Introduction: How to Make a Tie Skirt
Step by step instructions for how to make a cool skirt out of men's ties.
Step 1: Materials List
-Ties (silk is probably the best but I used whatever I found at the thrift store)
-elastic for waste (I cut one out of an old pair of pjs and it worked great)
-iron
-scissors
-thread
-sewing machine
-pins (optional)
Step 2: Step 1 - Cut the Ties
Take each tie and fold it in half. Cut each tie in half.
Step 3: Step 2 - Trim Ties to Same Length
At this point I took all of the ties and trimmed them to approximately the same length. You could make them different lengths but I wanted to keep it simple. But be creative.
Step 4: Step 3 - Put Ties Together
Take a front and a back of a tie (I used two different designs but you can do it any way you want) and lay them face to face (facing each other).
Step 5: Step 4 - Start Sewing.
Step 6: Step 5 - Iron
Open the ties and iron so they are flat and easier to work with.
Step 7: Step 6 - Add More Ties
Do the same thing as step 3. Make sure ties are facing each other (face to face) and sew. I alternated fronts and backs of ties.
Step 8: Step 7 - Iron
Open the ties and iron.
Step 9: Step 8 - Continue Putting Ties Together, Sewing and Ironing.
Continue as in previous steps until you have enough ties sewn together to fit around your waste. (I used 24!!)
Step 10: Step 9 - Elastic
At this point I got an elastic band that would fit around my waste to use as, well, an elastic wasteband.
Step 11: Step 10 - Pin Elastic to Waste
I took the elastic and pinned it to the back of the tie skirt (I haven't sewn the side together yet, making it easier to put in the elastic). At this point I have to say I know NOTHING about sewing in elastics. I just winged this and it worked for me. If you want to do this properly, don't ask me how - maybe see if you can find instructions online (perhaps someone can post it on Instructables). Or you could wing it like I did. Another option would be to just add a belt later - again, be creative!
Step 12: Step 11 - Sew in Elastic
Again, I don't know anything about this. I winged it and it worked. I did make sure I sewed the elastic about an inch down so I could fold the material over the elastic to give the top of the skirt a finished look. I considered sewing this elastic on the outside of the skirt (I thought it would look cute) but that seemed too complicated and I wanted to keep it simple.
Step 13: Step 12 - Sew Up Side of Skirt
At this point I took the skirt and made sure it was inside out. I sewed up the side.
Step 14: Step 13 - Fold Top of Waste Over Elastic and Sew
Now, I took the top of the skirt and folded it over the elastic and pinned it. I sewed this so it looked nice on the outseide.
Step 15: Step 14 - Enjoy Your Skirt
This skirt is deceptively heavy. I think I will wear mine in the fall.

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8 Comments
7 years ago
I love this! It's so original and unique! I can't believe nobody's thought of this before...
9 years ago
I can't wait to try this one! I've been collecting ties already to use, just not sure how many I will need yet. ;)
Reply 9 years ago
I totally depends on the size of skirt you wanna make. I just kept adding pieces until it was big enough. ?
11 years ago on Introduction
I bet it feels like wearing a kilt! Very cute and would love to see a pic of someone wearing it!!
11 years ago on Introduction
Awesome! It does look very heavy!
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Yesterday I posted A tie shirt on the fashion challenge but they didn't put it up yet.
It is much lighter and no gaps because its sewn together. Love the skirt though, I don't wear dresses so reason I did a shirt. Yours looks MUCH easier to make and I bet it hangs cool because of the weight? :) Would love a photo of you wearing it? You should enter it into the challenge, even though it could hurt me...lol
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
I agree! Really cool but I am sure it would be very heavy.
11 years ago on Introduction
Very cute!