Learn how to make your own long neckties! This easy-to-follow tutorial will show you how to make a variety of different long ties, from the classic style to the more modern ones.
What You’ll Need
-A necktie
-Scissors
-A ruler or measuring tape
-A sewing machine (optional)
Assuming you don’t already have a long necktie, you’ll need to start with a regular necktie. You can find these at most stores that sell clothing, or online. Once you have your necktie, you’ll need to cut it to the desired length. A ruler or measuring tape will come in handy for this step. If you want a neater look, you can sew the end of the tie after cutting it. This is optional, however, and isn’t necessary if you don’t have a sewing machine or aren’t comfortable using one.
Step One: Cut the Fabric
Assuming you have a necktie that you want to make longer, the first step is to cut the fabric. You’ll want to be very careful when cutting the fabric, as you don’t want to accidentally cut too much or too little.
First, measure the length of the necktie from the top of the collar to the bottom tip. Then, add about 1-2 inches to that measurement (this will give you some extra fabric to work with). Cut the necktie at this new measurement.
Next, use a seam ripper to carefully remove the stitches that hold the lining in place. Once the lining is removed, you should be able to see where the original hem was sewn. Carefully cut along this seam, taking care not to cut through any of the fabric.
Now you should have two pieces of fabric – one for the front of the necktie and one for the back. These pieces should be identical in size.
Step Two: Fold and Pin the Fabric
Before you start sewing the tie, you need to fold and pin the fabric. Start by folding the fabric in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Then, fold the fabric in half again, making sure the raw edges are aligned. Pin the raw edges together.
Next, take one end of the tie and make a small pleat. Then, pin the pleat in place. Repeat this step with the other end of the tie.
Now it’s time to sew!
Step Three: Sew the Tie
Sewing the tie is a simple process that can be done by hand or with a sewing machine. If you are using a sewing machine, set it to a straight stitch and sew along the long edge of the tie, about 1/4″ from the edge. Start at the narrow end of the tie and sew to the wide end. If you are hand-sewing, use a running stitch and do not pull the thread too tight.
To finish the tie, turn it right-side out and press it flat. Then, fold in the raw edges of the wide end of the tie about 1/2″ and press again. Sew this folded edge down with a straight stitch or a whipstitch. You can now wear your new necktie!
Step Four: Add the Label
Assuming you’re using a standard size label, begin by measuring 1-1/4″ from the bottom point of the tie and making a small mark. Then, measure 7/8″ to the left or right of that mark and make another small mark. Now you should have two marks that are 1-1/4″ apart. This is where you’ll place the top edge of your label.
With the top edge of the label aligned with those marks, use a ruler to draw a line across the label. Then, use a sharp scissors or knife to cut along that line. You should now have a long, thin strip of fabric that’s perfect for labeling your tie!
To attach the label, simply sew it onto the back of the tie at one end. Start by threading your needle with a length of thread that’s twice as long as the label itself. Then, knot one end of the thread and insert it through the fabric from back to front at one end of the label. Next, insert the needle through the fabric from front to back at the other end of the label. Finally, pull on both ends of thread until the knot rests snugly against the fabric and trim away any excess thread.
Tips and Tricks
Assuming you don’t already know how to tie a long necktie, here are some tips and tricks to help you out. For starters, you’ll need a longer tie than usual – at least 60 inches. To find out if your tie is the right length, hold the narrow end of the tie in your left hand and the wide end in your right, then let the wide end hang down. The tip of the wide end should reach the middle of your belt buckle.
If your tie is too short, you can try one of two things. First, you can try doubling up the fabric at the narrow end of the tie to create a thicker knot. Second, you can try tying a Half Windsor knot instead of a Full Windsor – it’s not quite as elegant, but it will use less fabric and give you a little extra length.
Once you’ve got your long necktie sorted out, it’s time to start tying it! The easiest way to do this is to put on a shirt with a collar that stands up (a button-down or collared polo works well), then slip the tie around your neck so that the wide end hangs down in front. Take the wide end and cross it over the narrow end, then tuck it underneath and pull it through the loop that’s created. At this point, you should have something that looks like a standard necktie knot, but with an extra loop of fabric hanging off to one side.
Conclusion
With a little bit of practice, you can easily make your own long neckties. You’ll save money and have the satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself. Plus, you can choose the fabric and pattern, so it’s exactly what you want. Follow these steps, and you’ll be tying knots like a pro in no time.
