How to Make a Zip Bag from Old Ties
With this free sewing pattern, you can learn how to turn old neckties into beautiful and practical zip bags. This upcycle project is a great way to give ties with sentimental value a new life!
My husband was about to give away a bunch of stained and old neckties, and sensing a creative project, I snagged them before they were donated.
I turned the old ties into these DIY Necktie Zip Pouches. This is a very simple sewing project that would make great DIY gifts for your favorite guy!
What Can I Do with Old Neck Ties?
In the years since I’ve posted this Upcycled Neck Tie project, I’ve heard from many readers searching for something to do with old ties. Most of the time, it was because a special someone passed away, and they didn’t want to get rid of all of their precious items.
A friend of mine’s father-in-law passed away, he had had 12 grandchildren. As a keepsake for the grandchildren, my friend made one of these necktie zip pouches for each grandchild (boys and girls). I thought it was such a touching way to remember their loved ones.
Essential Details for the Neck Tie Zip Bag Tutorial
- Each pouch is made from 2 ties, one for the front of the pouch and one for the back.
- You will also need other supplies like interfacing and zippers. Those supplies are listed below.
- I added a contrast stripe to the center (the fabric on the back) for one of the pouches. You could have a lot of fun mixing and matching the patterns of the ties.
- I reused the tag from the back of the tie, which was a fun little touch, especially if the neckties are sentimental.
I had so much fun making these that I continued and made more. This would be a great handmade Christmas gift for a man but would work equally well for a girl.
Want to make one? Here’s how!
Upcycled Necktie Zip Bag Sewing Pattern
Equipment
- Zipper foot for Sewing Machine
supplies
- 2 neckties
- 1 Zipper 7" long
- 1 package Shape-Flex Fusible Interfacing
- 1 package Fusible fleece
- 1 fat quarter Lining Fabric
Instructions
Step One: Pick the Tie Apart
- Begin by carefully pulling the stitches out of the back of the necktie. Most ties are basted together, and the stitches should come out quickly. Open up and continue unpicking the tie down to the point.
- Next, remove all the interfacing and press the fabric from the front of the tie well. You’ll need some steam to get it to lay flat again.
Step Two: Cut your pieces and apply the interfacing
- Cut a piece that is 10” wide and 7” tall from the tie. Start measuring 10” from the widest part of the fabric. You can adjust the size if you need to, based on the size of your tie, but this is pretty standard.
- Cut a second tie piece from your other Tie fabric.
- From Fusible Fleece Cut:2 Pieces 7″ x 10″From Shape Flex Interfacing Cut:2 pieces 7″ x 10″From Lining Fabric Cut:2 pieces 7″ x 10″
- Iron the Shape-Flex interfacing onto the back of the two pieces cut from the tie.
- Iron fusible fleece onto the back of two fabric lining pieces.
Step Three: Create Zipper Tabs
- Cut another piece of fabric 3” x 5” from the tie. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise and press. Open up and turn under each long end 1/4” and press.
- Cut this piece in half lengthwise so that you have two folded pieces.
- Pin one folded piece over each end of the zipper so that the fabric covers 1/2” of the zipper. Top stitch in place. Trim the fabric to the width of the zipper.
Step Four: Attach the Tie Tag (optional)
- Fold the tie’s tag in half and stitch it to the right side of one of the cut tie pieces.
Step Five: Construct the Bag
- Next, make a “sandwich” with the zipper in the middle.
- The right side of the zipper will face the right side of the tie fabric, and the wrong side will face the right side of the lining fabric.
- I recommend a 1/4” – 3/8” seam allowance using a zipper foot stitch for this seam.
- Repeat for the other side of the zipper.
- Press the seams away from the zipper and top stitch along both sides of the zipper. This will help keep your lining out of your zipper, and you zip and unzip the pouch.
- Unzip the zipper.
Finishing:
- Pin the pouch with the outside and lining pieces matching. Pin the zipper towards the lining pieces. Stitch with a 1/2” seam allowance around the entire pouch, leaving a 4” opening in the lining to turn the pouch right side out.
- Clip the corners and trim the seam allowances on the lining down to 1/8”. Turn the pouch right side out. Slip stitch opening closed and press well!
- Have fun making zip pouches!
More Things to Sew for Men:
(or anyone, for that matter! It doesn’t have to be just guys!)
How to Sew a Bow Tie (with free PDF Pattern)
Dad’s Travel Bag Sewing Pattern
Leather-Trimmed Dopp Case Tutorial
