How to Make a Recycled Necktie Scarf

comments (7) August 25th, 2008     

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I think thrift-store neckties are pure crafting gold. We've seen lots of cute skirts and bags made from the whole ties, but this project involves deconstructing the ties and using just the silk covering. Choose eight neckties whose colors and patterns coordinate together.

What you'll need:
Eight silk neckties
Seam ripper
Rotary cutter and mat
Ruler
Scissors
Straight pins
Sewing machine
Coordinating thread
1/2 yard silk (or poly blend) backing fabric

When you're in the thrift store searching for neckties for this project, check the labels to make sure they're silk. If there is no label, you can tell the silk ties from the polyester ones by feel: Silk has a much lighter, more fluid feeling, whereas the poly ties generally feel quite stiff.

Begin by removing the tack stitches at each end of the necktie.

So let's take a necktie apart. Most neckties are constructed in the same way. Look on the back side for a row of tacking stitches, as pictured. There will usually be a set on each end of the necktie. Cut through both sets with a seam ripper. And while you're here, use the seam ripper to remove any labels as well.

Pull the center back seam apart. This is usually easy to do with your fingers rather than a seam ripper.

The center back seam of the tie is usually hand-sewn with a thick, slippery thread, so it's pretty easy to pull out with your fingers. Just work your way from one end of the tie to the other, opening the seam and removing the thread as you go.

The interior padding should pull out easily.

posted in: fabric, blue, red, scarf, necktie