How to Make a Necktie

A fine necktie is the quintessential accessory for any business or formal attire. Having a wide array of options can make an outfit stand out, make a unique statement and evoke just the right accent to create the impression you want.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 yard exterior fabric (silk or polyester, middle weight) 1 yard lining fabric 1 yard interfacing Sewing scissors Pins Sewing needle Thread Sewing machine Iron Ironing board Pattern paper Scissors

How to Make a Necktie

1. Iron your pattern paper. Draw the following measurements: 1 line 60 inches long. At one end of this line draw a perpendicular line 4 inches long, extending 2 inches on either side of the line tip. Measure 36 inches down from this end and make a mark. Draw another 4-inch line through this mark, perpendicular to the 60-inch line. Connect the tips of the 4-inch lines with 36-inch lines. Go to the opposite end. Measure 4 inches from that end and make a mark. Draw an 8-inch line through that mark, forming 4 90-degree angles, with 4 inches of line on either side of the long line. Draw lines from the ends of this cross to the end of the 60-inch line, forming a short triangle. Draw a line from each of the triangle's corners formed by the 8-inch line to the corners of the 36-inch rectangle formed by the 4-inch lines. This is your tie pattern.

2. Iron your exterior fabric and cut out one piece with a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Iron your lining fabric and cut out one piece with a 3/8 inch seam allowance. If you can't fit your full pattern on the fabric, cut 2 pieces that will fit together with an extra 2 inches at the ends that will meet in the middle. Sew together at a 45 degree angle. Trim seams to 1/4 of an inch and press flat. Place the right sides of each fabric against each other and pin. Sew in place, leaving the wider end unsewn. Press seams and turn right side out.

3. Turn hem under both the lining and the exterior fabric, allowing a wider seam fold on the lining so that a little of the turned exterior fabric shows when the two pieces meet. Sew with an underhand stitch so that no stitches show. Press the tie flat, rolling the seams so that the exterior fabric is visible on the edges of the tie when you are ironing the lining side.

4. Lay your tie flat with the exterior fabric facing downward. Beginning at the wide base, take one of the two sides of your tie and fold it over so that the side meets the center point 4 inches from the tie's triangular tip. Pinning as you go, fold up the length of the tie, maintaining the fold so that the edge meets the center. Repeat with the other side. Iron each side so that the creases are sharp.

5. Cut a strip of interfacing 1 3/4 inches wide and 45 inches long. Open the folded tie and tack interfacing to the lining of the center section of the tie, beginning 6 inches from the bottom tip and ending 11 inches from the top tip. Tack every 1 1/2 inches. Fold sides back over to the center and re-press down. Using thread the same color as the lining, gently join the sides of the tie as they meet in the middle in small, smooth tacks every 2 inches. Iron flat once more.