost as tall as me. You held her hand and kinda pulled her a little and she’d walk beside you.

Holly
Holly

March 13, 2015

I assume my mom taught me how since my dad worked away from home. I know for sure my mom was the one that taught me how to make a beautiful bow, the ones that hang just right from a pretty dress or apron.

Donna O
Donna O

March 13, 2015

My mother taught me how to tie and sew. Also crocheting.

Donna D
Donna D

March 13, 2015

My Mom taught me how to tie a bow on my shoes. But it was my Aunt Audrey that taught me how to tie a ‘fancy’ bow! I was learning to smock and made an adorable dress for my daughter. Since Aunt Audrey was the expert seamstress in the family, I wanted to show her what I had done. She was so complimentary. But in a very sweet and subtle way she taught me the ‘best’ way to tie the bow so it looked special! Sure miss them both!

Judy
Judy

March 13, 2015

My grandpa taught me.at age three. He told me if I wanted to go to the barn with him I had to learn how to tie my own boots. I did it it so I could go and watch all the milking machines and the cows.

DianeKae
DianeKae

March 13, 2015

My Mother taught me to tie my Buster Brown school shoes just before I went to Kindergarten. No velcro shoes in those days…The 50’s!

Renee H
Renee H

March 13, 2015

I believe it was my mom who taught me how to tie my shoes.

Cheryle
Cheryle

March 13, 2015

I had to call my Mom, who got a chuckle out of the question. I don’t remember, but I had a teddy bear that had a big bow on it, and she taught me on that. Mom also taught me a love of all things crafted.

Cheryl M.
Cheryl M.

March 13, 2015

Not really sure who taught me. But I do remember practicing my skills on my dad’s shoes as he was getting ready for work way back in the late 60’s ! Those laces were very stiff and much harder for a little kid to tie.

Christina B
Christina B

March 13, 2015

I’m not quite sure who taught me how to tie a bow but if I had to guess it was my Mom. I have learned over the years of making hair bows for my girls that the tiny bow are much different than shoe lace bows.

Yadira
Yadira

March 13, 2015

My mom taught me to tie my shoes, but I remember my grandmother teaching me to tie a ribbon to my hair.

Joan Stevens
Joan Stevens

March 13, 2015

My Mom taught me to tie a bow and instilled a love for sewing and creativity.

Suzanne
Suzanne

March 13, 2015

My mother taught me to tie bows in approximately 1947. She had been writing letters, and she was wearing a “house dress” with great big buttons with bows tied in them. She took me up on her lap and I played with those ribbons, so she took the time to show me how to tie them in bows. It is one of my favorite memories of “together time” with her.

Linda DuBos
Linda DuBos

March 13, 2015

i taught myself to tie a bow. I remember sitting in a packing box at age four with my little shoe on my foot determined to figure out how to tie a bow. I worked at it, struggled with it for what seemed like an eternity to a small child. Making mistake after mistake until finally one of my attempts was a success. I remember untying and retying my shoe over and over again so I would never forget how I did it.

Wendy
Wendy

March 13, 2015

I believe my answer is “all the above”. I was the youngest of 7 children so of course they all wanted to show off and be the one to claim they taught me.

Alison
Alison

March 13, 2015

I’m gonna have to go with my Mom. Who else?

Irene
Irene

March 13, 2015

It was my Mom.

Diana
Diana

March 13, 2015

My mother taught me to tie a bow. I can still remember the cardboard cutout she made and laced for me to practice on. :)

JJ
JJ

March 13, 2015

My mom taught me how to tie a bow on my white and brown saddle shoes =)

Jeri
Jeri

March 13, 2015

Cute sleeve accent!! Going to try it today! Let’s see…it was my daddy that taught me to tie my shoes. He was home from work on a lunch break and I can still remember it. That’s an awesome memory to start the day off with. Have a great weekend everyone!

janet S
janet S

March 13, 2015

My Mom taught me how to tie my shoes in a bow. She also taught me to sew, embroidery, knit, and crochet.

Amanda Graham
Amanda Graham

March 13, 2015

My Dad taught me to tie a bow when he showed me how to tie my shoes. I remember he always had a story about a dog and a cat chasing each other around a tree, to go along with the learning.

Suzan
Suzan

March 13, 2015

It was my oldest brother who taught me how to tie my shoes into a bow

Rachel Koppleberger
Rachel Koppleberger

March 13, 2015

my mom taught me

Rachel
Rachel

March 13, 2015

Well…… lets see if i can remember?!!
I believe it was my MOM! :)

Joleen Waltman
Joleen Waltman

March 13, 2015

I am self taught in making bows. Still learning how to make them better.

Veronica
Veronica

March 13, 2015

My Mom taught me to do the bow on my shoes and I learned to tie a bow unconnected to something to add to an art project in Girl Scouts

Karen
Karen

March 13, 2015

My Mother taught me how to tie my shoes as well as sew and knit!

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