How Fabric Becomes a Hang-Up

Tie-making is an exact science:

* The main part of the tie, the outer fabric, is cut “on the bias,” or at a 45-degree angle. That is crucial to giving the tie the resilience to recover from knotting.

* Outer fabric is sewn into two or three pieces so the seams will be hidden in the neckband of the shirt, and the ends are hemmed.

* A piece of silk, nylon, rayon or polyester called facing or tipping is added to the back of both ends.

* The seams and tips are pressed.

* The tie’s lining is also cut on the bias. How a tie hangs on the wearer and retains its shape is largely determined by its lining. Lightweight ties need heavier lining.

* The lining is slip-stitched to the outer shell.

* The tie is turned right-side out, a piece of cardboard is inserted and the tie is pressed on the reverse side, so that the edges aren’t flat but rolled.

* Labels are sewn on.

* A bar tack stitch is made with heavy yarn to fasten seam ends and add a finishing touch.