How to Sew a Necktie

Despite their simple appearance, most necktie patterns are surprisingly complex. You can buy a necktie pattern and follow the directions, or use the simple method below to make a basic necktie. Because neckties are long, you’ll need to use fabric that’s 60-inches-wide, or sew two pieces of fabric together.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1/4 yard fabric
• Matching thread
• 1/4 yard fusible interfacing
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Press cloth
• Sewing machine
• Safety pin (optional)
• Hand sewing needle (optional)

Prepare the Necktie Fabric

1. Cut a piece of fabric 8 inches wide-by-60 inches long.

2. Fold the fabric in half; right sides together.

3. Trim the edge of the fabric opposite the fold so that the tie is wide at the bottom and narrow at the top. Make sure the narrow end is no less than 1 1/2 inches from the fold to the edge.

4. Trim the bottom edge of the fabric at an angle to make the point of the tie. Make sure the lower edge of the angle is at the fold.

5. Trim the top edge of the fabric at an angle as well. Unfold the fabric.

6. Cut a piece of fusible interfacing, using the fabric piece as a pattern.

7. Place the interfacing on the wrong side of the fabric. Iron it to the fabric following the directions that came with the interfacing.

Sew the Necktie

8. Turn the lower pointed edges of the tie over 1/2 inch toward the wrong side. Press the folds flat and topstitch them in place using 1/4 inch seam allowance.

9. Turn the lower pointed edges of the tie over 1/2 inch again. Press the folds flat, but do not stitch them.

10. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the upper pointed edges of the tie.

11. Fold the tie in half; right sides together.

12. Stitch along the edge opposite the fold using 1/4 inch seam allowance.

13. Turn the tie right side out. To make this easier, you can insert a safety pin through one layer of fabric at the top of the tie. Turn the safety pin to the inside of the tie and push it through. Remove the safety pin when you’re finished.

14. Adjust the fabric so that the seam is in the center of the back of the tie.

15. Press the tie flat. Repress the folds at the top and bottom of the tie, if needed, to hold them in place.

16. Hand sew a few stitches (optional) through the corners of the folds to help hold them in place. Sew through the layers of fabric on the back of the tie only, without stitching through the front of the tie.

Tips & Warnings

• To help hold the folds of the tie in place, press firmly and use the highest temperature setting recommended for that type of fabric.
• The seam shouldn’t show once the necktie is tied.
• Use caution when working with pins, irons, sewing machines and sewing needles.