Tied Up For Easter

A Quick Project

Looking for a quick last-minute project for your favorite guy at Easter? Make him a bow tie! I made a couple of them this week for myself out of some Easter fabric I had on hand and they were very quick and easy.

Start With a Pattern

There aren't many bow tie patterns out there these days, but Vogue 9073 has some great options. Most guys would probably appreciate a pre-tied bow tie like the type included in this pattern, but this pattern also includes a real version that can be tied. Check the back of the pattern envelope for fabric yardage requirements and also for a list of the needed notions (hooks, etc. if you're making an adjustable tie).

Pick a Fabric

Either bow tie version takes less than a yard of fabric. Head to your nearest fabric retailer right away (no time to buy online) and pick up a print you like (keep the print scale on the small side so it shows up well in the tie). If you choose an Easter print like I did, you'll probably find it on sale this week, this close to the holiday!

Full Disclosure

I looked all over the sewing studio for my bow tie pattern (I know I have one), but it does not want to be found. So, to make my ties, I traced a bow tie I had made a few years ago. I figured out my neck size and did not make the tie with any of the usual hardware that makes a bow tie adjustable. I the placed the old tie on fabric and traced around it using a water-soluable marking pen, and cut it out, adding a 1/4" seam allowance. (Don't try this at home, unless you have a sample tie to copy.)

Moving On

You'll cut out your tie using the appropriate pattern pieces. The pattern pieces will be placed on the bias (placed diagonally to the straight grain of the fabric) so the tie will flex when tied. I also cut some fusible (iron-on) interfacing to apply to one of the tie pieces; I used fusible tricot, a light-weight knit interfacing that will not make the tie too stiff.

With the interfacing fused to the wrong side of one of the tie pieces, I placed them right sides together and stitched around the edge with a 1/4" seam. leaving about 2" open to turn the tie right side out. After trimming the excess fabric from the seam allowance, I turned the tie right side out, pinned around the edges as I centered the seam and then lightly pressed to hold it in place. Then I removed the pins and pressed it flat. Next, I turned in the seam allowances at the opening and topstitched the opening closed.

Bow ties are easy to make, and many different fabric types can be used. These custom-made ties are much more affordable to make than to buy ready-made, and the choice of fabrics is almost endless.

Until next time, keep those sewing machines humming, and have some fun making a few quick bow ties for your favorite guy!

DTFM

danthefabricman@yahoo.com