The Perfect Shabby Rag Bow Tutorial

In this video, I share 2 techniques for making shabby rag bows. We will start with the tails first, before making the looped bow portion. For the cream bow, I used ivory colored cotton muslin, and drop cloth fabric. Both were 100% cotton, and cut into 19" long by 8" wide sections. The sections were then snipped and ripped to form rags for the tails of the bow. I also used 5, 19" long pieces of lace to create the tails. You will need to set aside 2 of the rag tail pieces to tie off each part of the bow, and also cut 2 more 19" pieces of lace to add to the looped portion of the bow. For the looped portion of the bow, I used approximately 2-1/4 yards of wired ribbon. I also used hot glue, a glue gun, and a button to accent the center of the bow. I used the same procedure for the checked bow, but cut my fabric sections one inch longer. I would love to hear how you plan on using your shabby bows in your decor! I hope you enjoy the video and take a moment to subscribe to my channel. Thank you for watching!
Bow makers can be purchased on Amazon, if you don't have scrap wood in your garage and a Mr. Shabby to put it together!
Link to Book Page Wreath Tutorial:
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#kindashabby #bowtutorial #crafts #shabbychicdecor

[@kindashabby]

I hope you find this tutorial fun and useful! Just about everything looks better with a bow, don’t you think?!? Thank you for watching!

[@cherylwillison5126]

I did! Thank you so very much.

[@kindashabby]

@@cherylwillison5126 you’re very welcome!

[@susiemerrill6193]

@@cherylwillison5126 o[⁹

[@barblafargue1076]

I made two Raggedy bows for my neighbor an attached them to a big sunflower, I made the bows out of several ribbons which hobby lobby had printed with sunflowers on them. Big sunflowers then I tied the ragged pieces on two the sunflower stems.. thanks for you ingenuity Looks easy when you make them thanks,

[@kindashabby]

Your sunflowers and shabby bows sound just so delightful Barb! I’m sure your neighbors loved them!

[@susanhaggart3675]

I love watching you for one you explain the whole process so well. You are so creative. You are a joy to watch. 😊😊💖💖💖💖💖💖💖👍👍

[@kindashabby]

Thank you for your kind words Susan; it’s a joy to have you here at Kinda Shabby!

[@barbarafuhrman7395]

On my bed post. Just found these rag bows thanks for your help explaining how to do this. Its going to help use up my fabric stash.

[@kindashabby]

You will have such fun making these bows Barbara! Thank you so much for watching!

[@PrincessV444]

Exactly what to do with clothes we have washed too much lol!

[@cherylfilbeck6544]

Appreciate your teaching the rag bow! Very cute!

[@kindashabby]

Thank you Cheryl! I use these types of bows in lots of my decor. And so versatile for seasonal decorating too!

[@MS-pb4lq]

Wonderful instruction. Beautiful bows. Thank you for sharing!

[@kindashabby]

I’m so glad you enjoyed the video and I appreciate you watching! Everything looks better with a shabby bow!

[@suzannegage4878]

Love to watch you. Your voice is so relaxing to listen to. Thanks for the tips & for sharing😊

[@kindashabby]

I appreciate your kind comments Suzanne; thank you for watching!

[@PrincessV444]

Thank you so much for the idea I'm going to put this on a teddy bear to make her look shabby chic for my new granddaughter's bedroom

[@kindashabby]

I love using these bows on so many different things. Your granddaughter’s teddy bear will be gorgeous Victoria!

[@ppp6412]

I have already suscribe.. I love Shabby chic style. Please More harvest pumpkins ideas!!!

[@kindashabby]

Thank you for subscribing Maria! I will have more pumpkin projects coming up soon. I appreciate you watching!

[@louhoggard2822]

I am a new viewer/subscriber. I am so glad I found you and am binging on your video on these (brrrr) colder than usual Arkansas days. Thanks for sharing your talent with us.

[@kindashabby]

Thank you so much for subscribing Lou, and welcome to Kinda Shabby! I enjoy creating these crafting tutorials and I’m glad you’re enjoying them too. Stay Cozy!

[@barbaralanier7654]

Thank you for sharing. The video was very helpful. They all were really beautiful. I just got into shabby chic style.❤

[@kindashabby]

Thank you so much Barbara! I love Shabby Chic and I’m glad you enjoyed the video!

[@lisalowe7679]

Like your idea about gluing the lace!

[@kindashabby]

Thanks! I like it to stay in place. It tends to flop around otherwise.

[@theresahopson4001]

Love this. I love this bow ❤️

[@kindashabby]

Thank you Theresa! I think these bows add such sweet charm to so many different projects!

[@nitashadow2860]

All of your designs that you made came out amazing hi from Lutz Florida

[@kindashabby]

Thank you Nita! I love these shabby bows. They look cute on everything.

[@debbyefriedson7841]

I’m so very happy that I stumbled upon your page! I love French country, everything shabby chic and your tutorials! Thank you for sharing your talents. 😍❤️🌸

[@kindashabby]

I’m so glad you’re here, Debbye! Thank you for watching!

[@pamlooman8045]

Nice I love it. Thank you.

[@lisalittlefield2069]

I love those. ❤

[@kindashabby]

Thank you so much Lisa! I enjoy making these bows and use them frequently in my decorating.

[@LAURACRUZ-wl2mo]

Thanks for sharing❤

[@daphne234]

Oh my gosh... Can't wait to make these!!

[@kindashabby]

Thank you Daphne! I hope you have lots of crafty fun making them!

[@alicechristian2980]

Very Pretty. 🤣🙏❤️💐🦋

[@kindashabby]

Thank you Alice, and I appreciate you watching!

[@lorrainelamalfa8185]

Love it, thank you for sharing!

[@kindashabby]

Thank you Lorraine! I love to make shabby bows!

[@tonyasmotherman7675]

I absolutely love your projects and the way you explain everything. I've been wanting to make one of these bows, and I won't have any problem if I just follow your instructions. Thank you for sharing.

[@kindashabby]

Thank you Tonya! It makes me happy that the video is helpful. I know your bow will be lovely!

[@lisalowe7679]

Great inspiration!🥰👍

[@bride8305]

{HUG} Amazing video. thank you! PRAISE GOD for your amazing talent. love the material you used., buffalo plaid looks so great with the lace trim and cotton fabrics you used. God bless you Kinda Shabby you are a great teacher, thank your husband and give him a hug, for what he made to help you with your crafts. God has blessed you/us with husbands to love us and take care of what we need. I praise Him for providing for us the best husband, His gift of love to us.

[@kindashabby]

Thank you so much Bride! I am truly blessed with a husband who loves and supports me in all I do. He is indeed my gift from The Lord! I’m glad you enjoyed these projects and I appreciate you watching!

[@barblafargue1076]

Your the best thanks

[@kindashabby]

You’re so sweet Barb; thank you!

[@donnalambert8133]

Beautiful!!!

[@kindashabby]

Thank you so much! I think a bow makes everything look better!

[@cindybakergambrel136]

Soooo cute.

[@kindashabby]

Thank you, Cindy!

[@denisepope4478]

I’m seen Olivia with Olivia’s Romantic Homes DIY’s make multiple bows with the Easy bow maker, but I have never seen her make one like yours. Neat. Olivia’s had 3 to 5 ribbons with each of it’s own loops and tails. Never with three loops on each side positioned like yours.

[@kindashabby]

I love the big, gorgeous bows that Olivia makes! She’s definitely the queen in my book!

[@Oblate2023]

Both bows are adorable! Thanks for sharing!

[@kindashabby]

Thank you Joan! I just love making these bows.

[@keitheddie5]

Very cute!

[@kindashabby]

Thank you Pearlkeith! I love shabby bows!

[@debralogsdon1888]

Love the bows. Thank you

[@kindashabby]

Thank you, Debra! I really enjoy making them, and feel they add a great touch to so many decor items.

[@dennisbowman3042]

I loved the bows, thank you !!

[@kindashabby]

Thank you for watching, and I’m glad you enjoyed the video!

[@margaretwooley1451]

I like and do so many of the same things you do. Thank you for sharing your time and talents. I think we are kindred spirits!

[@kindashabby]

I love crafting and I’m interested in so many different things. Starting my channel gave me an opportunity to finally attempt all the stuff on my Pinterest boards! Thanks for watching Margaret!

[@prayerrequestpeticiondeora2228]

I love how you show and explain your patience. I love it. I will give it a try

[@kindashabby]

Thank you for your kind words! Sometimes I’m afraid I talk too much😂

[@dawnmarieheaton0614]

Great tutorial. Thanks for all you do. Keep posting!!!

[@kindashabby]

Thank you, Dawnmarie! Nothing like a Shabby Rag Bow!

[@maryamhadjian7407]

Thank you so much for teaching everyone how to make the rag 🎀❤

[@kindashabby]

You’re very welcome Maryam! I put those little bows on everything!

[@BrendaKay2024]

Thanks for showing us how to make a bow, love it...

[@kindashabby]

Thank you so much, Brenda! I appreciate you watching the tutorial.

[@lyndasilva8526]

Christmas Tree Top for an idea with your rag bow

[@nitamay3534]

Tks loves the bows

[@kindashabby]

Thank you Nita! I love putting these bows on stuff all around my house!

[@sueanderson1926]

Great job,thanks

[@kindashabby]

Thanks for watching Sue, and I’m glad you liked the tutorial!

[@heidischumacher617]

Great tutorial! I only recently discovered rag bows. They are charming

[@kindashabby]

Thank you Heidi! They are addictive and you’ll think everything needs a rag bow. I appreciate you watching!

[@joannecorey8239]

You are so talented. Love watching and listening to you.

[@kindashabby]

Joanne, you are so sweet! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@sylviaappleton1366]

You are incredibly awesome, loving all your amazing craft ideas, so motivating can’t wait to have a go, thank you so much for sharing xx

[@kindashabby]

Thank you so much Sylvia! Shabby rag bows are such fun to make. I appreciate you watching and enjoy crafting!

[@subari4310]

Beautiful work!!! I love it. Saludos desde Argentina.

[@kindashabby]

Hello my friend! Thank you so much for watching, and I’m glad you enjoyed the video!

[@denesebettinger5812]

I have always wanted to make these. Your instructions were very good. I think I will try it. Thank You for sharing 😊

[@kindashabby]

Thank you for watching! I know your bow will turn out beautifully.

[@auntmary6544]

Brand new subscriber here💖! I adore shabby chic- thank you!

[@kindashabby]

Thank you so much for being here!

[@jangray8747]

Beautiful ❤️

[@kindashabby]

Thank you so much Jan!

[@antonettedecorating]

Absolutely beautiful 🖤🤍 I just may try it 😀

[@kindashabby]

Thank you so much! I hope you’ll give it a try. Love me some shabby bows!

[@antonettedecorating]

@@kindashabby 💖

[@mairatriches1438]

Gostei bastante da suas dicas! Obrigado!

[@kindashabby]

Estou tão feliz que você gostou do vídeo, e eu agradeço por assistir!

[@elizabethmaloneorlando217]

Beautiful shabby bows!!! I would use them for lanterns, wreaths & mirrors. Your voice is so pleasant in your tutorials. I'm a new subbie, glad I found you. 💗

[@kindashabby]

Thank you for subscribing Elizabeth and I’m glad to have you here! I’m like you, I love the bows on everything!

[@AnastasiaML4]

Excellent tutorial!!! I love your bows! Very useful for rag dolls, too! Thank you so much for your tutorials and .....please use always your finger protectors! Your hands are precious!😎

[@kindashabby]

Thank you Anastasia! The bows are very fun to make and I think they would be adorable on rag dolls! I truly appreciate you watching and commenting on my videos!

[@lisalowe7679]

I make my bows exactly like you do however, for those who do not know, you did a wonderful explanation !😊👍

[@kindashabby]

Thank you Lisa! I just wanted to show a full tutorial and break it down step by step.

[@joannak6596]

So lovely, thank you. New subscriber here, very excited!

[@kindashabby]

Thank you, Joann; so nice to have you here!

[@sharonhendricks9706]

I made some smaller messy bows during the holidays and I wasn't crazy about how they turned out. They were, "ok"....but I want them to be better than just ok! I'm going to try your method and I have a feeling I will be.p!eased! I know I will be making quite a few Easter and summer as well as Fall and Christmas BOWL FILLERS that will need some smaller shabby bows, so I'm going to start making them as I go along. Most of my bowl fillers are made from drop cloth with a few made of various cottons, so I should be able to create a bunch of them and not worry about which fabrics or laces will go with which item. Work smart instead of hard is my motto! Lol

[@kindashabby]

I’m with you Sharon about working smarter! I’m glad you enjoyed this bow tutorial. I also love using drop cloth while crafting. Toss in a few patterned cotton fabrics and lace and it’s oh so shabby! Thank you for watching!

[@pointy07]

Alotta views on this one. Very good content

[@kindashabby]

Thank you! These bows are so fun to make and look pretty, too!

[@Kodikat2]

That's a very nice bow making board it would be nice if you and your husband could do a tutorial on how to make that bow maker.

[@kindashabby]

Thank you Judy! I'll have to ask Mr. Shabby to do that for us.

[@sarahrenfrow9795]

Becky, enjoyed the video and all your other videos I have watched. Would you consider sharing your husband’s bow maker plans (or have you already and I missed it). Feel like it would make bow making easier for those of us who aren’t as talented as you. Thanks

[@kindashabby]

Thank you, Sarah! That's a great idea. I'll have to get Mr. Shabby to show us.

[@kimberlyholland1972]

Fabulous tutorial! Only thing I don't do is "measure" it's a RAG bow so I love when the tails hang at different staggered lengths and the loops aren't perfectly even but you are 1 of the 1st I watched to learn the rag bow love them so much!!💗💗💗💗

[@kindashabby]

Thank you Kimberly! I agree, I like tattered uneven tails too. I’m glad you enjoyed the tutorial!

[@janeterwin379]

Cut a yardstick in half and glue one half on each side of your dowels. You have a measure for your loops.

[@kindashabby]

Good suggestion! Thank you for watching!

[@sindyphillips4290]

I have suggestion about the about the bow maker. Put a tape measure on the base along the bottom. That way you can measure the strips without having to stop and pick up the ruler. Love your shabby chic projects!

[@kindashabby]

Thank you for watching, Sindy! I actually made inch marks with a sharpie about a week after filming. You’re right; that was alotta measuring!

[@sindyphillips4290]

👍

[@lindasnyder5048]

You need to show us how Mr Shabby made that bow maker...I think that is the key to making these bows...

[@kindashabby]

That’s a great idea Linda!

[@Kodikat2]

Here's an idea for you, it would be helpful if you took a ruler and marked the inches on your board from your center posts outward. That way it would be easier to tell how big your bow loops are and if they are even.

[@kindashabby]

Thanks Judy! I actually did go back and add measurements to the board. You're right...it makes it so much easier!

[@IndieAnnieJones1]

New subscriber here I love shabby chic

[@kindashabby]

Thank you so much for subscribing! I have lots of shabby crafty things planned.

[@IndieAnnieJones1]

@@kindashabby awesome let me know if you ever want to do a Shabby Chic collaboration sometime

[@kindashabby]

@@IndieAnnieJones1 that would be awesome! I’m not there yet, but working on it. 😀 Check out Teresa at Our Greene Acres. She does beautiful shabby projects and collabs often. Thank you!

[@IndieAnnieJones1]

@@kindashabby yes I know coincidentally I'm collaborating with her today my video will come out at 6 p.m.

[@kindashabby]

@@IndieAnnieJones1 yay! I’ll be watching!

[@Nono-jf5bc]

New sub happy new day

[@kindashabby]

Thank you for subscribing! I’ll have a different bow tutorial coming in a few weeks!

[@lilybee_]

Very good tutorial! I hope you'll share more bow and wreath tutorials. Also, where do you buy supplies?

[@kindashabby]

Thank you so much! I did upload another bow tutorial last Friday and I have more wreath and bow tutorials planned as well.I buy most of my ribbon and fabric from Hobby Lobby.

[@karenklee43]

Hi what are the instructions to make a Mr Shabby bow maker?

[@kindashabby]

Hi Karen! I’ve had several requests, so Mr Shabby will be providing a tutorial in the near future. Thank you so much for watching!

[@wandarodriguez6900]

Beautiful as always. Did you made the bowmaker?

[@kindashabby]

Hi Wanda! Yes ma’am, my husband made the bow maker out of scrap wood, but you can now find them on Amazon for under $10.

[@sherrym665]

Hello, I would like to know where you got your ivory wired ribbon from. Love your tutorial on how to make this type of bow.

[@kindashabby]

Hello Sherry! I’m so glad you enjoyed the tutorial and I appreciate you watching. I’ve had the ribbon for awhile, but it either came from Walmart or Hobby Lobby. Thank you!

[@cherylwillison5126]

So dang cute, my goodness! Thanks to you I made one today. Do you tie the bow on the top or kinda more on the side of the tails? I'm not sure if I did it right. lol I put the bow more towards the side-ish area.

[@kindashabby]

That’s awesome, Cheryl! I’m glad my video was helpful. Where you attach the tails is more of a personal preference. No right or wrong way to do it. I’m sure your bow is just lovely!

[@cherylwillison5126]

@@kindashabby Yes it was extremely helpful. That's exactly what I needed to hear. So I did it right YAY! Thanks again. Keep on doing what you're doing because you are very easy to follow and very helpful to us beginners. =)

[@kindashabby]

@@cherylwillison5126 thanks for letting me know you like my videos. I love creating detailed, step by step crafting tutorials!

[@dennisbowman3042]

Where do you find the wide cream cotton ribbon? thank you, Debbie

[@kindashabby]

I actually bought that ribbon a few years ago at Big Lots, but I’ve seen it at Hobby Lobby too. Thanks for watching!

[@andreakoeneman8301]

Do you prewash your muslin/cotton prior to tearing?

[@kindashabby]

Yes ma’am, I always prewash my fabric before using, and it smells nice when you tear it. Thank you for your question Andrea!

[@andreakoeneman8301]

Thank you for your quick response! I am washing my fabric right now and plan to make a few of these lovely bows today! 💗

[@kindashabby]

@@andreakoeneman8301 you are so very welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed the video and are making a few yourself. They are addictive!

[@saracrome2791]

Can this be done with a Bowdabra?

[@kindashabby]

Hi Sara! Yes ma’am, you could do this project on your bow maker. Thank you for watching!

[@verasimms3895]

Do you starch your fabrics?

[@kindashabby]

Hello Vera! I did not starch these fabrics but you certainly can if you’d prefer. Either way is pretty!

[@barbaramontgomery9103]

You mentioned that for making these bows, the material must be 100% cotton. Why exactly is that? Also, I have several long, 100% cotton dresses from the 70's that have at least a yard of material in the skirts. The flowery materials are absolutely beautiful & I want to take them apart & do something along these lines with them. Do you know of a way to tell if the skirts are cut on the bias??? Thank you!!!

[@kindashabby]

Hi Barbara! For the shabby tassel part of the bow, it needs to be 100% cotton if you plan to tear your fabric strips. If you cut your strips, you can use any fabric you prefer. Clothing that has fabric cut on the bias has a soft drape to it. Since your dresses are long, I would guess that they probably are constructed with bias cut fabric. Thank you for your question!

[@barbaramontgomery9103]

@@kindashabby Wonderful! Thank you so, so much for your help!

[@wandarodriguez6900]

How much is the estimation cost of the bow?

[@kindashabby]

Wanda, I try to use what I have on hand, so I’m sorry I don’t know the cost of this bow. I also make sure any supplies that I do need to purchase are on sale. I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful answering your question!

[@wandarodriguez6900]

@@kindashabby Thanks, because you always answer my questions.

[@wandarodriguez6900]

@@kindashabby Thanks

[@hopemorgan5020]

A wreath.

[@kindashabby]

I love those shabby rag bows on everything, Hope!

[@ThePugpen]

Cannot HEAR you!

[@kindashabby]

My apologies for the poor audio quality. I was not using a microphone at the time I created this video.

[@lorikemp3998]

Yours are good but green acres are easier.

[@kindashabby]

I agree, Lori, Our Greene Acres is the queen bee of crafting! I love Teresa’s channel.