What ho. Does anyone know if it is possible, or worth while to convert an adjustable bow tie to a regular bow tie by sewing the ends together at the required length? I ask because I was recently given a rather nice bow tie, but it is adjustable. Rather than upset or offend the giver (who believed she was purchasing a regular bow tie) I would like to attempt to convert it as donning an adjustable bow tie is the beginning of a slippery slope, in my opinion. It starts with said bow tie, and ends with hoodies and saying things like "Sup, dawg' in public places.
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Converting an adjustable bow tie
- Thread starter LordBest
- Start date
Cody Pendant
One of the Regulars
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- Wild West Texas
Tie it UP!
If by adjustable you mean one that is self tied, but adjusts for length, then yes, you can sew it at the proper length for you. It should be a simple task. You would need to determine the length then mark that and then leave a seam allowance for your ends. The tie will have to be turned inside out and you will have to open and leave a approximate one inch seam space at one edge near your mating ends, to turn it back right side out. Cut and sew the mating ends on 45 degree angle forming a tube, then gently work it right side out through the open seam with a thin blunt object, like a small artist brush handle.
However, most self-tied bow ties sold are of the adjustable type, so I am not sure of why you feel the need. That also allows you some adjustment for different shirt collars.
If it is a pre-tied model I do not think that their is enough material to make it self tied. Making bow ties is quite easy and fun so once you have tried it you may wind up making several.
There are a couple of Professional tie makers in the forum, who might have some additional advice or some ties to sell you.
Good luck!
If by adjustable you mean one that is self tied, but adjusts for length, then yes, you can sew it at the proper length for you. It should be a simple task. You would need to determine the length then mark that and then leave a seam allowance for your ends. The tie will have to be turned inside out and you will have to open and leave a approximate one inch seam space at one edge near your mating ends, to turn it back right side out. Cut and sew the mating ends on 45 degree angle forming a tube, then gently work it right side out through the open seam with a thin blunt object, like a small artist brush handle. However, most self-tied bow ties sold are of the adjustable type, so I am not sure of why you feel the need. That also allows you some adjustment for different shirt collars.
If it is a pre-tied model I do not think that their is enough material to make it self tied. Making bow ties is quite easy and fun so once you have tried it you may wind up making several.
There are a couple of Professional tie makers in the forum, who might have some additional advice or some ties to sell you.
Good luck!
avedwards
Call Me a Cab
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Is all that is needed for this a piece of silk cut to the right shape and size?Cody Pendant said:
Queue
Familiar Face
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In my experience the adjustability is important. For one, neck sizes change much to our collective chagrin. For two, if the adjustment you have slips slightly when you tie it then adjust it back as tight as you like. To be somewhat blunt sewing a bow tie to a given length seems a fool's errand.
I have, however, also seen bow ties that are not adjustible per se but have four or five buttons on the back of the tie if you wish to take it off while tied for some reason. That may be an easier way to do this.
I have, however, also seen bow ties that are not adjustible per se but have four or five buttons on the back of the tie if you wish to take it off while tied for some reason. That may be an easier way to do this.
Cody Pendant
One of the Regulars
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- Location
- Wild West Texas
Fit to be Tied!
Here are some links to get you started:
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-a-Bow-Tie-For-Prom/
http://www.latimes.com/features/lif...6,1,6338817.story?coll=la-headlines-lifestyle
http://www.beautiesltd.com/Content.aspx?pn_deptid=6053
Try a few first on some scrap fabric or mod some old thrift ties for your first attempts. I used the fuseable liner fabric for ease of use, but its up to you. The tie should be cut on the bias of the fabric. The patterns I got were for making ties with adjusters but after making a few I took the length I needed and made a one piece pattern and just cut them out whole.
Having a fitted tie is a bespoke option and has its own rewards. It is quite nice and in some instances very elegant and gives a finished look. An example would be when wearing a wing collar tux shirt, with the collar exposed the finish bow tie without the adjusters showing adds a level of sophistication. Necessary,? no, but a nice touch. At one time bow ties came RTW in sizes just like shirt collars.
It does not have to be silk but basically, yes, and some thread and some sewing. Some patterns are available. Try some of the pattern makers at your local sewing shop, brands like, Simplicity, McCall's, Vogue etc. have bow tie patterns. I don't remember what brand the two that I have were and they had vests and other items in the bag. I copied them onto plastic pattern sheet for permanent keeping and ease of use. Also you can de-construct one and use it for a pattern. You can also modify any. If you want to make one larger or pointed diamond ends etc as you see fit.avedwards said:
Here are some links to get you started:
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-a-Bow-Tie-For-Prom/
http://www.latimes.com/features/lif...6,1,6338817.story?coll=la-headlines-lifestyle
http://www.beautiesltd.com/Content.aspx?pn_deptid=6053
Try a few first on some scrap fabric or mod some old thrift ties for your first attempts. I used the fuseable liner fabric for ease of use, but its up to you. The tie should be cut on the bias of the fabric. The patterns I got were for making ties with adjusters but after making a few I took the length I needed and made a one piece pattern and just cut them out whole.
My reply is not at all. Or perhaps I am a fool on a errand.Queue said:
Having a fitted tie is a bespoke option and has its own rewards. It is quite nice and in some instances very elegant and gives a finished look. An example would be when wearing a wing collar tux shirt, with the collar exposed the finish bow tie without the adjusters showing adds a level of sophistication. Necessary,? no, but a nice touch. At one time bow ties came RTW in sizes just like shirt collars.
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Cody Pendant said:
My thoughts as well. The only formal shirt I actually wear with a tuxedo and a bow tie has a lay-down (is that the right word?) collar, so the adjusters on the tie don't show anyhoo. With a wing collar, I dunno, but I'm thinkin' it would seem a bit less "finished." Maybe it's kinda like the suspenders, in that they shouldn't really be seen until after the "formal" parts of the festivities have passed and the bottles are running dry. And maybe it ain't.
