Neck tie School Bag
Okay, you'll need a bunch of ties. Mine are all paisleys. A lot of lining fabric - mine is black velveteen.
One 18mm magnetic snap
Heavyweight stabilizer
Large graph paper (or newspaper) for pattern
Basic sewing supplies
SECTION ONE:
Let's start with the gusset/handle:
you'll need four ties:
(Figure 1)
Lay them out like this. Measure up each tie halfway and mark with a pin. These pieces are joined together in pairs halfway up with the top parts left loose.
Join each pair side by side with a super-wide triple zigzag stitch. This is the number 7 stitch on my Bernina Artista 165. Most fancy machines have a similar stitch. If yours doesn't, you can use a regular zigzag with heavy thread for a similar result.
(Figure 2)
Just feed the ties through side by side, no "right sides together" or pinning or anything.
Stitch each pair together side by side halfway up. Leave the tops free. When you reach the halfway mark, do a bartack to secure.
(Figure3 )
Now you have have two pairs of ties sewn together. Flip them over to the wrong side. See the seam on the back of the tie? See how it is hand-basted? Well, after making HUNDREDS of necktie projects experience has shown me that these tend to come loose with wear. So we are going to take care of that right now. Do not skip this step. No cheating.
Just do another triple zigzag over the center of each tie following the center seam on the wrong side. You can do the entire tie or just halfway up. Either way is fine but no cheating. You will regret it....and I'm watching....
(Figure 4)
Now place the fat ends of the ties right sides together and stitch across with a regular straight stitch. Fold back the little triangles and stitch them down as well.
(Figure 4)
Your gusset/strap piece is now complete! The center of this piece where the fat ends of the ties are so neatly sewn will become the center bottom of the bag. Get it?
SECTION TWO:
Now we are going to make the pattern for the front and back of the bag. Select five ties from your stash. Arrange them in a pleasing order. Don't try too hard. Okay. Place them on the large piece of paper with the sides touching. Line up the center tie with a straight line on the graph or newspaper.
(Figure 5)
Now mark a dot at the inside points between the ties. Trace the slanting sides of the outside ties as well.
Remove the ties and connect the dots. Decide how tall you want the bag to be. Mine is about 12 inches. Draw a line across the top. Trace a "junk" cd to curve the corners. Oh....Did I forget to put "junk cd" in the supply list? Sorry!
(Figure 6)
Cut this pattern out. Fold it in half. Trim the sides and bottom to make the shape symmetric. Cut a "smiley" shape out of the top (see photo.)
(Figure 7)
Unfold paper - Voila! Behold your pattern.
(Figure 8)
Cut two of these from the heavyweight stabilizer.
Fold the stabilizer in half to determine the center. Mark with pencil. Align the center of the middle tie on this line. Pin this tie securely.
(Figure 9)
Add remaining ties. Cut them all off well above the stabilizer.
(Figure 10)
Stitch the ties to the stabilizer with the famous triple zigzag.
Stitch from the front but here is what the back will look like when you are done. Stitch from the front. Not the back. The front.
(Figure 11)
Now trim off the ends and the tops. Pin and stitch all the way around about 1/8 inch in from the edge.
(Figure 12)
Repeat this section for the back of the bag.
SECTION THREE:
Now we are going to make the flap. Cut your pattern about 6 x 8 inches. Round off two of the corners with the junk cd.
(Figure 13)
Cut one flap pattern from heavyweight stabilizer.
(Figure 14 )
Place stabilizer on the wrong side of the black velveteen, pin, cut out and stitch about 1/8-inch in from the edge.
(Figure 15)
Install the "male" part of the magnetic snap to the flap.
(Figure 16)
Now place this piece right sides together on another piece of velveteen. Cut out, pin and stitch around the flap leaving the top straight edge open.
Sorry about the blurry image.
(Figure 17)
Trim seam allowance, turn to right side and top stitch all around the edge.
(Figure 18)
Choose another necktie to decorate the flap. Center and pin it to the top of the flap. You should still see the magnet on the back.
(Figure 19)
Pin securely and stitch down the sides with the triple zigzag. Add a bartack at the end to secure.
(Figure 20)
This is the back.
(Figure 21)
You have completed your flap. Time to take a nap.
SECTION FOUR: The pocket
Time to make a pocket! I use a large index card as the pattern for this.
(Figure 22)
Cut two rectangles, sew with right sides together, leave opening, turn, top stitch the top edge, add tag and yada yada yada - pocket!
Now to review - we have one long gusset/handle piece, a front and a back, a flap and a pocket, right?
(Figure 23)
SECTION FIVE:
Now we will line the bag. Ready?
We'll start with the back. You'll need the back piece, the flap, the pocket and the lining fabric. Use the back piece as a pattern to cut out a lining piece slightly bigger than the back.
(Figure 24 )
Center and stitch the pocket onto this lining piece.
(Figure 25)
Center the flap right sides together on top of the back piece, pin raw edges together. Pin back lining piece right sides together to back piece with flap piece in between.
I know you can't really see the flap but it's in there I promise!
(Figure 26)
Stitch around the edge leaving an opening for turning. Trim seam allowance and turn to right side. Top stitch top edge. Pin opening closed.
(Figure 27)
Starting at the center bottom, with right sides together, pin gusset/handle piece to edge of bag back.
(Figure 28)
Stitch around edge, back stitching at ends. This is the inside.
(Figure 29)
Now install the female part of the magnet on the center front of the bag.
(Figure 30)
Cut a lining for the front piece.
(Figure 31)
Pin and stitch leaving an opening for turning. Turn to right side and top stitch the top edge. Pin the opening closed.
(Figure 32)
Starting at the center bottom, pin the gusset/handle piece to the bag front.
(Figure 33)
Stitch around the edge, back stitching to secure.
Turn bag right side out - and voila!
(Figure 34 )
Now, if your ties reek of cologne/cigarette smoke/must and dust - I'd like to recommend a home-dry-cleaning product called Dryel. I use this for all of my necktie projects and it works like a charm. Have fun!
This project was contributed by Laura
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I made two purses, then wondered what to do with the remaining pieces of ties. It took a trip to a craft show where I saw a rag rug. "!!!" Problem: the ties do not line up evenly. I tore it apart twice, no dice. So the rug is not evenly square. But my dog loves to sleep on it anyway.
I made this bag. Using only ties i got from my dad and grandpa i now have an awesome bag. Not only do i use it for school but it is a good every day purse. Not only does it have sentimental value but it is also functional.
I made it! its awesome!! Not quite big enough for me to use as a school bag, mainly due to the fact that I usually have a lot of homework....Im sure I could find another use for it though! Great Idea and thanks for sharing!
Oh man, this is such a fantastic idea!! I think i am going to sart stright away!!! Can't wait till it finishes so i can give it to my cousin for her birthday!!! I love the easy to follow instructions and pictures!!! Although i was a bit puzzled about the handles, overall a very neatly put-together project!!! Well done to the inventer for going green by recycling the ties!!
Awesome! Im sure my dad and grandad have LOTS of ties I could use. Ive been looking for a project like this just for that reason. You didnt include what to do with the handles... so I will assume that you just sew them together at the ends? Great project!
Wonderfully easy to follow instructions, I enjoyed making this bag and it has been taken up as a project at my patchwor class, but you dont say how to finish the handles
Wow, I really like this project!
This is amazing! What a great idea to do with those old ties! I think I will try this. I have to get some ties, though. Goodwill here I come!
This is adorable - I can't wait to make this for my niece! :)
what a great idea! can't wait to try it!
LOVE this idea! cant wait to make it! just need to get some ties
The supplies said a bunch of ties so I got 30 now I know A bunch=15! oh well I can make two! also beware that ties come in different widths so that is something to keep in mind when putting together a tie collection. Instead of zig-zagging the ties together I'm using my machines wide decorative stitch with silver thread. It gives the bag a different look.
is it possible to not use lining and to sew it by hand?
Made this twice. I use an older Singer, had problems because the needle cannot be raised high enough to sew through the corners. Hand sewed those. What does top of handle look like? No picture, no instruction, I joined it, and it doesn't look right.
Only complaint that is the zig-zag stitches will look un-professional if they are not done small and neat. Other then that I can not wait to try this one!
LONG TIME TO MAKE BUT COOL.
This looks gorgeous. For those who don't have any ties to use, you can find them at the thrift stores. You might not find all you need (or like) in one trip, but just pick up a few at a time.
Great idea!
that is awesome. it looks cool but my dad doesnt wear ties so i dont have any neck ties to make it
very nice...would love to try it.
very good
This is wonderful project, I have ties from grandfather's (deceased)and it will be a neat project to make for granddaugters as a wonderful memory of them. Directions are wonderful, thank you for such a cool recycleable iand "going green" idea!! DP
I have been looking for an idea to useabag of tiesgiven to me. Some of them have been taken apart though thanks
cool
its cool i'd rock it like no tomorrow!
This is a fantastic pattern!! A wonderful Christmas idea that i can't wait to make. Thank you for sharing!
I love this! Thank you!! I was going to try to come up with a tie purse on my own, now I don't have to! Thanks for the thorough instructions!!
my fahter passed 3 yrs ago and I have alot of his railroad ties what a wonderful way to remember him with
ooh i would like to make it i hope it exceeds because I 'm not that good in sewing
For the straps, you could tie the ends together in a decorative knot.
Really beautiful and classy. A lot of work, but it's unique and sooo attractive.
what a great idea
Best use of neckties that I've seen in a long time. Excellent workmanship!
This is so cute only I would use colorful ties. Also I have seen ties used to make a really cute skirt!
I understand that the gusset makes the handles, but do you just sew them together?
I love this idea, very creative,and lots of different coloured ties would be cool! :)
loooove it!!
wow, cute and original, I am going to look great when I go back to school now!
This was great fun to make... I didn't follow exactly, but it still turned out well. Instead of using that many ties, i used 9. 4 for the handles, 5 for the front cover. I then used the scraps from the front to make the back in horozontal lines.
Kudos
cool
looks like a ton of fun =] cant wait to try it out this summer!!!
I like this bag
it's cool
but it looks realy hard to make
i cant wait untill i make it .
Thanks - this is just what I was looking for and the instructions are easy to follow. Judy
I love this!! I have made 2 already and it has inspired me to create my own neck-tie bags!! Your pattern & pics were very easy to follow, a great tut!!
i LOVE this project! im so going 2 make 1!
maybe ill use only 6 neckties and make a purse! sooo cute!(my dad has more neckties than my mom has shoes, so i bet he could spare a few!!)
I did not see any response as to how to finish off the straps, can the answer be posted?...My bag looks fabulous, thanks!
Love it. Thank you for this idea!
it very trendy and o so fashionable. and i already made my own phone pouch from my dads old ties!
it very trendy and o so fashionable. and i already made my own phone pouch from my dads old ties!
The Gusset forms the straps.
Have made mine from my grandads ties, but, have I missed how to finish the straps???? Please help me!!!!!
Did I miss something?? How do you finish off the top of the straps??? Great pattern! I am ready to try!!
Awesome use of old ties!
great pics! makes everything easy!!!
i LOVE THE PROJECT...but I'm not very fond of the paisly ties. This is a really awesome idea though....and very creative *****
That is so cool! You're so creative!
sooo cool thank you vey much!!! loved it and it came out lovley!!
so cute! would be cute to make a bigger messenger bag for my male cousin for school :)
OH MY GOD! I LUV THIS IDEA!!!! this is so great! i showed it to my friend and she fell inlove with it:D lol
This is so cool i am 15 years old and i was wondering if you have ever made a vest with neck ties? I love this idea with the bag so I am going to try this too. Thank you. 9-8-07
so cool, want to try! WOnder if my dad will let me "borrow"some ties!
just wonderful - can't wait to try this!
That's so snazzy! I'll have to make one! :)
this is a really neat idea, but i don't think if i have the patience to make something this cool. lol.
The directions were very good with lots of details. This project will be easy to follow. I like that idea. Any one can get rid of old ties that are out of style or that they never liked much. The bag was beautiful. My hats off to you. Very smart looking.
Awesome! You have a great pattern and it is so well put together.
i need a cool bag for my 13 yaer old dater so she can carry her books arond at school
Very creative!!Thanks for sharing
this is an awesome idea!!!! I would never have thought to make a bag out of ties!!! thanx :)
great photos easy intructions thanks for sharing
How do I finish the handles?
we made the purse and the instructions made it easy, we got our ties from salvation army
Hello, I am waiting to hear how to finish the handles. Thanks
Hello, What a great idea! I am getting prepared to make one. In figure #3 you say to zig-zag on the back of tie seam. I do not see any of that stitching in figure #10. Also, how do you complete the handles???? Thank you. 2-11-07
very creative and nicely finished inside and out!
I love the look of this bag! Could you explain what a heavy weight stabilizer is? I really want to do the project, but I need to know what that is! thanks again for the cool looking bag! :)
I love this idea! Now to get my dad to give me some ties.... ;)
I love this idea! Very unique!
You did a fabulous job of designing and makin gthis pattern !! You are very talented! I have done the same with ties to make a bag that is more like a tote.. but this pattern is wonderful!! Thanks for sharing your talents!
I haven'y tried it yet but the directions seem clear...and fun!
how do I finish the handles?
I'm a beginner at sewing and this looks really hard. Any way you can break it down and make it ALOT easier? It's really cute and I want to learn how to make it.
My dad just passed away last week and had lots of ties. This will make a beautiful keepsake! I'm going to get my husband to sew one for me and my daughter. Thank you!!
My daughter made one of these, but, what do you do with the strap "handles?" It's really neat!
Love the idea! Friend's husband died suddenly so am making a bag each for her two teenage daughters out of his old ties. Thank you for the idea and instructions!
i love this idea,im 12,and i will probably make this for my 8th grade bookbag!!!!LOVE IT!!!!!josie
oooooh, finally a pattern to start a diaper bag for me, Mrs. picky about baby trends. I might make one for all of my freinds that are expecting , NOT TO METION MY HUSBAND WOULDN'T MIND CARRYING THIS ONE AROUND.
This is so fabulously awesome...like the old suit jacket and necktie messenger bag on crafster.
super good idea, how many guys do i have to date to make a bag...just kidding!
How lovely, I am going to run right into my sewing room and make one!
Dianne
Great idea - I wonder about the black velveteen - in my world it would be white immediately with all the lint, etc.
So cute! I'm making a purse version of this. Instead of 15 ties, I'm using 9: 3 for each side, 2 for the handle, and 1 for the flap. I got the ties at a 99cent store in the Flushing Mall called Banzai!
I haven't sewed at all since middle school home ec, but made this bag in two afternoons! It's awesome, I love it!! Thanks for the pattern!
wow tht is realli cool i am 14 years old and i realli like to sew i just kinda create my own designs i have made purses and pillow case and blankets and lots of other stuff but this purse looks kinda difficult so i think th i am just gonna stick to the st
that is really awesome
The bag is GORGEOUS!!
I want. x
Rummage sale, here I come! Neat.
i think it's cute purse
this looks so cool! but um, what's heavyweight lining and where do you get it?
Thats so cool!
Oooh, I made a skirt from ties long, long ago... I supposed I'd better make one of these to match!
made it. love it.
omg, SO creative! I love it!where do you people come up with this stuff?!
its me this is so cool
OMG!! so cool
FABULOUS!!!! Can't wait to try it myself! Yours looks STUNNING! what a great use of ties!
I made this bag, but altered mine in areas the tutorial left out. It inspired me to make other types of necktie crafts! I'll post completed pictures on Craftster.org>neck tie book bag (3/14/2006)
my mother is just as crazy as you. Shes planning to make it............. will keep you posted in 15 months time
from the potetnial and wearied user
I haven't tried this yet, but my husband just cleaned out his closet and had old ties to get rid of. I can't wait to try!
I have so many neckties that i got at a rummage sale and wondered what to make with them other than a quilt. This is a wonderful idea and would make a great Christmas gift!! I must do this!!
What a clever idea!! Now to find some neckties!!