Tie Construction

[mrchapel]

I was admiring some ties at the store earlier in the week. As a result, I got to thinking how difficult it is to make a tie, or even how you would do such a thing. Suddenly I got the idea to try and make a tie myself; however I have no clue where to start. I saw an explanation of sorts on the Mulberrywood custom ties web site, but I was left with some questions, such as how many yards of fabric are required for one tie, what kind of silk fabric is best, how wide does the fabric have to be, where to buy a tie pattern for cutting, etc.

So I thought I'd post my question here and see if anyone could point me to some resources or provide me some insight? I spent a good couple of hours last night on Google and other various search avenues, but I was not able to come up with any concrete information, other than common methods of tie production using machines, etc. I'd really like to learn how to handcraft a tie; think it would be a good skill to have and would love to be able to make custom ties for my brothers and father.

Many thanks in advance!

 

[Sam Hober]

Mr Chapel, 1) It is not difficult to make a tie if you have patience and the skills to make a model boat or airplane, which most of have done when we were boys. The key point is to be willing to remake your tie until it is perfect. We make ties everyday yet we often remake a part of, or an entire tie if it is not perfect. You will probably never find this in a store bought tie, or one made under contract. And certainly never in a machine-made tie. 2) To make a very nice three-fold construction tie requires around 1/2 yard of silk, commercial tie-makers such as Brooks Brothers etc. use a bit less silk. 3) Standard patterns can be purchased from sewing supply type stores or online. For a complex tie with more than three-folds you should take apart your favorite tie to make a pattern or visit the old standby of eBay and buy a used tie. 4) As for silk that is your choice and perhaps the best reason to make your own tie. I would perhaps start with an English twill, and avoid an Italian satin or Thai shot silk as being somewhat more difficult to work with at first. 5) You forgot to ask about interlinings: Use 100% interlining wool from Italy as it is the best currently available. A few stores here and there in New York will sell you English twill silk, and we sell silk and interlining wool online. You can also use whatever wool or silk that you like for your first experiments. Look for a discount online fabric store. Good luck and please post photos of your ties.

 

[j]

David, maybe you should put together a tiemaking kit for sale with the right amount of everything and some detailed instructions. That would be pretty fun for some of us clothing hobbyists.

 

[Sam Hober]

Originally Posted by j

David, maybe you should put together a tiemaking kit for sale with the right amount of everything and some detailed instructions. That would be pretty fun for some of us clothing hobbyists.
J, That is a great idea. Perhaps the Christmas present for the man who has everything? Where you thinking that I should include: Silk, wool, and a pattern with instructions or would I need to include a needle and thread etc. I have another thought.... I will email you.

 

[mrchapel]

Originally Posted by Mulberrywood

J,

That is a great idea. Perhaps the Christmas present for the man who has everything?

Where you thinking that I should include: Silk, wool, and a pattern with instructions or would I need to include a needle and thread etc.


I have another thought.... I will email you.

I agree it is an excellent idea! I'd be very interested in something like that. For what it is worth, I think you'd just need to include the silk, wool, and a pattern with instructions. Not sure if the needle or thread would be needed as you can easily pick those up somewhere for cheap if you do not already have them.

 

[j]

I think it would be easy and cheap enough and work better to include the right kind of needle and the right kind of (silk color matched, I assume) thread. It would only add maybe a dollar to the cost, and would make people more likely to sit down and do the project.

 

[Sam Hober]

Originally Posted by j

I think it would be easy and cheap enough and work better to include the right kind of needle and the right kind of (silk color matched, I assume) thread. It would only add maybe a dollar to the cost, and would make people more likely to sit down and do the project.
J, Thats a good point. It reminds me of Christmas presents as a kid, that did not come with batteries.....

 

[j]

Originally Posted by Mulberrywood

J, Thats a good point. It reminds me of Christmas presents as a kid, that did not come with batteries.....
Exactly, I remember getting a bunch of model kits and such that required gathering things we might or might not have around. A lot of them sat in the package collecting dust.

 

[Tomasso]

Originally Posted by j

David, maybe you should put together a tiemaking kit for sale with the right amount of everything and some detailed instructions. That would be pretty fun for some of us clothing hobbyists.

Excellent idea, J.

 

[nerdykarim]

Originally Posted by j

I think it would be easy and cheap enough and work better to include the right kind of needle and the right kind of (silk color matched, I assume) thread. It would only add maybe a dollar to the cost, and would make people more likely to sit down and do the project.
^I agree about the needle and thread...An "everything you need" kit would be nice. I'd probably buy one.