Versatile Necktie Turorial

Have you seen the fun neckties everyone is wearing?  I’ve yet to determine if I can pull one off, but I absolutely love the look.  They dress up a simple shirt, take a summer blazer to the next level, and look adorable tied to a purse handle keeping it at the ready.  I have seen the scarves worn as a simple ascot tucked into a button up, as a fun bow necktie as shown, or even as a belt.

Or possibly my favorite look, tying back locks as a head scarf – now this I think I can wear.  Either way, I wanted to make one as I think they will be the “it” accessory for this fall, and I am sure by that time I will have myself all talked into the trend.  It usually takes me a little time :).

If you want to make one too, I have a template you can print for easy uniform cutting and a full tutorial with far too many pictures after the jump!

Necktie or Head Scarf Tutorial

Fabric Requirements:

You want to use a lightweight woven apparel fabric like a voile, lawn, or synthetic blend.  In this case a quilters cotton will not give you the drape you need.  Most apparel fabrics come in at least 54″ wide, so they are the perfect length for this scarf.  I had a great piece of Liberty of London fabric that I (literally) begged off my sister.

As for width, any fabric with structure you will not need more than about 5½ to 7 inches, where a fabric with a loose drape might require more – around 8 to 11 inches.  But really, you can make it any width you want.

Click here to download the template and print here on Google Docs.

Instructions:

If you are new to sewing I have a great Sewing Directory that might help you with any questions you have.

The cut of fabric I had needed a little cleaning up around the edges.

I decided on about 5½ inches for the width of my scarf, and it worked out perfect.

After you have cleaned up the edges, and decided on the width – pin the template in place on one end of the scarf.  If your fabric is not as wide as the template, simply line the straight edge of the template with the fabric and use the template as a guide for where to begin your arch.

Now repeat on the other side, but flip the template over to cut, so that when you fold the scarf in half the ends will not match like shown in the picture.

Now lay on an ironing board right side down and press the edges over 1/4 inch all the way around.

Now using a small zigzag stitch (not a satin stitch, it will make the edges too stiff) start on the middle of a curve on the end and sew all the way around the perimeter of the scarf.

You want to align the needle so that the stitch encloses the inside edge of the fabric. Take it nice and slow and whistle wile you work :).

For the ends, I just folded over the tip and held the end as long as I could so my machine didn’t eat it.

Then press with a hot iron to make the edges nice and crisp.  On the tip of my necktie, I had a little bit of fabric that I trimmed.

Here you can see how the stitch runs right along the edge.  Full disclosure: I found the spot on my scarf with the straightest stitch for that picture :).

Then tie it on!  That pretty model is my niece, and I can’t believe how much she’s grown in the last few years – isn’t she beautiful?  Sweet as can be too. I have to say she totally rocks the bow necktie.

If you have any questions just leave them in the comments and I will answer them there!

How about you, do you love the retro necktie look?  Think you’ll give it a go?

Thanks so much for reading and sharing friends and I’ll see you next week with a great casual cropped pant that’s great for summer and carrying on into the fall.

Destri

Tagged as: accessories, women's clothing