With the holidays slowly creeping in along with this chilly weather, it’s time to start thinking gifts! Especially if you go the handmade route.
Ties are a quick and easy go-to during the holiday season. They’re fun to make, and most guys need them, so why not make some unique ones that they can’t get anywhere else? To help out, we’ve even created a free template for both, a neck tie and a bow tie!
DOWNLOAD FREE TIE TEMPLATE HERE
Neck Tie Instructions:
Fabrics & materials needed:
- 1 yard main fabric such as silk, brocade, jacquard, sateen, etc (we used this new paisley damask jacquard)
- 1/4 yard lining (Blue Coral Acetate-Viscose Lining)
- Thread
1. For this tie, you’ll have 4 pattern pieces: the main section, the tail, and two lining panels. Each template piece should be placed on the bias and already includes a 1/2″ seam allowance.
2. Sew the main tie to the tail, right sides together.
3. Attach your linings on either end, turn right-side out and press. (Raw edges of your lining can be finished with a pinked edge or a serger.)
4. Fold the sides of your tie in 1/2″ and press. (Be sure to check the care instructions for your fabric. Many silks will require a low setting, or even a protective pressing cloth.)
5. Fold the sides of your tie inward again, this time bringing them into the middle. They should overlap just slightly, but be sure the angles at the bottom are even. Press into place.
6. Many ties simply have a bar tack toward the bottom, but I chose to slip stitch the length of the tie to keep everything laying smoothly.
7. Add a loop and/or tag about 8″ from the bottom of your tie for your tail to slip through after it’s tied.
Bow Tie Instructions:
Fabrics & materials used:
- 1/4 yard main fabric such as silk, brocade, jacquard, sateen, etc (we used this new paisley damask jacquard)
- Optional: 1/4 yard interfacing
- Thread
1. Cut 2 bow tie pieces on the fold from your main fabric.
2. Optional: cut 1 bow tie piece from your interfacing and fuse it to one of your main fabric panels. (If you have a stiff fabric, such as a brocade or jacquard, this step may not be necessary.)
3. Sew your two panels, right-sides together. Leave a 1″-2″ opening toward the center of the tie to turn your fabric right-side out. Press.
4. Slip-stitch the opening to finish your new bow tie!
7 comments
As instructed I printed the first page and did NOT select “fit to page” yet me scale was 1″ x 1.5″ can you help?
[…] The Simplicity pattern was easy to follow and went together rather quickly. It also came with directions for a men’s tie, as well as vest and tie patterns for boy’s sizes. If you’re more of a bow tie person though, we’ve got you covered with a free template! […]
I made a tie today, but concerned that it won’t stay folded in place. Should I put a few tack stitches in or use stitch witchery?
Personally, I’d use tack stitches! As much as I love stitch witchery, I feel like it never stays permanently.
I suggest a woven interlining for the neck tie to stabilize it and help it keep its shape. You don’t even have to stitch it in – once you have the tips sewn, you can just slip the interlining in like into a pocket, and then stitch the tie together in the center back, and the interlining will stay in place pretty well. The interlining should also be cut on the bias, and be cut to just a little bit smaller than the finished size of the tie so it lays flat inside the tie.
Could you use cotton fabric for this as well?
Hi Elizabeth! Yes, you definitely can. 😀