Time for a super simple DIY for duck tape bow ties! I made these for my group of tappers, seen here dancing. Tons of pictures to share, so let’s get to it. Grab your supplies! These are a great, inexpensive way to jazz up a costume or they would also be great for a party of little chickens.

You will need duck tape, in any color, I used white; scissors; and a safety pin. Optional supplies include permanent markers, glitter, rhinestones, and any other sort of embellishments your heart neck desires.

Step 1! Roll out a large piece of duck tape (about 8 – 12 inches, depending on the size of the person who will be wearing said bow tie) and double it back on itself.

Then, press it against itself, trying your best to line up the edges. It’s okay if it’s not perfect, you can trim off any excess on the sides later. Cut your tape off the roll and set aside.

Next, cut a small piece of duck tape. We’ll wrap this around the middle of our first piece to cinch the middle. Set this aside momentarily and go back to the big doubled over piece of tape.

Now, pinch the middle of your folded over piece of tape, making sure that the “pleats” you create are just about even on both side and are laying the same way.

While pinching the middle, take the smaller piece of tape you cut and wrap it around the middle, securing it in the back. Once you do, it should start to look a little like the picture above.

And now for a little trim. I like to round the edges of these bow ties just a little bit. Makes them seem more finished. (From the stage or for that party.) This is when I trim off any excess overlap on the edges too.

Now, flip your bow tie over, open your safety pin, and carefully thread the cap end underneath your cinching piece of tape. Doing this will make it easier to pin to a shirt. At this step, you could also thread a piece of elastic or ribbon, for a pin-free version. Or, you could make hair bows out of these and thread the back piece of a barrette through the middle piece of tape. You can stop right here and be good to go. OR, get our those embellishments now.

Maybe add some blue stripes?

Or color some red polka dots.

Or some zigging and zagging black chevron. It’s up to use. Use these at a party and let the kids all decorate their own. ‘Cause nothing says “party” like a fancy bow tie.