Making a Bow Tie

The bow tie is one of the easiest clothing pieces to DIY. Requiring a small amount of fabric and only simple sewing. There are few constraints on the type of fabric that can be used, for this tie I used an old bed sheet.

Materials:

• Fabric
• A needle and thread or a sewing machine
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• A pattern
• Interfacing (optional)
• Iron

Fabric

Any type of woven fabric will work. Silk would be the ultimate in luxury. However fabrics with a satin finish emulate this look. For this example I used an old cotton bed sheet. Cotton gives a very different look from a silk like fabric, however it does not diminish the elegance that a bow tie brings to an outfit.

Pattern

The way I created my pattern is by tracing a bow tie I already had, and adding seam allowance around the edge. If you make your own pattern I recommend making each side two pieces with an angled joint in the back. If you want to download a pattern there are many available for free online.

Interfacing

I used some light fusible interfacing in the ends of the tie. If you do not have any fusible interfacing you can add another layer of fabric between the layers to add some body and stiffness to the tie.

Procedure

This is a straightforward project that takes about a half hour for an experienced sewer.

Cutting

Lay out the pattern on your fabric, I like to use weights to hold it, but it can also be pinned. I use a rotary cutter to follow the edges of the pattern. However you could also mark the cut lines then use scissors. If using interfacing cut it as well.

Assembling the Sides

If you are using a pattern with a split in the back then attach the two pieces of each side together. Then press the seams open.

Add Interfacing

Now is the time to add the interfacing. For fusible interfacing follow the manufacturers instructions for attaching it. If you are adding another layer of fabric as interfacing be sure you do not put it between the layers of fabric despite wanting it in the middle when finished. Put it on the outside, I speak from experience.

Sewing the Sides Together

This is where the tie really takes shape. Place your pieces right side together, then sew the perimeter inside of your seam allowance. Leave about two inches undone on one side of the back so you can turn it right side out. After finishing the seam I like to trim the seam allowance, then clip the curves and corners. This helps the curves be smooth on the finished product.

Turn it Right Side Out

For this step I use a chopstick to help push the corners out to make them sharp. As you get it flattened out press it to give it shape.

Sew Up the Back

Run a line of stitching along the edge to close the hole you used to turn the tie. And you are done!