1.30.2015

Hommes classic fashion tutorial: the necktie!

In these first days of the year I've been working around some "accessories" for the guys. A new bunch of shirts, they will come in very handy when I'm going to start sewing the formal outfits I have in mind, and a whole collection of neckties!
I like neckties a lot, I liked them so much that I even learned to tie them.
So, as they are quite hard to find (I can't bear the fake mattel ones) I'm sharing some tips.
First of all you have to take the right measurements. The best way is to use a thin ribbon and tie the knot you are going to use on the doll.

How to tie a knot? I picked the two which can be made with a playscale tie without going completely crazy.

This is the simple knot (or four in hands), it is the easier, and it requires a shorter tie:



This is the Half Windsor knot, is very elegant , but requires more patience (expecially in 1:6 scale) and a longer tie:



When you have the right lenght you can draw your tie pattern:


I make mine in one single piece. When you draw it remenber to leave seam allowance. Then I sew the whole lenght with a  wipstitch, then fold it and sew it with a single stitch (makig the smallest stitches I'm capable of):


Here's the front of the finished tie:



Alessandro looks pleased (Enghish knot). In fact no guy's wardrobe is complete without some beautiful silk ties!

16 comments:

  1. Great idea! A real miniature tie is much better than the glued-on ties or ties with elastic. Great tutorial :-). Hugs xx

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    1. Hi Night Owl, real miniature if they are possible are always better. Usually the classic fashions they make for male dolls are so plumpy and "dollish", I always hated Ken's tuxedos for instance.
      I had to start somewhere for the tutorials and I liked to pick the easiest one to begin with!
      Kisses Billa

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  2. Oh, cool! I've Pinned this because some of my gals might want to rock the men's tie look.

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    1. Hi Smaller Places, thank you! You can pin whatever you like here! no copyright, I will be happy if the gals shall find this useful.
      Kisses Billa

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  3. We are so on the same page! I LOVE ties. I'm always complimenting men on their ties. I've been wanting to make my men some ties for a long time. Your tie and shirts look awesome. I'm not sure I understand the 3rd and 4th picture.

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    1. Hi Vanessa! Ties are soooo sexy!
      I try to explain: picture n. 3 helps to understand how to draw the pattern. For dolls it is not necessary to cut the pattern in 3 parts, but it is important to keep the proportions, so that the bow will be the right size.
      picture n. 4 shows the 3 steps I take to make the tie: I cut the tie (leaving seam allowance), hem the whole thing so that it won't fall apart when tying the bow, and finally fold all over and sew to have smooth edges.
      Hope this helps!
      I'm planning a tutorial for hommes sweaters, trousers, shirts and jackets....within the end of the year!
      Kisses Billa

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  4. Thank you Billa for posting this. I have no idea how to even tie a man's tie, let alone make one. The one that came with one of my FR Homme dolls was partially elastic and I really didn't want to take it apart just to get the pattern. With that, perhaps you might also consider showing us the bow tie??!! Big hugs.

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    1. Hi April, I can't believe there was a pattern you couldn't figure out!
      I'll sure work at the bow tie pattern, in fact I've used ribbons for my bow ties so far, but I think it won't be too hard to prepare a pattern to get a nice bow tie for the guys!
      Kisses Billa

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  5. So cool! I was totally a tie person back in the 80's. Ties AND suspenders! LOL, I was so fashionable.

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    1. Hi Muff, you were indeed super fashionable! Now, suspenders would be a challenge, but the guys should use them!
      Kisses Billa

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  6. HiBilla
    Alessandro are awesome man,i am a tie addicted i am in love with him lols
    great work you did in miniature ( as always)
    buona giornata
    ciao

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  7. HiBilla
    Alessandro are awesome man,i am a tie addicted i am in love with him lols
    great work you did in miniature ( as always)
    buona giornata
    ciao

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    1. Hi MC! you're right he's such an handsome guy, more of him coming soon!
      Thank you, this pattern is not a perfect miniature but it works!
      Kisses Billa

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  8. Very niCe. If I may invite you to peak at my blog. www.daniel-s-world.blogspot.com

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    1. I've been following you for a month now. Be sure I'm going to browse it thoroughly!!!

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  9. Looking for someone to make a mans tie. I am wanting one with some type of Barbie material. Its going to be a gift for a friend that shows dogs , he will be showing his Barbie Doll - dog in a few months. he was looking at wearing a pink tie but would love it if I could find someone to make one with actual Barbie on the tie. Any help will be appreaciated !!

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