Want to stand out? Learn how to make a wood bow tie with this step-by-step guide. A fun, classy, and totally unique accessory you can craft yourself!

Forget the fabric—wood bow ties are the perfect blend of classy and creative!
Whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or want to add a unique touch to your look, making your wooden bow tie is easier than you think.
With a few simple materials and a little patience, you can craft a stylish accessory that will turn heads.
Grab your tools, and let’s get started!
Skill Level: Intermediate
Time: 1 hour
Supply List
Some links may be to similar items when exact items couldn't be found online.
- Wood Bow Tie Template PDF
- Ryobi Belt/Disc Sander
- Scroll Saw or Band Saw
- Hot Glue Gun
- Glue Sticks
- ¾" Velcro
- Fabric Scraps
- ¾" Ribbon
- Wood Scraps (I prefer high-quality hardwood)
Wood Shape
Print the Bow Tie Template, and cut out a shape.
Trace the Bow Tie onto a piece of wood.
I used a ¾” piece of wood. You can use thinner wood or rip a board in half.
I used a wood that wouldn't need to be stained or sealed. I don't know if it will transfer to clothing, but I didn't want to risk it.
Tip: Using high-quality wood eliminates the need for staining and sealing!
Use a band saw to cut the bow shape, following the lines you traced.
Don't worry too much about the bow knot, as this will be covered with fabric.
Then use a belt sander to sand the wood down.
This is somewhat of an art form and will require some practice.
Imagine that it is like pottery you are shaping.
I wanted it thicker in the middle and thinner on the outside. I sanded it until I was happy with the shape.
Continue sanding the other side of the bow, matching it to the other side as best as possible.
Fastener
After measuring your neck size, cut a piece of ribbon.
Considering the shirt collar, leave it long enough to overlap on the ends a few inches.
Then cut the Velcro strip long enough to make the ribbon adjustable, and use the hot glue gun to attach the Velcro to the ribbon.
Glue the ribbon to the back of the wooden bow tie.
Iron a small strip of fabric in half, hiding the two raw edges in the back.
Wrap this around the middle of the bow tie and hot glue in place.
Final Thoughts
This wood bow tie turned out so cute!
It is heavier than a regular bow tie because it is made of wood and not fabric, but I think it is super stylish!
I would not recommend a child wearing this all day, as it is wood tied around their neck, but a responsible adult definitely could!
Beth Minyard
I would love to see a bookshelf!
Tee Anderson
a plant stand
Eric
A dog bowl stand! 🙂
Kim Henrichs
I would love to see a fun desk!
Kelly D
I would like an entryway storage bench,
Alina
A box for the outdoors to stick my outdoor pillows and maybe some tools in.
Jackie
Thanks for he giveaway opportunity! And that bow tie is seriously the cutest!
Jackie
Oh I forgot to answer the actual question! My husband and I are wanting to build a shed for the backyard!
Ann
Too cute!
Kathy
Outdoor plant stand
Eileen
I am planning a big project to make lots of signs, big and little. These tools would really help. BTW, Your son is a doll.
Stafford
Super cute tie! I'd love to build a desk for my son's room.
Sean
I'm dying to build a chicken wire framed 'frame' to hang holiday cards on.
Sharlene Piscitelli
I'd like to see any plan that involves storage.
Carol Burgess
A chest would be AMAZING!
Diane
That is a cute kiddo! And the bow tie is great ????
Sandi Allen
Storage bench
kelly tupick
I would love to see a dog bed with stairs, this is something we are looking into making ourselves.
shirley emitt
Like to see a porch bench.
Jackie
I'd like to see a pallet dog bed
Sarah Mayer
Maybe something like building an additional bathroom in a basement.
Rust
A potting cart of decent size (most of them just seem too small) with lots of space for potting plants and all of my tools.
Thomas Murphy
I would like to see a plant stand
Kristen
I'd love to see some fun ideas for the porch. Mine is looking sad 🙁 love the bowtie btw! ????
vern
What a great wooden bow tie tutorial!! May I know type of material you recommend?