Southern Weddings

Our next finalist in the Ultimate Southern Challenge is Sarah from Events Uncorked. She worked with her Mom (love that!) to create the perfect burlap bow tie!

From Sarah:

“I wanted to create something out of burlap with the ultimate Southern flair. And, what’s more Southern than a man in a bow tie? I created these bow ties with the help of my mom using burlap with a linen backing. They are rustic and charming, but most importantly, they’re Southern!”

Materials: 1 yd. burlap, 1 yd. natural linen, 1 yd. fusible interfacing, Stitchwitchery, natural-colored thread, a sewing machine, an iron, pins, a pencil, tape, scissors, a ruler, and a bow tie template (courtesy of Martha Stewart)

Directions:
1. Print bow tie template. Blow up 200%. Cut out and tape together.
2. Begin by ironing the fusible interfacing to the back of your burlap. Iron linen lightly to remove any wrinkles.
3. Place linen on top of burlap and pin at the top. Be sure that once the two are pinned together, the interfacing is on the outside, so once sewn together and flipped, it will be on the inside.
4. Trace bow tie template on to linen with your pencil. Pin on the inside of the bow tie as to keep together while cutting and sewing.
5. Repeat step 4 until you run out of fabric. It should make approximately 8 bow ties.
6. Cut out the bow tie and measure a 1/4 inch in on both sides for your stitch line.
7. Sew the bow tie around both ends and along one straight side. Be sure to leave one side completely open!
8. Flip the bow tie inside out so the stitch line is now on the inside.
9. Iron down 1/4 inch fold on the open side to create a creased edge. Place Stitchwitchery along open edge and iron together.
10. Iron entire bow tie to ensure flat edges and unwrinkled linen.

Thank you so much, ladies! Readers, if you love this idea, be sure to let us know in the comments! And remember, you’re welcome to give a vote of support to more than one concept.

Written with love by Emily