KenmoreGal2

I've been asked to make a pillow from the neckties of a man who has passed. I've looked at some tutes online and it does not seem too complicated. IDK yet if I will be asked to keep the ties intact (which would mean sewing them on the edges with a 1/4" seam??) or cut them and piece them.

I'd love any advice though!! I've never done this. I'm guessing I keep my iron way lower when I press. Do I use a pressing cloth too? IDK yet what fabric the ties will be made from. It's all up in the air right now but I'm planning in my head. This sounds like an interesting project.

Thanks in advance.

Tartan

I wash my ties before working with them. It will depend on what ties you get. They can be opened up to have quite a nice bit of fabric to piece with but usually need a light fusible interfacing ironed to the backs to stabilize them. I might be tempted to do a traditional Bow Tie pattern with neck ties for the pillow.

QuiltnNan

I recently watched this video... it has some block ideas and how to deconstruct the ties https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qD_CNYuCy3s

KenmoreGal2

Thank you for the replies. If I am asked to use the ties deconstructed, I thought I'd use interfacing. Has anyone sewn ties together whole? I saw some tutes about that method too. I wonder if the seams can be ironed flat enough since the iron will have to be on a lower setting.

I'll watch the video in a few minutes Nancy. Thank again!!

And more input would be welcomed!! I want to do this project but I want to do it right. The ties are precious to the family.

Jane Quilter

I have never seen anyone sewn ties together whole. Do check pinterest though.

GingerK

I've made necktie purses and the ties held up very well. You would have to be careful to check the fiber content of the ties. If they are silk, I don't think I would wash them--dry clean maybe. If the person wants the necktie shape preserved, you could still open them (and they usually have some sort of lining/stabilizer already) retain the shape and just add the seam allowance, then sew together as usual.

ktbb

try weaving the ties together - before taking them apart...fuse the whole weaving to a background fabric that coordinates with the ties (like the lattice crust on a pie) then make your pillow with your "new" fabric. Using the narrow part of the ties for this will let you use a variety and you could use the weaving on both front and back if you want. Wash all the ties first, just as the finished product should be treated, and use the ones that turn out the best...may not even need to remove the lining in which case, they will be a little softer. To quilt, either stitch down the centers of the ties with a decorative stitch or straight line diagonally to hold each in place but still have texture.

KenmoreGal2

Wow, that's an interesting idea. I'm not sure I'm brave enough to try it with this particular set of ties since they are irreplaceable, but with some yard sales ones - Yes!! It would probably look really cool.

KenmoreGal2

Another great idea. Thanks!!

Quilt30

It would appear you need info from the customer before proceeding since you say you don't know if they want the ties left intact or you can cut them. Find out that and then you will know how to proceed. They may want you to just sew them on a pillow.