Directions for Making a Necktie

A necktie is an essential accessory when it comes to formal attire for men. While a great tie can add that touch of glamor even to the ordinary suit, the wrong tie can make even the most well-executed look fall flat. Thus, it is absolutely essential that you carefully select a tie to wear with your suit. However, finding the right tie is not as easy as it seems and can be a lengthy process. Even after trying on a number of pieces, you might find it difficult to zero in on a particular piece. This is because there are multiple factors that need to be taken into consideration before a tie is selected. A tie needs to be of the perfect length and width, and of a fine fabric. Also, what tie you choose depends a lot on the occasion you wish to wear it for. A tie meant for special occasions will surely differ from the ones meant for everyday use and you must know how to tell the difference.

To make an impressive statement with your tie, it is best to get one that is custom-made to suit your style and the occasion. But how about making one yourself? Ever thought of it? All you need is some fabric, a few simple tools and a lot of patience, to make one. It's definitely worth giving it a try. Just follow the simple steps given below to make a necktie.

How to Make a Necktie

First, let's have a look at what all things you need to make a necktie at home. As you follow the steps, you'll find that making a necktie is not all that difficult and with just a few sewing tricks, you're ready to go. And if you know how to tie a necktie in different ways, then that's a bonus because you'll be able to flaunt your handmade tie in more ways than one! If you wish, you can first try making one out of scrap fabric just for practice, before you attempt to make one out of fine, expensive silk fabric.

Materials Required

• Silk fabric
• Silk pins
• Thread
• Needles
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Iron
• Interlining fabric
• Necktie pattern or template
• Marking pencil

Once you have gathered the materials that you would need, just follow the steps for making a four-fold necktie.

Step 1: Drawing the Patterns
The first step is to draw the outline of the tie pattern on the silk fabric as well as the interlining. Take the silk fabric and spread it on a flat surface such as a table. Now, take the tie pattern and place it along one edge of the fabric and draw the outline on the wrong side of the fabric using the marking pencil. If you get the pattern for a four fold necktie, then you'd have four patterns in all and you are required to trace three of these patterns on the silk fabric and the fourth pattern on the interlining fabric.

Step 2: Cutting the Fabric
Once you have the outlines made on the fabric, use scissors or a rotary cutter to cut out the pieces for the tie. You'll have five pieces of silk fabric and one piece of the interlining fabric. While cutting, remember to cut at an angle of 45 degrees to the selvage. Carefully cut out fabric pieces for tipping, the keeper and also the piece of interlining fabric. Make sure that there are no feathered edges as you cut. At this point, note that the correct size and fit of the interlining or inlay material is essential for you to be able to easily tie the necktie into the desired knot.

Step 3: Sewing the Tippings
The first step in sewing the tie is to sew the tippings to both ends of the tie. While doing so, hold the tippings such that the right side of both, the triangular tipping as well as the main part of the tie, are facing one another. Once you have sewn the tippings to both the ends of the tie, turn the ends inside out. The right side of the fabric is now visible. Apply a little pressure with your fingers to make the edges smooth.

Step 4: Sewing the Tie
Once the tippings are in place, your next task is to simply stitch the three main parts of the tie together. After that, take the piece of interlining fabric and place it inside the tie. Since we are making a four fold tie, we need to fold the tie four times. This is done by first folding the tie twice to the centerline. Use silk pins to secure the folds together before you begin stitching. If you wish, you can sew in a keeper to hold the ends of the tie together. Select the thread in a color that closely matches the shade of the fabric of the tie and using a needle, carefully go on stitching as you remove the pins. However, make sure you do not end up stitching through the tie!

Now that your tie is ready, use the iron to press the tie gently to remove any creases formed on the fabric and voilà! You have a brand new tie that you can flaunt in style!

Would you agree if I say that making a necktie is easy? Well, having gone through this article, I hope you definitely would. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a fabric of your choice and get going at making that perfect tie with it!