DIY Detachable Bow for Flats Inspired by Prada's Leather Bow Ballet Flats

Hi People!

I have another D-I-Y for you guys today that's fun and relatively simple.  I was recently at a B Brian Atwood Event hosted by Anh from 9to5chic.com and while perusing the shoes my friend Lynn mentioned her affection for some Prada Bow Ballet Flats shown here.  (Another post on the event soon)

Prada Leather Bow Ballet Flats

Photo Borrowed from SaksFithAvenue.com  Link to purchase them here:  http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306438402&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446426628&R=8055113663620&P_name=Prada&N=306438402&bmUID=jn_XDz5 $390.00

I have actually been wanting to make some detachable bows for another pair of shoes for quite some time now.  So this was a great opportunity to have a D-I-Y session.  These are what came out of it.

Lanvin Bow Flats 

Photo Borrowed from Net-A-Porter.com  Link to purchase them here:  http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/165208# currently on sale for $333.00, originally $595.00

Here's how to get started - Materials Needed:

1. Leather Scraps (Found @ fabric store.  I used real leather but you can purchase faux leather, it should work just as well.) $2.00 on sale
2. Thread
3. Needle
4. Sewing Machine (Optional)
5. Hitche Pin Clip (Found @ Home Depot - 2 clips for 50 cents)
6. E600 Glue (Michael's $3.99 w/ 50% off coupon this week) = $2.00
7. Shoes you own or pick up some flats.
8. About 30 minutes from start to finish!

How To:

Leather Fabric Scraps

Hitch Pins / Steel Zinc Plated 3/16"

Width 8 inches

Height 2 inches

Cut 2 Strips from measurements above

Fold Strip in half with correct/shiny leather part facing together.  Then sew a line to close up like in the photo below.

Scissors just point to where you need to sew along.

Flip leather piece inside out and have the sewn side up.

Then cut 2 strips 3 inches long x 1/2 inch wide.

Then wrap around covering the middle sewn portion and hand stitch.  Be careful because it's a little hard to stitch through layers of leather with a skinny needle.  Use a larger/thicker needle if you can.  I also stitched through the wrap and the bow to make sure the wrap doesn't roll around.  That way it stays fastened to the back.  You don't want to see any seams when wearing it, or if you fancy that, then leave it alone.

When completed, the back of the bow should have a resemblance to this.

... And the front this.

Then take a hitch pin clip and put some E600 glue to the wiggly parts and then adhere to the back of the leather bow.

You might have to use a pair of scissors or a pencil to poke underneath the leather part so that it sticks to the metal pin.  Just so that you can ensure it's completely attached for more security & sturdiness.

Let it sit for about 5 minutes to dry.  I was impatient and waited 2.  Plus I was running out the door for dinner with friends.

Then clip them on to your flats or whatever pairs of shoes you chose them for and you can be on your way!

I asked my bf to take a photo of me in my flats.  The bows add some depth to the flats and I love them! I'll have to take more shots when I'm maybe not wearing tights.  I wore them out and they held up great.  ** Note:  I purchased some magnets and other clips from Home Depot called Cotter Pins but #1 The magnets were too thick and I felt them in my shoes #2 The Cotter Pins didn't feel as sturdy.  I also went to Target and Michael's but couldn't find any hair pins that I found would work either so that's why I picked the Hitch Pin Clips & I'm so glad I did!  (I wanted pins that wouldn't show that they were detachable.)  Just be careful with your shoes because they can snag some leather when clipping and may leave indentation marks of clip after prolonged use.  **

I hope you enjoyed this D-I-Y.  I can't wait to make more use out of my detachable bows on some other shoes.  Thanks for stopping by!

Jen