Directions on How to Make a Pillow From Neckties

Upcycle old neckties into a decorative pillow.

Rather than throwing out your husband or father’s old neckties, use them in a project to can create something completely new. Repurposing an old item such as a tie into a new pillow is a rewarding craft that is inexpensive and will truly be one of a kind. Ties come in a variety of colors and textures, making them the perfect fabric substitute for an easy throw pillow cover. This project can be done by most crafters who have a sewing machine. The result will be a stylish and cost-effective decorative pillow.

Things You'll Need

• Clean neckties (at least 20)
• Iron
• Muslin fabric
• Sharp scissors
• Sewing machine
• Needle
• Thread (matching colors)

Instructions

1. Save neckties over time or purchase old ties at a thrift store. At least 20 different neckties are recommended for the project so that you have sufficient material.

2. Clean the ties and remove any lining or interfacing fabric, leaving the top fabric. Iron the material with a cool iron to finish preparing the ties before you start sewing.

3. Cut two identical pieces of muslin that are about 2 inches larger than your throw pillow. This will serve as the base for the pillow cover and make the sewing process easier, as muslin will not slip as much as silk.

4. Cut the neckties in the pattern of your choice. You can opt for using the whole tie and creating a vertical or horizontal stripe pattern, or for using fragments of the ties to create a quilting block or random arrangement of shapes.

5. Piece the tie fragments onto the muslin (leaving no gaps of muslin showing) and sew them in place with a sewing machine or by hand with a needle and thread. Repeat this process for the back muslin panel of the pillow.

6. Insert the pillow in the cover. Fold over the edges of the open side of the case, then stitch the cover closed using a small stitch in a matching thread so it is not noticeable.

References

• Favecrafts: Necktie Pillow