How to sew a bow cuff on leggings

September 21, 2021

There’s something special about sewing leggings – the perfect combination of quick results and endless possibilities. Leggings are one of my absolute favourite garments to create, not only because they work with so many different knit fabrics, but also because they give you the space to play with small details that really lift the whole. One of my favourites is the charming bow cuff – a simple but effective detail that gives your leggings an extra personal and well-crafted feel.

1. Cut out all the parts

The principle is very simple. You can start by cutting out all the usual parts for your leggings; the trouser legs, the waist band if you want one, and the leg cuffs. Once all the usual parts are cut out, it's time to cut out the bow ties themselves, the ones that make the cuff a bow. These leggings that I sewed were in size 104, for them I thought a width of 4 cm was just right.

Now all the parts are cut out, and it's time to start sewing the leggings.

2. Start sewing the leggings together

Start by sewing the trouser legs together just as you normally would; first sew the crotch together and then pin and sew the trouser legs together. Once that's done, it's finally time to start working on the cuffs.

Sew the leg cuffs together, just like you normally would. Once it's sewn together, it's time to sew the narrow piece that you cut out at the beginning.

Fold your middle part of the bow cuff right sides together so that it is, in this case, 2 cm wide and pin. Now it's time to sew together.

Now that the center part of the bow is sewn, it's time to turn the tube inside out. It's a bit fiddly and takes a little time. When the entire tube is turned right side out, it's time to press with an iron. Be sure to have the seam in the middle of the back so that it can be hidden when it becomes a bow.

3. Prepare the bow cuffs

Now cut two equal pieces of the tube. Now it's time to prepare the bow.

Now when you put the actual bow cuff together, place the tube inside the cuff with the seam facing you. Then I find it easiest to crease the cuff first to get the crease even and nice. Then you fold the tube up so the seam ends up against the cuff. Here it is important to pull the tube more than you think to get the desired effect. The higher the cuff itself is pulled together, the clearer the effect will be. Then pin together so that the center of the bow sits firmly.

Do the same with the other cuff so that they are even and nice. It is a good idea to check that they are tightened equally, so the effect is as similar as possible. Now it is time to assemble with the leggings.

4. Sew together bow cuff with leggings

Now it's time to attach the bow cuff to the legs of the leggings. Be sure to place the edge of the cuff against the edge of the legs and the center of the bow, opposite the seam so that the bow cuff is visible on the outside of the legs. Pin and sew around the cuff just as usual. If you are sewing on a regular sewing machine, you will need to cut off the excess flaps.

This is what it should look like when it is sewn and finished. Finish sewing the waist of the leggings just like usual before they are finished. Close-up of the bow cuff on one leg.