Using up tartan scraps...How to make a Tie?

[TheOfficialBren]

I have some tartan scraps and I think I'd like to make a tie. What do you guys advise? Any hints?

[Manxstralian]

I got some quite large pieces of Manx Blue tartan from my kiltmaker when I ordered my kilt,and he advised that the material would be too "heavy" to make a tie (it's 16oz wool). Having said that, I haven't given up on the idea completely, so hopefully someone will chime in with some advice soon!

Cheers,

Cameron

[Lorna]

If you happen to have an old tie that you don't wear anymore, the outer material can be taken off it and then you can see how a tie is constructed. Typically, the outer decorative material is cut on the bias (or diagonal) of the material to give the fabric some stretch which allows it to be sewn more easily. Cutting fabric on the bias takes a fair amount of material.A tie usually has three pieces of fabric that are sewn together to create a length and is then folded over a felt like material which gives the tie body. It's not too difficult if you have some basic hand sewing skills.

[Mikilt]

Simplicity pattern 4762 includes a pattern for a necktie.

I bought a yard of XMarks tartan for the sole purpose of having a bow tie made from it. Turned out great! I'll get some pics if you'd like.

[sydnie7]

Bow tie patterns available free:

I used this Burda pattern. Be sure to measure your neck as I had to lengthen the narrow part. I think I found tie hardware at Joann's but could be misremembering.

Here's a tutorial (and pattern, with same caveat) that shows making one without the hardware.

Long ties take a LOT of material, as Lorna notes. Here is a free pattern that I just Googled, no promises but her results look good.

Either way, I would try first with plain material before diving into the tartan. Best of luck!

[TheOfficialBren]

Excellent! Thank you.

[MacLowlife]

There is an expensive kind of (long) tie called a 7 fold tie, which uses 7 layers of silk and no interlining. If I had very heavy wool, I think I might try toi adapt that idea- what happens is that the fabric becomes the interlining. However, instead of 7 layers of silk, I think perhaps two layers of wool would be plenty. If you were to start with a necktie pattern and leave out the lining, you'd probably still have something pretty bulky, but it could be manageable.

A few years ago, there was a brief vogue for horizontally striped ties- NOT cut on the bias. If the shape of your remnant is better suited for such a thing, why not try the look of a non-bias cut tie? You might be able to mock it up before doing any cutting.

The last thing to remember is that sett size - and placement of your pattern- can affect how much of your tartan you actually get to see. If you start with a piece of poster paper, try cutting out a tie shaped window and setting that over the fabric to see how it will look before you actually cut.

[Mikilt]

Bren had some old scraps of tartan
With which he was not ready to be partin'
He thought it'd be wise
To sew up some ties
But knew not where he should be startin'

[English Bloke]

Excellent Mikilt. Very good indeed.

[TheOfficialBren]

Bren had some old scraps of tartan
With which he was not ready to be partin'
He thought it'd be wise
To sew up some ties
But knew not where he should be startin'

Lmao!
Hilarious!
:-D