Skip to content
Doll Sewing Tutorials

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

Previous Post Next Post

179 Comments

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)

Carrie

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.

Elizabeth

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

Michelle Smith

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

Jayne

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.

lena juka

Leave A Comment