5 Ways To Make A Tie - WikiHow

Home » How To Sew A Tie » 5 Ways To Make A Tie - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Make a Tie PDF download Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Getting the Materials Ready 2 Preparing Your Fabric for the Classic Tie Pattern 3 Cutting the Fabric 4 Applying the Interfacing 5 Sewing and Ironing the Tie + Show 2 more... - Show less... Other Sections Expert Q&A VideoWATCH NOW Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by David Pew

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 Approved

PDF download Download Article ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by David Pew. David Pew is a Professional Tailor based in Seattle, Washington. He owns his own tailoring business, Sew Generously, which he founded in 2013. With over 15 years of experience, David specializes in bespoke tailoring and alterations. He uses his experiences, skills, and eye for detail to produce the highest quality of products. David believes in creating garments with the finest materials that are built to last, and is a dedicated craftsman. Through Sew Generously’s website, David runs a blog, Stitching Confidential, where he writes on different topics in the tailoring, fashion, and art worlds. The business also hosts Sew Generously Galleries, quarterly art shows where they invite local artists to display their art, host workshops, and perform for the community at their shop. David received a BA in German and French from Western Washington University. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 368,153 times.

Ties are gaining increased popularity as trendy accessories that can be worn outside the traditional office setting. With the DIY movement also growing in popularity, it is no wonder that so many people are now inspired to make their own unique ties. Ties can be made from just about any type of fabric and are easy for anyone to create. You get to be in charge of picking out the pattern, fabric, and length of your tie when you make your own, and for a fraction of the price. Whether the tie is for you or you are making a fun tie to give your dad on Father's Day, there are easy steps that you can follow.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 5:

Getting the Materials Ready

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Purchase your favorite fabric from your local craft store. 1 Purchase your favorite fabric from your local craft store. You do not have to limit yourself to a certain type of fabric to make a great tie, but heavier fabrics do tend to wear better. For one tie, you'll need at least 1 1⁄2 yards (1.4 m) of fabric for the front of the tie and about 5 x 6 inches of fabric for the back liner.
    • Silk is a popular choice for tie liners.
    • For a casual tie, go for patterned cotton, linen or denim.
  2. Step 2 Buy interfacing for the inside of the tie. 2 Buy interfacing for the inside of the tie. Ties are made with a material called interfacing, which is sewn or ironed into the inside of the tie as a liner. It allows fabrics to keep a firm shape. You will need 1 1⁄2 yards (1.4 m) of interfacing in a color that matches the tie fabric.
    • For fusible interfacing, you will put the glazed side face down on the tie fabric to permanently adhere it to the tie. Be sure to buy sewable, fusible interfacing because you will be sewing the tie later on.[1]
    • Interfacing that is sewn-in does not have a glaze on it. It is sewn to the inside of the seam line so there won't be visible stitching on the outside of the tie.[2]
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Purchase the other supplies needed. 3 Purchase the other supplies needed. In addition to the fabric and interfacing, you will need to buy the following supplies:
    • Fine thread that matches the tie fabric
    • A good pair of fabric scissors
    • Either a needle (if you're sewing the tie by hand) or a sewing machine
    • Straight pins
    • Measuring tape
    • Iron
  4. Step 4 Pick out a pattern. 4 Pick out a pattern. There are many tie patterns available for you to choose from. Once you find a style you like, you can print the outline for it online for free. The alternative to printing a tie outline would be to use a ruler to trace another tie out yourself.[3]
    • When tie outlines print, they will continue onto more than one page because the length of the tie will be longer than a standard sheet of printing paper. Simply tape the paper together when you trace them onto the fabric.
    • You will need about 3/8in of additional space outside of your trace line that you will later use for the inseam.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 5:

Preparing Your Fabric for the Classic Tie Pattern

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Start with the classic tie pattern. 1 Start with the classic tie pattern. This pattern is a simple and versatile style. You can find different variations of outlines that range in width and length. Simply print out the one you prefer and make sure that it is the classic tie pattern and has a diamond cut at the bottom.
  2. Step 2 Beware of your fabric shrinking. 2 Beware of your fabric shrinking. If you're using a fabric other than silk, you should preshrink it by washing and drying it before you iron. This will ensure the fabric doesn't shrink if you have the tie steamed or washed.
    • If the interfacing has not been preshrunk, preshrink it by soaking it in hot water for 10 minutes, then letting it dry and running an iron over it.[4]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Tie 3 Prepare the fabric. Before you begin cutting, be sure to iron the back of the fabric on a low setting to remove any wrinkles, folds or ripples that will cause you to cut the fabric unevenly. To iron, lay the fabric flat on your work surface, "wrong" side up, and move the iron in small circles along the material.
    4. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 5:

Cutting the Fabric

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Tie 1 Lay out the tie pattern on the fabric. It is important to cut the fabric for the tie on the bias (diagonally across the grain) which will allow the tie to have more elasticity.[5] Remember to make sure the fabric is laid out smoothly with no creases.
    • If the fabric is patterned, envision how the pattern will look once you cut the fabric out. Rearrange the layout of your pattern to make sure it will show nicely.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Tie 2 Trace the pattern of the tie. Use a weight or pin to hold the pattern outline down. Then, use a piece of chalk to carefully trace around the outline onto the "wrong" side of the fabric. Chalk is a safe and easy tracing tool for this type of project.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Tie 3 Cut the fabric carefully. Use a sharp pair of fabric scissors to cut the fabric about 3/8in around the outside of the chalk line. This will leave room for you to sew the inseam.If you're using a fabric that's more difficult to work with, you might want to use a rotary cutter instead.
    • Cut slowly to avoid making a mistake and wasting fabric.
  4. Step 4 Repeat the process by now tracing the interfacing. 4 Repeat the process by now tracing the interfacing. Lay the tie outline on the interfacing and use chalk to trace the outline. Then, carefully cut out the interfacing using sharp scissors or a rotary cutter. The interfacing will end up having the same shape as the fabric you cut, but it won’t need added seam allowance so cut directly on the chalk line.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Tie 5 Cut the back liner. You will need to measure out your back liner to fit the bottom diamond of your tie. This will be used to cover the back of your tie that will be left exposed after your tie is folded over and sewed. It is also a nice place to tuck in the back tail of the tie. It will be cut straight across on top, and then follow the bottom cuts of the tie pattern.
    6. Advertisement
Method 4 Method 4 of 5:

Applying the Interfacing

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Check your interfacing. 1 Check your interfacing. Before applying your interfacing to the fabric, double-check that it has been been preshrunk either by the manufacturer or by you. Also, depending on if you purchased sewable or fusible interfacing, be sure to follow the specific instructions for that type.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Tie 2 Iron on the interfacing. If you purchased fusible interfacing, now is the time to iron it to the fabric. You will iron the glossy or bumpy side of the interfacing to the "wrong" side of the fabric. The best way to do this is to lay down the fabric with the front side facing the table. Then, lay the glossy side of the interfacing on top of the fabric. Instead of directly ironing on the interfacing, lay a thin towel on top of your interfacing to protect the materials from sliding around or sticking to the iron.[6]
    • Be sure the interfacing is smoothly ironed onto the entire tie surface.
  3. Step 3 Sew on the interfacing. 3 Sew on the interfacing. If you bought interfacing that has no glue, and was made to be stitched on, you will have to sew it to the fabric. This is a good option if you purchased a tie fabric that is sensitive to heat. You can sew on the interfacing by hand using a needle and thread or a sewing machine. Sew the interfacing to the "wrong" side of the tie fabric, and go around the entire edge of the tie.[7]
    4. Advertisement
Method 5 Method 5 of 5:

Sewing and Ironing the Tie

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Tie 1 Sew your tie closed. You can use a needle and thread or a sewing machine to do this. Like in most tie patterns, you will sew the point first. Then, you will fold over the back tie pieces to be sewn up the middle.
    • Make sure the edges are aligned correctly and your stitches are straight.
    • The tie should be sewn with the fabric folded inward so the seam doesn't show on the outside.
    • It's best to sew a tie together by hand because the stitches are more flexible. Machine-stitched ties don't tend to last as long as hand-stitched ones.[8]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Tie 2 Attach the bottom liner to the back of the tie. You will only need to sew the back liner to the three outside edges, and leave the straight line that goes across the tie left open so you can tuck in the back tail later.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Tie 3 Use a slip stitch to carefully sew along the middle seam of the underside of the tie. Sew the two edges of the folds closed from the top of the tie to the end of the fold. Be sure not to catch all of the layers as you stitch, since you don't want to be able to see the thread on the front of the tie.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Tie 4 Iron the tie to finish your creation. Use the iron to press out the creases and iron the tie until it is flat. Be sure that you set the iron to an appropriate setting for the material of the tie. Once the tie is smoothed out, it is ready to be tied how you prefer and worn.
  5. Step 5 Finished! 5 Finished!
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How do you sew a tie? David Pew David Pew Professional Tailor David Pew is a Professional Tailor based in Seattle, Washington. He owns his own tailoring business, Sew Generously, which he founded in 2013. With over 15 years of experience, David specializes in bespoke tailoring and alterations. He uses his experiences, skills, and eye for detail to produce the highest quality of products. David believes in creating garments with the finest materials that are built to last, and is a dedicated craftsman. Through Sew Generously’s website, David runs a blog, Stitching Confidential, where he writes on different topics in the tailoring, fashion, and art worlds. The business also hosts Sew Generously Galleries, quarterly art shows where they invite local artists to display their art, host workshops, and perform for the community at their shop. David received a BA in German and French from Western Washington University. David Pew David Pew Professional Tailor Expert Answer There are a lot of ways to make ties. Two of the most common are the 3-fold tie and the 5-fold tie, which are both made of fabric folded around interfacing. There's also the 7-fold tie, which typically doesn't have any interfacing. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
  • Question How do you cut the fabric for a tie? David Pew David Pew Professional Tailor David Pew is a Professional Tailor based in Seattle, Washington. He owns his own tailoring business, Sew Generously, which he founded in 2013. With over 15 years of experience, David specializes in bespoke tailoring and alterations. He uses his experiences, skills, and eye for detail to produce the highest quality of products. David believes in creating garments with the finest materials that are built to last, and is a dedicated craftsman. Through Sew Generously’s website, David runs a blog, Stitching Confidential, where he writes on different topics in the tailoring, fashion, and art worlds. The business also hosts Sew Generously Galleries, quarterly art shows where they invite local artists to display their art, host workshops, and perform for the community at their shop. David received a BA in German and French from Western Washington University. David Pew David Pew Professional Tailor Expert Answer It's important to cut the fabric on a bias, which will make it more flexible. Then, it's best to hand-stitch the tie, because machine stitches aren't very flexible, and the stitches will usually start to break before long. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
  • Question I want to make a Hogwarts-themed tie. How do I make it striped? Community Answer Community Answer Use fabric markers or dye. Your local craft store will likely have a range of colors to choose from. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 9
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • The standard tie length is 57 inches (144.8 cm) tip to tip. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
  • When cutting the fabric, it should be cut on the bias (diagonally across the grain). Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
  • When making a tie, remember to adjust the length of the tie for the height of the person. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Silk or another tie fabric
  • Interfacing
  • Needle and thread or sewing machine
  • Scissors or rotary cutter
  • Tie sewing pattern
  • Chalk
  • Iron

You Might Also Like

Make a Bow TieHow toMake a Bow Tie Make Your Own T ShirtHow toMake Your Own T Shirt Sew a Shirt CollarA Step-By-Step Guide for Sewing a Shirt Collar Sew a SuitHow toSew a Suit How toKnit Ties How toSew a Scarf How toSew Robes Make a TunicHow toMake a Tunic Make a Fabric BeltHow toMake a Fabric Belt Make Upholstery PipingHow toMake Upholstery Piping How toSew an Apron Make a Pair of PantsHow toMake a Pair of Pants Sew a ShirtHow toSew a Shirt How toMake a Handkerchief Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ http://sewing.about.com/od/sewingtips/ss/How-to-Add-Stiffness-and-Shape-Clothing-Costumes-Sewing-Seam-Additives-Shape-Fabric.htm
  2. ↑ http://sewing.about.com/od/sewingtips/ss/How-to-Add-Stiffness-and-Shape-Clothing-Costumes-Sewing-Seam-Additives-Shape-Fabric.htm
  3. ↑ http://www.vanillajoy.com/boys-neck-tie-tutorial-free-printable-tie-patterns.html
  4. ↑ http://sewing.about.com/od/sewingtips/ss/How-to-Add-Stiffness-and-Shape-Clothing-Costumes-Sewing-Seam-Additives-Shape-Fabric.htm
  5. ↑ David Pew. Professional Tailor. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2012/01/sewing-tips-defining-using-interfacing-fusible-web-fusible-adhesive.html
  7. ↑ http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2012/01/sewing-tips-defining-using-interfacing-fusible-web-fusible-adhesive.html
  8. ↑ David Pew. Professional Tailor. Expert Interview

About This Article

David Pew Co-authored by: David Pew Professional Tailor This article was co-authored by David Pew. David Pew is a Professional Tailor based in Seattle, Washington. He owns his own tailoring business, Sew Generously, which he founded in 2013. With over 15 years of experience, David specializes in bespoke tailoring and alterations. He uses his experiences, skills, and eye for detail to produce the highest quality of products. David believes in creating garments with the finest materials that are built to last, and is a dedicated craftsman. Through Sew Generously’s website, David runs a blog, Stitching Confidential, where he writes on different topics in the tailoring, fashion, and art worlds. The business also hosts Sew Generously Galleries, quarterly art shows where they invite local artists to display their art, host workshops, and perform for the community at their shop. David received a BA in German and French from Western Washington University. This article has been viewed 368,153 times. 4 votes - 100% Co-authors: 34 Updated: May 13, 2025 Views: 368,153 Categories: Featured Articles | Sewing Clothing Accessories | Ties Article SummaryX

To make a tie, start by laying out the tie pattern on the fabric you’ve chosen. Trace the pattern and carefully cut it out with scissors. Next, repeat the same steps with the interfacing and iron it to the back of the fabric. Then, cut a piece of fabric for the back liner and attach it to the tie. Finally, use a slip stitch to sew the middle seam along the back of the tie, and press it with an iron to smooth it out. If you want to learn how to prepare your fabric before cutting it out, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Italian Spanish Portuguese Russian French Indonesian Dutch
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 368,153 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Adele N.

    Adele N.

    Oct 16, 2024

    "I appreciate the step-by-step instructions. I find that they work best for me. I was also glad to learn that hand..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. David Pew Co-authored by: David Pew Professional Tailor Co-authors: 34 Updated: May 13, 2025 Views: 368,153 100% of readers found this article helpful. 4 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote Adele N.

Adele N.

Oct 16, 2024

"I appreciate the step-by-step instructions. I find that they work best for me. I was also glad to learn that hand..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Sep 22, 2017

"Step by step information is the best. Love your wonderful tips. " Akinola Mathew

Akinola Mathew

Nov 28, 2017

"It's reader friendly and easy to understand." Ayaan Cabdulqadir

Ayaan Cabdulqadir

Jun 15, 2018

"Thanks, for the first time I made a tie!" Micheal Philip

Micheal Philip

Feb 10, 2018

"Really helped with the illustrations." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What Should I Wear Today QuizWhat Should I Wear Today QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake Quiz Choose Bed Sheets QuizHow to Choose Bed Sheets QuizTake QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizTake QuizWhat Pasta Shape Am I QuizWhat Pasta Shape Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Do I Look Like QuizWhat Do I Look Like QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Make a Bow TieHow toMake a Bow TieMake Your Own T ShirtHow toMake Your Own T ShirtSew a Shirt CollarA Step-By-Step Guide for Sewing a Shirt CollarSew a SuitHow toSew a Suit

Featured Articles

215+ Funny & Creative Personalized Vanity Plate Ideas215+ Funny & Creative Personalized Vanity Plate Ideas100+ Creative Ways to Say Good Night100+ Creative Ways to Say Good NightWhy Can't I Sleep QuizWhy Can't I Sleep Quiz150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel Special150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel SpecialWhat Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic MeaningsWhat Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic Meanings19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the World19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the World

Trending Articles

Make OutHow toMake OutAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Am I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday Quiz180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any ArgumentWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)Random Fortune GeneratorRandom Fortune Generator

Featured Articles

What Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is My Aesthetic QuizWhat Is My Aesthetic Quiz Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the HolidaysHow to Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the HolidaysHilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughHilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizWhy Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)Why Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)

Featured Articles

A Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body TypeA Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body Type Tell if You’re in LoveHow to Tell if You’re in LoveWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhat Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)How Beautiful Am I QuizHow Beautiful Am I Quiz

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?What Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizIs a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?Is a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?What’s My Demigod Fatal Flaw QuizWhat’s My Demigod Fatal Flaw Quiz

Quizzes & Games

What's My Clothing Style Quiz (For Men)What's My Clothing Style Quiz (For Men)Take QuizWhat Is My Face Shape QuizWhat Is My Face Shape QuizTake QuizWhat Tarot Card Am I QuizWhat Tarot Card Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Men's Haircut Should I Get QuizWhat Men's Haircut Should I Get QuizTake QuizHalloween Costume Idea Generator: Find the Perfect Trendy or Classic CostumeHalloween Costume Idea Generator: Find the Perfect Trendy or Classic CostumeGenerateEngagement Ring QuizEngagement Ring QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Personal Care and Style
  • Fashion
  • Fashion Accessories
  • Ties
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --622

Tag » How To Sew A Tie