Step-by-Step Guide: How to Create a Trendy Side Bow Appliqué on a Sweatshirt
Looking to add a creative and trendy twist to your sweatshirt collection? The side bow appliqué is a hot new trend in the embroidery world, and we’ve got everything you need to create your very own one-of-a-kind sweatshirt! Follow this step-by-step guide to achieve a stylish, custom look using a large bow appliqué design and your embroidery machine. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Buy the Bow Appliqué Design
First things first—you’ll need the right embroidery design to bring this project to life! Head over to AW Stitches Designs and grab the Elegant Classic Bow Satin Stitch Appliqué Embroidery Design or the Straight Tailed Classic Applique Satin Bow Embroidery Design. Either design is perfect for adding a bold, elegant bow to the side of your sweatshirt.
Step 2: Choose Your Sweatshirt
Pick a cozy sweatshirt that’s perfect for this project. Side bow appliqué designs look amazing on oversized or standard sweatshirts, so choose whichever fit you prefer! Neutral tones like white, grey, or black really make the bow pop, but feel free to experiment with bright colors for a fun twist. I ordered this sweatshirt for Christmas or Comfort Colors sweatshirts are always a popular option!
Step 3: Select Your Threads and Fabric
For your bow appliqué to truly stand out, you'll want to carefully select fabric and thread that complement your sweatshirt. Go bold with contrasting colors, or stay subtle with monochrome tones. Satin or cotton fabrics work great for this design, and you'll need matching embroidery threads for a polished look. I recommend Isacord and Floriani threads from SewingMachine.com
Step 4: Prep Your Fabric, Sweatshirt, and Stabilize
Before you start stitching, it’s essential to prep your fabric. Cut out enough fabric for the bow appliqué, leaving extra room for trimming after the stitching is complete. Always prep applique fabric using Heat N Bond Lite.
For more detailed instructions on how to prep your fabric, check out my Beginner’s Guide to Appliqué, or watch this helpful Instagram Reel to see the process in action.
To prep your sweatshirt, I used a rotary cutter on a cutting mat to cut the hem of the sweatshirt off.
Don’t forget your stabilizer! A good stabilizer ensures your sweatshirt doesn’t pucker or shift while stitching. For this project, a cut-away stabilizer is ideal. I also used temporary spray adhesive to hold my sweatshirt in place on the cutaway stabilizer before hooping with my Mighty Hoops.
Step 5: Place and Stitch the Appliqué Design
Now that your fabric and sweatshirt are ready, it’s time to stitch! Position the bow design on the side of the sweatshirt—this can be centered and placed on the lower hem. Make sure it’s placed evenly and centered where you want the design to appear.
Use your embroidery machine to run the appliqué design, carefully following your machine’s instructions. The Elegant Classic Bow and the Straight Tail Satin Applique Bow from AW Stitches Designs has detailed satin stitching that will give your bow a polished, professional look.
Step 6: Cut the Sweatshirt Inside the Bow
Once your bow appliqué is stitched, it’s time to add that trendy side-bow effect. Carefully cut trim your cutaway stabilizer from the back of the design. After trimming the cut away stabilizer, cut away the sweatshirt fabric inside the bow design. Be sure to cut as close to the stitched edge as possible without damaging the stitching. I used my applique scissors to angle my cutting so that I could cut the sweatshirt and not the stitching. This gives the bow that cut-out effect, making it stand out even more.
After trimming the stabilizer and cutting the sweatshirt fabric from inside the bow tails, I trimmed the bottom of the sweatshirt with my rotary cutter again so the bow would sit evenly on the hem.
Step 7: Finish the Edges
To ensure the edges of your cut-out don’t fray, I used a heat craft tool to seal the edges. You can also use a lighter to gently burn the edges of the sweatshirt fabric. This will melt the fabric slightly, sealing the raw edges and preventing future fraying. Be cautious and make sure to handle the lighter safely, keeping it away from the actual appliqué stitching.
Step 8: Flaunt Your One-of-a-Kind Sweatshirt!
Now that your sweatshirt is complete, it’s time to show it off! Put it on and enjoy all the compliments you're sure to receive for such a unique and trendy design. Your side bow appliqué sweatshirt is a one-of-a-kind piece that’s sure to turn heads and inspire others to try this trend themselves.
Final Thoughts & Happy Stitching!
The side bow appliqué trend is a fun and creative way to personalize your wardrobe with embroidery. With just a few simple steps, you can take an ordinary sweatshirt and turn it into something truly special. Be sure to grab the Elegant Classic Bow Appliqué Design or the Straight Tailed Applique Satin Bow Embroidery Design from AW Stitches Designs and follow the steps above for your next embroidery project.
Don’t forget to share your finished project with us on social media by tagging @AWStitchesDesigns!
Happy stitching! 🪡