Looking for a unique way to personalize your handmade gifts? This free bowtie border embroidery pattern is a delightful twist on classic embellishment—perfect for adding charm to kitchen towels, shirts, pillowcases, makeup bags, and more!
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
- Hand-Drawn Charm: Each bowtie in the border is sketched with a playful, imperfect elegance that gives your stitching a warm, handmade feel.
- Versatile Sizes: Whether you’re decorating a dainty makeup pouch or a full-size pillowcase, the repeating pattern comes in multiple lengths so you can stitch big or small.
- Fill or Outline: Want a minimalist look? Stitch just the outlines. Feeling bold? Fill in each bowtie with your favorite DMC floss colors for a pop of personality.
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Perfect for Gifting
This border is designed with gifting in mind. Add it to:
- Kitchen Towels for a cheerful hostess gift
- Shirts or Collars for a quirky fashion statement
- Makeup Bags with pastel bowties for a sweet, feminine touch (this one from Amazon is CHEAP!) Just think, you’d have people knocked off your list in no time if you start now!
- Pillowcases with monochrome outlines for a modern look
Whether you’re stitching for a birthday, bridal shower, or just because, this pattern adds a thoughtful handmade detail that recipients will adore.
Creative Ideas to Try
- Alternate filled and outlined bowties for a unique look
- Use variegated thread for a watercolor effect
- Stitch in metallics for a glam twist on a classic motif
- Add initials or a short phrase between the bows for personalization
Next, you’ll need some supplies:
Check your stash, but if you don’t already have some of the items needed, please consider clicking on one of the links. I earn a small commission (extremely small) that will not come out of your pocket.
- Fabric: A piece of light-colored cotton or linen works best.
- Embroidery Hoop: A 6-inch hoop is a good size for this project.
- Embroidery Needle: A size 7 or 8 needle is ideal.
- DMC Floss Colors
- Scissors: Small, sharp embroidery scissors for cutting thread.
- Water-Soluble Fabric Marker: To transfer the pattern onto fabric.
Grab Your Free Pattern
Here’s how to get your otter pattern: enter your email address in the form below. You’ll be subscribed to my awesome weekly newsletter and be the first to know when a new pattern is available. The welcome email you receive will contain the password to open this pattern and all the other patterns on this site.
This is my first border pattern. Let me know what you think of it. You can tag me on Instagram at @nanabumblebee_embroidery. I’d love to see what you make with the border pattern.
