Log in to close sponsor

You Will Need

180 minutes
So-so

Necktie Feathers Tutorial

  • Completed Project: Necktie Feathers Tutorial Picture #1
  • Completed Project: Necktie Feathers Tutorial Picture #2
  • Completed Project: Necktie Feathers Tutorial Picture #3

Pressing neckties to make brooches and other trashion fashions
 <  Image 1 of 3  > 

Many have asked me how I did my tie-dress. Here is a tutorial on what happened to the secondhand neckties before I pinned into shape on the dummy and formed my dress top.

It does not matter if the ties are of different widths or they are slightly dirty. You will not notice this arter they have been scrunched and pressed.

Add to a List Add to Favorites Add Your Version


  1. Step 1

    Step 1

    Open the tie from the back and take out all insides.

  2. Step 2

    Step 2

    Carefully rip the labels out.


  3. Step 3

    Step 3

    Open the neckties and iron all creases out.

  4. Step 4

    Step 4

    Rip the lining out from both ends ofthe ties.


  5. Step 5

    Step 5

    When all the ties are ironed open, you can try again to organize them by color. The garment will look more harmonious (and the viewer does not notice the ties so easy) if you have used only a few colors organized in a harmonious order. For example dark to light or red to violet to blue.

  6. Step 6

    Step 6

    Fold the ties from the middle right sides facing out. Sew about 1/3 inch of the edge a straight long stitch. Do not reverse in the beginning or end, leave seamends open.

  7. Step 7

    Step 7

    Tie the sewing thread from the other end. Scrunch the tie by pulling the under-thread. Tie a knot in both ends.

  8. Step 8

    Step 8

    Press with loads of steam (iron hot). Use a pillowcase or pressing cloth to prevent burning the ties if your iron does not have a teflon surface.

  9. Step 9

    Step 9

    This is what the tie looks like sewed before and after scruching. It will be about 1/3 shorter when scrunched.

  10. Step 10

    Step 10

    Before and after steampressing with iron.

  11. Step 11

    Step 11

    Try the color order again and adjust it if needed. After pressing the surface colors and forms will change.

  12. Step 12

    Step 12

    Try the color order again and adjust it if needed. After pressing the surface colors and forms will change.

  13. Step 13

    Step 13

    Now they are ready to be pinned on the dummy. Use a piece of lining underneath or pin the on a garment. After you have the desired form take the piece off the dummy and sew together by hand (duse denim thread).

  14. Step 14

    Step 14

    Pressed neckties make also great fabric flowers and they can be adjusted to many forms because of their flexibility.

  15. Step 15

    Step 15

    If you make the necktie-piece with lining, it can be added to different dresses/outfits with safetypins.

  16. Step 16

    Step 16

    You can make an entire ball gown with just 60 ties and a corset! Plus fabric for the train.

    Photographer: Mikko Rasila
    Model: Niina Herala

More from Scarves & Cowls (See All »)

  • Bullion Stitch NeckwarmerHow To
  • ScarvesHow To
  • Balaclava
  • Scoodie
  • Blueberry Limeade Scarf

See more Sewing

People who love this project (See all 249) »



Leave a Comment

Sorry...

You need to Sign Up and log in to leave comments


Holly B.

Holly B.

April 27th, 2008 13:21

This is brilliant! Thank you x

Naomi T.

Naomi T.

April 27th, 2008 13:27

You are a wonder. This is one of the best and imaginative pieces of clothes I have ever seen.

Roma

Roma

April 27th, 2008 14:00

This is the best thing ever. I saw it and was like "wow!" and then i was all "OMG TUTORIAL YES!"

Brightened up my day! x

Dolly

Dolly

April 27th, 2008 15:57

WOOOT!
The tut. is awesome!

serendipity_sarah

serendipity_sarah

April 27th, 2008 16:03

Gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous! Very creative use of ties.
Thanks for the tutorial.

nouk

nouk

April 27th, 2008 20:11

This is so cool!!!
I think my dad has no ties anymore in 2 weeks =P

'Gemyz

'Gemyz

April 27th, 2008 21:14

That dress is hands down amazing!!
i love it!! =D

Cat Morley

Cat Morley

April 27th, 2008 21:43

This looks absolutely amazing, it's like something Vivienne Westwood or Alexander McQueen would make and sell for thousands of pounds. Great job!

queenfairypants

queenfairypants

April 27th, 2008 22:27

WOW! beautiful!

Nanzaa LOW

Nanzaa LOW

April 28th, 2008 05:29

wow...awesome!!!

boebba

boebba

April 28th, 2008 12:33

Amazing, all these little pieces of fabric...Wauw!

(cup)caketastrophe!

(cup)caketastrophe!

April 29th, 2008 00:07

I really need a dressmakers mannequin.

Maraluce M.

Maraluce M.

April 29th, 2008 18:10

Amazing :o
Thanks for the tut :)

natalie m.

natalie m.

May 20th, 2008 05:21

Amazing!

merve

merve

May 31st, 2008 19:14

wowww..
god jub;)

Cuervito

Cuervito

June 28th, 2008 17:52

WOW! Awesomee! *___* It looks reaaally beautiful!

Taz

Taz

July 2nd, 2008 12:12

This is gorgeous thank you so much for the idea. xx

Mia

Mia

July 5th, 2008 17:06

This is uh-mazing!

Ceska C.

Ceska C.

July 29th, 2008 23:36

this looks fantabulous i love it i'll try it out soon

cinderelly

cinderelly

October 27th, 2008 17:25

this is really, really beautiful!

KMOM14

KMOM14

November 21st, 2008 07:10

Wow. I would never have guessed that it was made out of old ties. What a great way to refashion ugly old ties into something amazing.

Happy Place Design

Happy Place Design

December 14th, 2008 04:11

beautiful!

Many Toppins

Many Toppins

December 18th, 2008 01:04

Very clever!

Ella G.

Ella G.

December 29th, 2008 07:16

You rock it
Im crazy about it
is so fashion!!!
luv it

Paulette B.

Paulette B.

January 1st, 2009 23:13

I just found you on best of 2008. What a great idea to reuse old ties. I can see dozens of applications for this idea.

Zezerk

Zezerk

January 6th, 2009 16:36

HOORAY!!!!

yummywakame

yummywakame

January 22nd, 2009 23:46

WOW! I'm just... gobsmacked!

Emily B.

Emily B.

February 17th, 2009 16:08

Those are SO Christian from Project Runway. FIERCE!

Semiha Ã.

Semiha Ã.

April 10th, 2009 22:51

Great :)

Vee

Vee

May 10th, 2009 08:41

LOL "just" 60 ties XD My dad had like, two haha. But i really love this tute, and that dress at the end is absolutely gooorgeous. I LOVE frills, ruffle, that kind of stuff.

CraftMeBeautiful

CraftMeBeautiful

June 5th, 2009 20:19

Amazing, I've been looking fofr something like this. Thanks :-)