Directions for Making a Necktie
Most men whose jobs require them to wear a necktie have a closet full of ties. But chances are all those neckties look pretty much the same. You can jazz up such collections by making a custom necktie. Purchase a pattern, or make one by taking apart an existing necktie. Shop fabric stores for attractive geometric or theme prints.
Things You'll Need
- ½ yard silk fabric for tie
- ½ yard wool fabric for lining
- Pattern
- Straight pins
- Scissors
- Iron
- Pressing cloth
- Sewing machine
- Needle
- Thread
Instructions
-
-
1
Unfold and smooth all your pattern pieces. Most tie patterns comprise the following pieces: a wide end, a narrow end, a center section, facings for each end (called the tipping) and an inner lining.
-
2
Lay the silk fabric flat on a table, right side up. Lay the pattern pieces for the main body of the tie on top of the fabric. The pattern pieces should be lain at a 45-degree angle. This will keep the finished tie from twisting and help it to lie flat.
-
-
3
Pin the pattern pieces in place, and cut them out. Cut the tie pieces from the silk and the inner lining from the wool.
-
4
Sew the end facings to each end of the tie. Place the right sides of the facings to the right side of the matching ends of the tie. There will be a narrow and wide end of the tie, each with its own facing piece. Pin these pieces together, and sew a 1/4-inch seam.
-
5
Turn the ends right side out and press them. Use a pressing cloth to protect the silk from scorching, and form a precise point for each end.
-
6
Sew the two ends to the middle section of the tie, right sides together. Make 1/4-inch seams unless your pattern indicates otherwise.
-
7
Lay the tie flat on the table, right side to the table. Center the wool lining piece on the tie. Make sure the lining is tucked inside the pocket formed by the facing at either end of the tie. Pin the lining in place.
-
8
Fold the sides of the tie to the center. The raw edges of the sides should barely meet in the center. Press.
-
9
Fold the sides of the tie to the center again. Overlap the left side of the tie to the right a fraction of an inch. Pin in place, and press.
-
10
Sew the center seam closed by hand. Whip the ends closed, or use a blind hem stitch or other invisible stitch.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Always use a silk setting on the iron and a pressing cloth. Press lightly, being careful not to scorch the silk.
If you're taking apart an old tie for a pattern, save the inner lining and reuse it in your new tie.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Necktie image by Nikolay Okhitin from Fotolia.com
