How to Make a Necktie Quilt

A necktie quilt is generally a remembrance quilt. It can be used to showcase the ties from one person or an entire group or committee. You can work the neckties into a number of different patterns. The Dresden plate design works especially well. Follow these steps if you would like to make a necktie quilt to honor a special person or simply to display a large array of discarded neckties.

Things You'll Need

• Batting
• Cutting board
• Fabric
• Iron
• Neckties
• Quilting pins
• Rotary cutter
• Ruler
• Sewing machine
• Template plastic
• Thread
• White colored pencil

Instructions

1. Pick a pattern. The Dresden plate pattern works well, or you might want to sew your neckties directly on a quilt with a simple block design. Go to the Wisconsin History site and look at Allie Crumble's design for inspiration.

2. Plan the size of your quilt. Necktie quilts are generally wall hangings, so the size might be determined by the area where you would like to display it.

3. Buy your fabric according to your pattern instructions. You might want to bring your neckties along when you go to the fabric store so that the colors complement each other.

4. Prewash your fabric, dry it and iron it. Use spray starch, but don't use steam.

5. Cut out your pieces of fabric, following the instructions on your pattern carefully. Remember to allow for 1/4-inch seams. Label you pieces to avoid confusion.

6. Stitch the pieces together into a quilt top. If you are using an applique method, sewing the ties on top, sew your neckties in place.

7. Place the batting in between the quilt top and the backing, with the right sides facing out. Baste the three layers together.

8. Quilt each block using a design, or stitch in the ditch if you are using a simple block pattern.

9. Apply binding to the edges of your quilt and sew it in place.

Resources

• Quilts for Change provides tips for making a necktie quilt.
• Check out Allie Crumble's necktie quilt at the Wisconsin Historical Society.
• Equilters offers lots of tips for quilters.