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How to Make a Clip-on Bow Tie

How to Make a Clip-on Bow Tie

Clip-on bow-ties are a quick way to add a suave retro touch to any collared shirt! Slip one in your back-pack, man-bag, pocketbook, or jacket pocket for any fashion or flirting emergency.  They are great one hour projects, as they have minimal construction and sewing (you can even make them by hand).....and they are eminently suitable for luxury or recycled fabrics, as they require very little materials. Most bow-ties are about twice as wide as they are tall, but some mid-century clip-on bow-ties were as much as four times as wide as high – between 3/4”” and 1 1/2” tall and up to 5” wide, with 1” x 4 1/2” being typical. The leaves were usually rectangular with flat ends. In the late 1960s through the 1970s, some butterfly-shaped bow-ties were up to up to 3 1/2” tall by 5 1/2” wide. Those ties had very narrow centers and wide leaves. Although we give size suggestions, feel free to modify your pattern to suit your taste!
 
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Step 1Supplies

Supplies

Materials:
Mid-weight fabrics such as necktie silk, linen or cotton are preferred. You need less than 1/4 yard:
2 pieces of mid to lightweight fabric, both at least 2” x 8”, up to 3 1/4 x 11”, for the body of the bow tie
1 piece of mid to lightweight fabric, at least 3” x 4”, for the center band
1 piece of interfacing, muslin or suit canvas, same dimensions as bow tie pattern
Thread matching the background color of the tie fabric.
Bow-tie clip

Tools:
Tie/interfacing patterns
12” ruler
Tailor’s chalk, marking pencil, or ball-point pen
Sewing pins
Sharp scissors
Iron and ironing board
Hand sewing needle

Optional tools:
45 Deg. triangle (for accurately cutting on the bias)
Sewing machine
Japanese chopstick (the kind with the pointed end) or similar thin dowel
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14 comments
Oct 19, 2011. 8:07 AMdryan12 says:
This is great! Thanks!
Jun 8, 2011. 9:29 AMLindie says:
Very nice! Love the fabric!
Jun 6, 2011. 6:48 AMMEMJIM says:
KEVLAR Helmets are cool. especially when they have a chance to work,
May 31, 2011. 5:56 PMbobobano says:
Bow ties are cool
Jun 5, 2011. 11:11 AMJuJuBe1115 says:
So are fezzes.
Jun 5, 2011. 4:56 PMMonklin says:
And stetson hats!
Jun 5, 2011. 1:10 PMGnara says:
Not as cool as cowboy hats of course
Jun 5, 2011. 3:42 PMGeekyGirl1103 says:
Not cowboy hats, stetsons. Stetsons are cool.
Jun 6, 2011. 1:47 PMGnara says:
..Yes...
I havent been able to see the new season yet. :(
Jun 5, 2011. 6:45 AMsueL2 says:
Great visuals.
May 31, 2011. 9:30 AMmikeasaurus says:
nice fabric!
May 31, 2011. 7:32 AMjessyratfink says:
Swank! Thanks for the great instructions. :D

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