How To Make A Bow Tie

Supplies you will need:

3/8 of a yard of silk cloth
3/8 of a yard of light weight interlining (I prefer non fusible)
Thread, Silk Pins
7/8" Slider to adjust the length of the bow tie

7/8" Connecting Loop to connect the two bow tie pieces.

Bow ties are not cut on the bias like a normal neck tie.  They are cut on the lengthwise grain of the cloth.  Fold your fabric with right sides together, selvages together and even.

Find a bow tie to use as a guide in making your pattern and adjust the design as you desire. 

Be sure to add 3/8" for seam allowance.  
Because the cloth is folded you will end up with 2 long and 2 short pieces. 

Next cut out the interlining.  I like the non fusible because it will give the bow tie more body verses the fusible type.  In this example I will attach interlining to all 4 pieces.

Pin interlining to wrong side of silk. 

                                               

Sew interlining apx 2/8inch from edge all the way around each piece as seen below.

Lightly press each piece.

Match and pin together the right sides of two short pieces and do the same to the long pieces

Sew together at 3/8 of an inch, leaving a 2" opening on edge of neck band. 

Sew a few diagonal stitches at corners to reinforce.

Clip excess seam allowance

Carefully, clip into curves. 

This is the opening in which you will turn the bow tie right side out.  It should give you ample room to turn without too much struggle. 

The end of a wood spoon works well to help turn the bow right side out.

Use something blunt and smooth to poke out the points of the bow tie and smooth out the curves from the interior of the tie.

   

After lightly pressing, you will want to turn in the seam allowances of the openings and hand stitch them closed on both pieces.

The bow tie can be fastened in the back different ways. 

Buttons, hook and eye, or as seen in this demonstration I used a 7/8" slider to adjust the length of the tie and a 7/8" connecting loop to connect the two pieces together.

Bespoke Bow Ties

Unquestionably, bow ties are a unique accessory to the average mans wardrobe.  However the gentleman who is adventurous enough to embark into this realm of fashion and distinction can find a wonderful assortment of color and design.

I began making bow ties years ago for my father who has always considered the bow tie, his tie of choice.  Growing up my father would occasionally complain of how difficult it was to find a nice bow tie.  Often times the only ties he could find were either the cheep clip-on style...(please avoid) or simply boring patterns and colors.  These are a few I have made recently.  I enjoy finding interesting patterns and colors in silks as my inspiration for my bow tie projects.

Easy to make with a little patience and some hand stitching you can design your own with different shaped bows and types of cloth. 

Silky Sundress

Simple silk sundress with zipper down the side.  Silk moss green lining.

G Street Fabric's Cutting & Sewing Room, Vogue Vintage Gown

Project:  Vogue Vintage
               Original 1957 Design
               V2962