How to Make a Tie -Easy, FREE Tie Pattern (+ Video)

Learn how to make a tie with this easy tutorial that includes a free pattern to print. Making ties is so much fun and a great project for beginners as you just need to be able to straight stitch. Use the most colorful prints in your fabric stash and make lots! These ties make great presents, too, and can be made to match the wearer’s personality.

In this tutorial, you’ll find a free printable tie pattern, clear step by step instructions and a video guide to help you sew a professional looking tie at home.

How to Make a Tie Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to make a tie and includes a printable necktie template. This sewing project is suitable for all sewing levels because it uses only a straight stitch. View this pattern here for free or purchase an ad-free PDF version.

Tie Sizing

This tie pattern results in a tie 3.5 inches across at the bottom with a length of 56 inches. You can easily adjust the pattern for your perfect size. Keep in mind that the seam allowances are 1/2 inch.

Men’s Tie Patterns Supplies

If you are new to sewing, see my beginner sewing tools guide first.

• PATTERN or OLD TIE – Use an old tie you like the shape of to make your own pattern, or print the pattern included in this tutorial. They vary a lot in shape and length, so if you don’t have one to copy, try your local discount store or second-hand store.
• PAPER – For pattern making.
• SEWING BASICS – Sewing machine, ruler, pins, thread.
• HAND SEWING NEEDLE – This will be used to sew the back.
• MAIN FABRIC – You can use any type of fabric, including cotton, silk, or even fine wool. I used quilting cotton, which was very easy to sew. Choose plain or patterned fabrics to suit the personality of the wearer. Most ties use 1.0 yard (0.9m) of fabric 44″ (112cm) wide. Pre-wash your fabric so it doesn’t shrink when you first wash it. Iron the fabric after washing to get rid of any wrinkles.
• LINING FABRIC –The lining shows underneath at the tips of the ties. Most have this in a coordinating color. Silk is a great option, and because you only need such a small amount, it will be fairly cheap.
• INTERFACING – Medium-weight sew-in (not fusible) interfacing or interlining. Fusible interfacing can cause the outer fabric to wrinkle, which is why sew-in interfacing is better.

Tie Sewing Pattern (Men’s Necktie Pattern)

You can make a tie sewing pattern in 3 ways

1. Print the downloadable Treasurie pattern
2. Draft a tie pattern using the Treasurie measurements
3. Copy a favorite tie

Free Printable Tie Pattern

If you don’t want to make your own pattern, download the tie pattern and print it out. If you are new to printing, read my article on how to print PDF patterns. The important thing to remember is to print at 100% scale. The picture below shows you how to sticky tape your grid together.

>>>DOWNLOAD PATTERN

Tie Pattern Using Measurements

If you can’t download or print the above pattern, here are all the measurements so you can draw the pattern yourself. Take note that the pieces need to be cut on the bias (45-degree angle) so the tie fabric has some stretch and increased drape.

DIY Neck Tie Pattern From a Favorite

If you have a favorite tie you want more of, simply copy it! Unpick the hand stitches at the back so it lies flat. Then, unpick the lining on the ends so you have all the pieces.

After you have finished with all the unpicking, press everything flat so it is easier to make a pattern. Your tie will be quite long and may have one or two seams along its length as well. These seams are usually cut at an angle.

Using a large piece of paper, trace around to make a pattern. Baking paper or brown kitchen paper bought on a roll makes good pattern-making paper. Otherwise, just stick a few pieces of printer paper together to get the length.

Your pulled-apart tie will have a layer of interfacing inside. You can make a pattern from this or reuse the interlining.

It is important to make the grainline on your new pattern pieces. Ties are cut on the bias (45-degree angle). This is in order to make them drape better and softer.

How to Make a Tie – Step by Step Tutorial

Here are the instructions and video for how to sew a tie. It really doesn’t take very long, and this is a perfect beginner’s project.

Step 1 – Cut the Fabric

Now you have a pattern, it is time to start cutting. You will be cutting the pieces on the diagonal (bias) of the fabric in order to make the tie sit and drape well. It, of course, does use more fabric than just cutting it from the straight grain.

Cut your main fabric and the lining pieces.

For the interlining, it is usually cut the same size as the main fabric. You may find some interlinings are just cut into a narrow strip instead. If you are using an old tie, you can repurpose the interlining.

If you are cutting from silk or other delicate fabrics, be aware that using pins may leave holes or marks. Instead, use pattern weights or cans from your pantry to hold down the pattern. A sharp pair of scissors should be used or a rotary cutter.

Step 2 – Join the Main Tie Pieces

OPTIONAL – If you have interfacing, baste it to the back of the main pieces now.

Put the 2 main pieces together and stitch with a 1/2 inch (12mm) seam allowance.

Press open the seam. (If you made your own pattern, then take the seam allowance from the old tie. This may be more or less than the 1/2 inch I used in my tie pattern.)

Step 3 – Sew the End Lining Pieces

Next, put the lining pieces right sides together with the ends of the main tie and stitch in a V shape. Notice the top straight end is left open. Don’t worry if your lining fabric frays a little, as the top raw edge will be hidden later when it is sewn down the middle. Repeat for the other smaller end.

Step 4 – Turn and Press the Ends

Clip the ends. Turn the ends to the right side and press well, making sure the ends are poked out.

Step 5 – Press the Tie Edges Over and Fold

Press the edges over by 1/2 inch (12mm).

Press one edge over the other so they overlap in the center. Pin in place.

Step 6 – Hand Stitch the Fold

Hand-stitch the folded edge along its length. A slip stitch is the easiest to use, and if you use a matching color thread, it will blend into the seam. Unfortunately, there is no good way to sew this seam with a sewing machine and have it lie completely flat.

How to Slip Stitch When Sewing a Tie:

1. Thread a needle with a double thread and knot the end.
2. Start at the far right. You will work the slip stitch from right to left.
3. Bring the needle up from underneath the fold so the knot is hidden.
4. Insert the needle in the top fold.
5. Pick up a few threads.
6. Push the needle back into the fold and move it along the fold about 1/4 inch (6mm)
7. Pull the thread and repeat.

Step 7 – Press the Tie

Press the tie again after you have finished hand-stitching, and the stitches will lie flatter.

How to Make a Tie FAQs

How to Make a Tie – In Conclusion

Learning how to make a tie is easy, and you should be able to complete this project in under an hour. Wrap it up beautifully and make someone happy with your sewing skills. Personalize the tie even further by learning how to embroider letters or appliqué. Explore more downloadable sewing patterns in the Treasurie shop.