How to Make a Perfect Grain Sack Ribbon Bow

Easy step-by-step directions for making a grain sack ribbon bow from an antique grain sack or other fabric. No machine sewing required!

This is the second part of a two-part post that shows step-by-step directions for making a bow from grain sack ribbon. To see Part 1 (how to make the ribbon) click HERE.

Steps for making a Grain Sack Ribbon Bow

1. Begin with three separate pieces of grain sack ribbon. For a bow that is 12 inches wide, here are the measurements you will need:

28 inches = the bow
8 inches = the center or “knot”
36 inches – the tails

That’s a total of 72 inches of ribbon needed. This is not an exact science. You can make the bow and/or tails any size you want depending on how much ribbon you have.

2. Making the bow: Using a yard stick or measuring board, lay out the 28 in. piece so the ends are over-lapping about two inches. Make sure it measures about 12 inches end-to-end.

3. Using both hands, accordion-pleat all the layers of fabric in the center. Using the embroidery floss and needle, make one big stitch to hold the pleat together. Set this piece aside.

(You can get a better look at this step by clicking HERE.)

4. Making the knot: Press the long edges of the 8 inch piece under so the width measures about 1.5 inches. Try to center it so the stripes look even. Press well with a hot iron. Set this piece aside.

5. The tails: In the center of the 36 inch piece of ribbon, make an accordion pleat and secure it with a stitch.

6. Assembling the bow: With right sides down on a flat surface, lay out the three pieces of ribbon as pictured below.

Pull the ends of the 8 inch piece together and straighten the other two pieces so everything is centered. Put two big stitches on both sides of the “knot” piece to hold it all together. Trim the excess fabric making sure to stay away from the stitches.

Finish the tails: The easiest way to finish the ends of the tails is to cut a sharp notch. Another option is to hand sew a narrow hem in each tail.

And here’s the finished bow…

Each grain sack bow I have made has been one-of-a kind. Each one looks unique and depending on the width of the grain sack stripe, some have more color than others.