DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE ON MAKING TIES FOR SUITS? WHAT KIND OF MATERIAL WORKS BEST? IS IT HARD? I DO NOT DO VERY MUCH SEWING, EXCEPT FOR QUILTS. ANY ADVICE APPRECIATED. THANKS.
Most ties are made of silk or rayon. No, I have never made a tie. You could try asking the same question on the discussion boards at www.sew-whats-new.com
The ladies there are very experienced and helpful.
I have made a couple of ties, using a commercial pattern. Use very soft, drapable fabric, nothing thick or stiff, and make sure you have the pattern grain lined up corrctly on the bias. Be careful not to stretch the cut pieces as you handle them, and don't press creases into the edges of the tie.
Scouting thrift stores for ties is easier!
I have made several from just remnants. I have used cottons, polyesters and acetates. My hubbies usually dribbles when eating so I tried to use mostly washables. I bought a commercial pattern and used it over and over again. So his ties usually cost around $.50!! You just have to be careful not to stretch while stitching as they will be cut on the bias. Very easy and quick to make!!
Hi I have made several ties. From an old time pattern. The most impt is that you to cut on the bias and you use tie stiffening if available. If not ask your fabric store to show you an interfacing that is comparable. Also good ties are handsewn. I made one out of a cotton poly and it came out fine. The secret is handsewing and good lining.
What everyone has mentioned about the bias is the important part of making a tie. Look at your material from this angle before you buy it. An example would be a stripe because it would become diagonal.
The interfacing you use should be one that has a high loft; if you can't get one like that use two layers of a medium weight.
If you are going to hand sew the tie make a cardboard piece that is the size of the finished tie and put it inside the tie till the stitching and pressing is finished. Also when you iron it the edges shouldn't be flattened but more of a "rolled" look. You can achieve that by using a pressing cloth and holding your iron just above the tie and just let the steam hit it.
Hope this helps some.
__________________ cat lover We Welcome Strays
When I was young we used to go "skinny dipping"; now we just "chunky dunk"
Hi I have made several ties. From an old time pattern. The most impt is that you to cut on the bias and you use tie stiffening if available. If not ask your fabric store to show you an interfacing that is comparable. Also good ties are handsewn. I made one out of a cotton poly and it came out fine. The secret is handsewing and good lining. 
cat lover 
When I was young we used to go "skinny dipping"; now we just "chunky dunk" 
