Some of you know that in addition to quilt patterns, I used to offer finished products–including custom upcycled necktie key fobs. They were popular (and a good money maker), and an editor at GreenCraft reached out to me to write a tutorial to publish in their print magazine. It appeared in the Spring 2018 edition, which is still available to purchase from Stampington.
Here’s how to make your own key fob from an upcycled necktie:
SUPPLIES
- Necktie (You can use ties made from any material, but silk is easiest to work with.)
- Woven fusible interfacing, cut to 3” x 13” (wristlet) or 3” x 7” (mini)
- Fusible fleece, cut to 2” x 12” (wristlet) or 2” x 6” (mini)
- 1” key fob hardware
- Basic sewing supplies
- Sewing machine
INSTRUCTIONS
- Remove any labels and loops from the back of the tie. Cut the bar tacks (the short horizontal stitches on the back) and pull out the long thread (called the slip stitch) that holds the tie closed. Remove all interlining material.
- Hand wash the fabric in mild detergent and allow it to air-dry.
- Press the tie flat.
- Following the manufacturer’s instructions, use an iron to apply the woven interfacing to the wrong side of the tie. Cut out the rectangle.
- Center the fusible fleece on the interfacing and fuse it down, again following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Fold the short ends of the tie ½” over the fusible fleece and press. Repeat with the long sides so there are no raw edges.
- Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press. Pin or clip in place.
- Beginning in the center of one short end, edge-stitch around the rectangle, pivoting at the corners. You can use thread to match the tie, but I like to use contrasting thread in most cases. You may notice that your fob is ever-so-slightly twisted. Most ties are made with fabric cut on the bias, so twisting is natural. It’s less noticeable after you fold it into the wrist loop.
- Fold the stitched rectangle in half, matching the short ends, and baste the short ends together. This helps to prevent the fabric from slipping while closing the hardware.
- Attach the key fob hardware by pinching it closed over the short ends. If you use pliers to close the key fob hardware, put small pieces of heavy cardboard or fabric scraps between the pliers and the hardware to prevent scratches. A drop or two of jeweler’s glue applied inside the key fob hardware helps to keep the fabric from slipping while you pinch the key fob hardware closed.
- Add a key ring, and you’re done. A sweet charm adds an extra personalized touch!
Use Your Scraps
The number of key fobs you can make with one tie varies depending on the size of the tie. If you apply interfacing to the entire tie, you can use the remaining scraps to make covered buttons (flat-back buttons work well attached to giant paper clips as bookmarks or as a refrigerator magnet if you glue a magnet to the back) or small zippered pouches.
I love to pair necktie scraps with upcycled denim in my zippered pouches.
