Making pocket squares out of old ties and/or shirts?

[merkur]

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[ManofKent]

For shirts - I can't see why you couldn't. There have been threads on people making squares out of new cotton. As to ties I wouldn't have thought they'd have enough material.

 

[MLIW]

I cant see why not by more to the point why would you do it?? Surely a lot easier to buy a quality design pocket square?

 

[Vecsus]

Originally Posted by MLIW

I cant see why not by more to the point why would you do it?? Surely a lot easier to buy a quality design pocket square?

Maybe he already has a shirt or tie with a pattern he likes. I think it's great that someone wants to re-utilize an item rather than just run out and buy something new. Easier does not always mean better.

OP: if you make a conversion please post up your results. I have never worn a PS but I have a few lower-end ties I no longer wear that might make interesting squares.

 

[rs232]

I frequently do this. I like my squares on the small side, and thrift a fair few ties on Ebay. About 20% of the time, the ties turn out disappointing for one reason or another, but the fabric is still promising, so I get the shears out, and turn the tie into a PS. I'll also keep the better linings to make into new ties with some of my other offcuts.

Ditto for shirts.

 

[countcount]

Originally Posted by rs232

so I get the shears out, and turn the tie into a PS

After you have cut the silk what do you do to the edges to keep the fabric from unraveling? I have tried to cut silk, but the edges start to fray. In response, I have hand rolled and sewn but it looks worse then frayed edges.

 

[anon]

I made a PS out of my old shirt. I haven't taken pictures of it yet, but there's a thread about it.

My rolled edges are nowhere near as good as others, and not even in the ballpark of a store-bought PS.

 

[Dr Huh?]

If you have a shirt that is beyond salvaging (it has a stain that won't come out, or a big tear on it) then go for it.

 

[Sam Hober]

Originally Posted by merkur

Is it possible to make pocket squares out of old ties and/or shirts? Would tie silk generally be too thick and/or brittle (if thin) to make a good pocket square? Surely, a worn, frayed shirt in a nice shirting (especially if bespoke or high end RTW) would be able to be converted into a few pocket squares, no? Has anyone done this?

Merkur, Shirts would work well. Ties would make very, very small pocket squares although the thicker tie silk will help and a 6-fold tie will have more silk. The type is silk is not a problem and can be very nice. You might find this thread helpful: http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/f...ober+challenge Remember while there are special ways to make a beautiful pocket square the real secret is to go very slowly... It takes us typically 1.5 to 2 hours to make a perfect 15" silk pocket square. The pocket squares that you usually see in department stores often have beautiful fabric and low end stitching that takes only a few minutes to make. Good luck and don't forget to post photos.