How to Make Your Own Ties

With a plethora of tie options crowding department store shelves, making your own may not be a necessary skill--but it can certainly be enjoyable. Handmade ties can make excellent gifts, and can be crafted to perfectly match a favorite suit or shirt.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tie pattern Silk fabric Matching thread Tie interfacing Tailor's chalk Scissors Sewing machine Needle

1. Select a pattern. Making a tie requires a professional pattern for nice results. You can find some excellent tie patterns in the Resources section (see below).

2. Cut the fabric according to the pattern. Be sure that the fabric is cut on the bias. When you pull on the fabric, width-wise, it should stretch slightly, but when pulled diagonally it should not stretch.

3. Mark the tie according to the pattern with tailor's chalk to indicate where the tie interfacing will go.

4. Sew the rest of the tie by following the pattern. Insert the tie interfacing very carefully into the fabric just before folding the sides.

5. Fold the sides in and stitch loosely with an even slipstitch.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid ironing the silk as much as possible. If you must use an iron, make sure it's on a silk setting.

Resources

• Men's Tie Patterns
• How to Sew a Necktie