Trending: Junk Ties - Simplicity S4762

 

Good evening Sewing Friends,

Have any of you heard of "junk ties?"  Well, Bethanie (one of my friends from church) asked me to make her a denim tie using some jeans that she wanted to "upcycle".  She indicated that she had her own findings to decorate the tie.  

I have seen a few junk ties on Instagram, but I wanted to get a little more information on how to style them as well as what the price points for a finished tie.  What I found online was a wide variety of styles and price points.  Click here is see.   I think junk ties are another canvas to express your own personal style and creativity.  You can style it simple, chic or audaciously over the top.  The price $25.00 to $160.00.  

My challenge, if you will, was to craft a denim necktie for my client to personalize.  Good thing, I have at least ten different patterns that including a necktie.  I chose Simplicity S4762, view E.

This pattern may be OOP, but you can still find it online.  My copy to about twenty years old, and this was my first time view E.  The pattern consists of boys' and men's vests and ties.  The sizes include S - XL.  I used the men's tie, view E.

Before cutting into Bethanie's jeans, I made a prototype just to see how the tie would turn out.  It was exactly as expected and look like the tie pictured on the envelope.  It was a bit narrower then the desired necktie.  The next one, I made it about 1.5" wider, which was closer to the width needed.  (The first two tie were made using some denim from my fabric collection.)  Lastly, I cut into her jeans to make the final tie.  To finish it, I added one of the pockets to jump start the design process.  In total three neckties made to achieve the desire look. 

For some reason, I thought sewing a necktie would be more difficult than making a bowtie.  It was actually easier.  And the instructions were simple and easy to follow.  Definitely, a beginner could easily make a necktie.

I really like how all of the ties turned out, narrow or wide.  I considered making a few more "junk ties" to gift and/or sell.  So, I will definitely make more ties and recommend this pattern to all level sewists.

In conclusion, this was a fun little project.  Each tie took less than an hour to make from start to finish.  Great beginner project with great results.

Here is Bethanie's final design for her personalized "junk tie."

Happy Sewing!

C