Here at BUST, we’re not ones to pussyfoot around—we know a well-named clothing item when we see one. Witness the pussy bow, a scarf-like accessory that has been around since the 1940s and reached peak popularity in the 1980s, thanks to working gals everywhere. This pussy bow will take you no more than 30 minutes to create using a sewing machine, though you can also make it by hand. Best of all, it looks great with everything from a button-down shirt to a lacy dress. This little accessory really is the cat’s meow.
Materials:
1/2 yard of pre-washed, non-stretchy material
Needle and thread
Sewing machine (optional!)
Fabric scissors
Flexible measuring tape
Directions:
1. Cut two strips of fabric 41″ long by 6″ wide. Sew together, to create an 82″ long strip.
2. Fold in half lengthwise with the printed sides facing each other. Cut each end of the fabric at an angle of 45 degrees, creating a point.
3. Sew along the open edge with a quarter-inch seam allowance, leaving a 3″ opening.
4. Trim the points on each side so your corners will be crisp.
5. Turn inside out by pulling the ends of the fabric through the 3″ opening.
6. Hand-sew the 3″ opening shut.
7. Press your tie using an iron. Now you’re ready to wear your pussy bow everywhere, 9 to 5 style!
By Aurora Lady
Photographed by Lauren Perlstein
Hair and makeup: T. Cooper using ECRU New York and MAC Cosmetics
Model: Aicha Mohamed @ red model management
This article originally appeared in the December/January 2017 print edition of BUST Magazine. Subscribe today!
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