Neckties have been the “go-to” gift for the men in your life for years but as fashion gets more casual, more than likely there are a ton of ties piled up in your closet. So why not UpCraft them into something new; with their great colors, patterns and textures you can easily mix those elements together to create a beautiful tapestry. And, since neckties are formal, this idea allows ties to be ties, but in a whole new way by turning them into dining room seat covers!
Supplies:
Brother sewing machine
A set of dining room table chairs with the seat cushions in good condition
10 neckties per chair
Scissors
Seam ripper
Rotary cutter & straight edge
Measuring tape
Straight pins
A staple gun
Starting it:
Select your ties. Choosing the right ties is an individual decision that can range from using ties with personal meaning to creating a beautiful tapestry of colors and patterns. You can always find free ties from family and friends looking to unload or even buy used ties for cheap at second hand stores or garage sales. I like to use a coordinating color palette but mix the patterns together; stripes, polka dots, paisleys, floral, plaid, etc. Also note, if you don’t have enough of one color, your palette can transform into a different primary color as you blend the ties together. Use your imagination to combine the colors and patterns into a cohesive look.
Making it:
Deconstruct the neckties. It may seem tedious but by deconstructing each tie there is less bulk and makes the fabric easier to work with. Start by seam ripping the single stitches on the back of the tie. Pull out the liner and press the tie flat.
Measure the seat of your chair to figure out the size. For this example, I will need 10 ties, cut 28 inches long and 3 inches wide.
Use your rotary cutter and a straight edge on a cutting mat to cut each deconstructed tie creating equal sized strips
Lay the tie strips together arranging the colors and patterns for each chair cover.
With the right sides of the tie strips together, sew the long, straight edges.
Once all the strips are sewn together press open the seams on the backside of the new cover.
Finish the tie cover by folding the outer raw edges in twice on all four sides so the frayed edges are concealed, and sew in place.
Finishing it:
Use the existing seat cushion, if it’s still in good condition, and wrap the necktie cover around the cushion. Staple the center front and center back to the under side of the seat first. Being sure to pull the cover snug over the seat and staple in place all the way around the seat cushion.
Attach the seat back on to the chair
Keep your formal dining room table formal by refreshing the look of drab dining chairs with a necktie seat cover. It’s a beautiful way to repurposed neckties into stunning chair seat covers to give your table – and ties – a new life!
