How to make a tie: step by step instructions
A smart tie is essential for those who work in an office with a formal dress code or want to look good for a special occasion. But what if you want to bring a bit of your personality into your workwear? Or want to match your partner's outfit for a wedding? The good news is that it's easy to learn how to sew a tie at home!
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In this guide, we'll explain how to make a tie step by step using your choice of fabric. You'll soon build up a brilliant collection of ties to add to your wardrobe or to give to friends and family. A handmade tie makes a really special birthday or Christmas gift – and you can whip them up in an evening!
If you're looking for more last-minute gift ideas, take a look at our pick of the best quick gifts to sew when you're short of time.
How to make a tie
Notes
- Download the tie pattern templates here.
- Use a 5mm (¼in) seam allowance.
- When you’re choosing the fabric, fold it on a 45° angle to see how it looks. Designs will appear different on a diagonal. It’s best to avoid anything with an obvious directional pattern.
You will need
- Main fabric: 75x75cm (30x30in)
- Lining fabric: 75x75cm (30x30in)
- Lightweight iron-on interfacing: 75x75cm (30x30in)
- Thread matching your fabric
Brush up on your sewing techniques
If you're new to sewing and want to brush up on your skills, check out our sewing for beginners guide to master all the basics.
Cutting out
Download the templates and cut them out as instructed below.
From the lining fabric cut out:
- Lining front – using the A template
- Lining back – using the C template
From the interfacing cut out:
- Interfacing front – using the A template
- Interfacing middle – using the B template
- Interfacing back – using the C template
Making the tie outer pieces
Step 1
Fold the main fabric on the diagonal and mark this line on the wrong side (WS) with tailor’s chalk then put to one side.
Step 2
Fold each of the interfacing pieces in half lengthways and mark this central fold line on the non-stick side of the interfacing.
Step 3
Lay the interfacing front glue side down flat onto the WS of the main fabric square and match the fold line to the chalked line on the fabric so it is laying on the true bias.
Step 4
Lay the interfacing middle and interfacing back pieces onto the main fabric, making sure the centre lines are parallel to the centre line on the tie front. This ensures that the tie lays straight once it has been made.
Step 5
Press the interfacing onto the fabric with a pressing cloth on top, taking care not to have your iron set too hot.
Step 6
Cut around each piece of interfacing to make the three tie outer pieces. Note that attaching the interfacing and then cutting around it ensures that you won’t end up with the interfacing stuck to your ironing board or your iron.
Joining the tie outer
Step 7
Draw a line 5mm (¼in) down from the angled edge of each piece on the interfacing. These are your stitching lines.
Step 8
Lay the three pieces out as shown in the photo so the middle is right sides (RS) up at the top with the front RS down on the right and the back RS down on top to the left.
You will have a small triangular overhang on both sides which should be equal in size.
Step 9
Tack the three pieces together, then open them out to make sure the straight edges of all the pieces are aligned.
Step 10
Sew the pieces together along your drawn lines using matching thread and a stitch length of 3. If you're unsure how, head over to our how to use a sewing machine guide.
Step 11
Press the seams open on both the WS side and then the RS.
Step 12
Trim off the small triangles at the edges.
Creating the points
Step 13
Mark a line 5mm (¼in) from the tip of the outer front.
Step 14
Fold the tie in half RS facing and stitch this tip together with a small stitch length.
Step 15
Mark a 5mm (¼in) seam allowance on both sides of the outer front pointed end.
Step 16
Place the outer front and lining front RS together and sew along the line, starting at the side edge then towards the tip of the tie on both sides. Sew up to the tip but not over it.
Step 17
Turn the point RS out and press, so the lining is slightly set back from the tie front.
Step 18
Repeat this process with the pointed end of the tie back, stitching the tip then sewing the outer and lining back RS together.
Folding the edges in
Step 19
Tack the long raw edges of the outer and lining together down both side of the front section and the back section to hold them together. These raw edges and tacking stitches will be hidden inside the tie when it’s finished.
Step 20
Fold the long edges over by 2cm (¾in) to the lining side and press the edges.
Step 21
Next, fold both sides into the centre line which is marked on your interfacing and lightly press and pin in place.
Joining the edges
Step 22
Join the sides of the front end of the tie by sewing a bar tack 5cm (2in) up from where the tie front meets. The bar tack goes through to the lining but not the front of the tie.
Step 23
Work another bar tack at the back end of the tie 2.5cm (2in) from the end.
Step 24
Sew the folded under edges of the tie together where they meet in the centre, starting and ending at the bar tacks, using ladder stitch.
Step 25
Press the tie gently with a dry iron and pressing cloth to finish.
You’re all done! You now know how to sew a tie.
Create beautiful accessories with our free tie sewing pattern
Learning how to make a tie can come in useful for many occasions. You can whip up a tie for a future wedding, stitch a new version for work or simply use this tie pattern as a beginner-friendly make when learning how to sew.
Plus, it's a brilliant way to use up fabric that's leftover from other sewing projects! We hope you enjoy making our tie pattern and make lots of them using this sewing tutorial.
Discover more formal men's sewing patterns
If you enjoyed learning how to make a tie, why not try your skills at bow tie making instead? Head over to our how to sew a bow tie for the free tutorial and pattern.
