Thanksgiving Bows: A Fun Handmade Holiday Tradition

The History and Tradition of Thanksgiving Bows

Thanksgiving is a beloved American holiday filled with tradition. One fun tradition that has become popular in recent years is wearing festive Thanksgiving bows. These bows are often made by hand and feature autumnal colors and patterns as well as turkey, pilgrim, fall leaves, or cornucopia motifs. Wearing Thanksgiving bows has become a way for people to get into the holiday spirit and show their excitement for the day.

When Did the Tradition of Thanksgiving Bows Start?

The tradition of wearing decorative bows seems to have started sometime around 2015. Social media began featuring DIY bow tutorials and photos of babies and young children wearing homemade turkey, pilgrim, and autumn-themed bows. The trend quickly caught on as people sought out new ways to celebrate the holiday.

Part of what made Thanksgiving bows so popular is how easy they are to make. With some ribbon or fabric, glue, and creativity, people without crafting skills could fashion simple but decorative bows at home. As the trend grew, small business owners and Etsy sellers began making more elaborate Thanksgiving bows to sell online and in craft markets.

Why Do People Wear Thanksgiving Bows?

For many, wearing festive bows has simply become a way to embrace the Thanksgiving spirit. They enjoy having a small symbol of a beloved holiday. The bows evoke nostalgia for childhood traditions and good times spent with family and friends.

The bows also make for great social media posts. People enjoy showing off their Turkey Day creativity. DIY bow makers can find an audience of enthusiasticCrafters online. Photos of babies dressed up for Thanksgiving also tend to go viral.

Beyond social media fame, Thanksgiving bow sellers have found a profitable fall craft. As the bows have grown in popularity, demand has increased for turkey-themed hair clips, headbands, and barrettes. These accessories allow people to incorporate the bow style into their holiday outfits.

How to Make Your Own Thanksgiving Bows

If you want to participate in this holiday trend, the good news is that making Thanksgiving bows is easy. With some basic craft supplies and no sewing required, you can fashion statement bows for yourself or as gifts.

Supplies Needed

Here are the supplies you’ll need to make basic Thanksgiving bows:

• Ribbon in fall colors like burnt orange, yellow, red, brown, or green
• Fabric in patterns like buffalo check or turkey/fall motifs
• A hot glue gun and glue sticks
• An alligator clip, barrette, or headband (optional)

Instructions

Follow these steps to easily craft trendy Thanksgiving bows:

1. Cut lengths of ribbon or fabric, allowing extra for bow loops and tails. 18-24 inches is a good total length.
2. Fold the ribbon lengthwise. Glue the folded section to create the center bow shape.
3. Gather and pinch the bow center. Glue layers of loops on each side to form the bow shape you desire.
4. Fluff and shape the bow, gluing any problem sections. Add a dot of glue to the back and attach an alligator clip, barrette, or headband if desired.
5. Make bow tails by cutting ribbon ends into interesting shapes. Three tails work well.

It’s that easy. Play around with different colors, fabrics, and embellishments to create your perfect Thanksgiving bows. Add bells, buttons, faux autumn leaves, or tiny pumpkins for extra decoration.

Thanksgiving Bow Inspiration

If you’re feeling uninspired, check out these cute Thanksgiving bow ideas:

• Turkey feather bows – Fringed craft feathers hot glued to a bow shape
• Cornucopia bows – Tiny fake fruits and vegetables glued to ribbon bows
• Pilgrim hat bows – Bows inspired by pilgrim hats in black, white, gold, and buckle shapes
• Turkey bows – Bows featuring turkey appliques, feathers, or even googly eyes for a silly look
• Buffalo check bows – Black and red or black and white check fabric
• Fall leaf bows – Faux leaf shapes in fall colors glued to basic bows

You can also find lots of great ideas by searching social media hashtags like #thanksgivingbows #bowsformymallows #bowtok and #bowideas. Seeing what other DIY bow makers create is sure to spark inspiration.

In Conclusion

Thanksgiving bows represent family, food, fellowship, and fall fun. They’ve become a trendy Turkey Day tradition and also make thoughtful handmade gifts. With some craft supplies, glue, and creativity, you can easily join in and make fabulous bows perfect for the holiday.

So put on your Thanksgiving best this year, and complete your outfit with a custom bow. Let it express your excitement as you gather with loved ones, count blessings, and give thanks.