How to Deconstruct a Necktie

“Deconstruct a necktie?” Why would I want to do that?

Tea bags and tea bag art with cup

I use deconstructed neckties in my “Snippets” tea bag art. And I want to share with you how and why I do it.

WHERE TO GET NECKTIES BESIDES THE CLOSET: THE THRIFT STORE.

Years ago, every grown-up man wore necktie. Neckties used to be a wardrobe staple. Not so much any more.

My dad wore a necktie to work every day. My husband hasn’t had one on in years. But we don’t do many fancy events any more either.

So I don’t have much to choose from in my house.

I shop at Goodwill and other thrift stores for ties. I’m never disappointed at the selection. I’ll find at least one tie that I can use and usually more than one.

They cost any where from a dollar to 2.50 each. I think that’s cheap for a piece of high-quality fabric with good pattern and colors that I can use for several projects.

I’m amazed at the number of expensive-when-they-were-new designer neckties I find in thrift shops. I can imagine how they were part of someone’s special occasion wardrobe. And now they are going to be art!

LOOK FOR 100% SILK NECKTIES

Why silk? I like to use silk because of its “drape” or the way it folds easily and is pretty moldable into shapes on my collages. Other fabrics are not so “bendable” but I’ll sometimes pick a non-silk tie for the color or pattern if it’s perfect for the piece I’m working on.

How can you know if you have a 100% silk necktie? There will be a tiny label on the back of the tie that says either 100% Silk or All Silk.

HOW TO DECONSTRUCT THE NECKTIE

When I get my ties home, I throw them in the washing machine. I hang them to dry and then press them with my iron if they are too wrinkled to work with. Then, I take them apart right away so they’re ready to use when I want to make art.

Snip the “tacks” There are at least two tacks, one near both ends of the tie on the back.

Snip off the tags

Remove the thread that holds the tie together. There’s a thread that runs the length of the tie to hold the shape of the tie. From the back, snip the hidden thread about the middle of the tie and pull the thread out from the end. Pull the other end out, too.

Cut off the liner fabric on both ends. Save the big piece. It might come in handy for a solid color on the tea bag. Pull out the white stabilizer fabric. I save and use it too.

Iron it flat. You can use steam.

It’s ready for to use in your tea bag art! I have some examples of my tea bag art here.

If you’ve been using ties in your art, please share what techniques you like to use in the comment section.