This week’s Feature Friday is all about the cozy and versatile Sloane Sweater pattern, and Livia couldn’t resist giving it a playful twist with a simple yet stunning side bow detail.

Adding a side bow detail is the perfect way to inject a touch of charm and personality into your handmade wardrobe. This hack is beginner-friendly and can be done with scraps of fabric or even festive ribbon, making it a quick and satisfying sewing project. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into this step-by-step tutorial and give your Sloane Sweater a custom look!

Watch the hack how-to video: https://youtu.be/tsj1UCU50hQ

How to Create a Bow Side Detail

Materials You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have these supplies on hand:

• Sloane sewing pattern
• Fabric: Choose a knit fabric with good stretch and recovery.
• Pins or clips
• Sewing machine or serger
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Hem tape (optional)
• Needle and thread

Step 1: Prep Your Pattern Pieces

To create the bow side detail, you’ll make a slight modification to the Sloane pattern. Here’s how:

1. Cut the Front and Back Pieces: Use the original Sloane pattern pieces for the main body. Livia used view B.
2. Cut the hemband but omit the cut on fold and cut two mirror image pieces instead, adding in a seam allowance.
3. Measure for the Bow Detail: Decide where on the side seam you want the bow to sit.
4. Adjust the side seam opening and add extensions or just decide to top stitch the seam allowance at the opening of the seam. Stop sewing the side seam 2 inches from the bottom.

Step 2: Assemble the Sloane

1. Sew the Shoulder Seams and Attach sleeves: as directed in the pattern instructions.
2. Sew the Side Seams:
   • Align the extended side seams for both the front and back pieces.
   • Sew the side seams, stopping at the opening spot you’ve picked and either sewing down the extensions or folding over the seam allowance.
3. Sew the bottom bands: with RST, sew the short sides of the band closed, flip to right sides out and press. Attach to the bottom of the sweater at front and back.

Step 3: Create the Bow

1. Cut bow pieces: one small rectangle for the center of the bow knot, 2 medium size rectangles for the bow flaps (3 inches x 7 inches) + one longer and skinnier rectangle for the tails (3 inches tall, your choice on length).
2. Sew the bow pieces: Sew long side of small rectangle, turn right side out with seam in center. Sew two bow flap pieces RST, turn out. Fold tail rectangle RST and sew along long edge, turn right side out. Press them all flat for a crisp finish.
3. Form the bow: Pinch the center of the large rectangle and wrap the small rectangle around it. Sew shut to secure. ttach the ties to the side seams at the waistline, ensuring they are securely stitched.

Step 4: Attach the Bow

1. Cut the tails to size: Leave 1/2 inch tail for seam allowance and fold under. Top stitch in place.
2. Place bow: Sew in place by hand or use hem tape to place and machine sew around the flaps (strongly suggest using hand stitching at the middle knot.)

Why Try This Hack?

This bow detail hack is a beginner-friendly way to customize your Sloane top and showcase your creativity. It’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply spicing up your wardrobe.

Have questions or want to share your finished Sloan with the bow detail? Comment below or tag us on social media using #LoveNotions. We can’t wait to see your creations!

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