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

Carefully rip the labels out.

Open the neckties and iron all creases out.

Rip the lining out from both ends ofthe ties.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Before and after steampressing with iron.

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

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

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).

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

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

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