Two-Tie Sling Tutorial

It's rainy and gray here this week...a nice moody intro to fall. Not so great for photography, but I wanted to get this fun tutorial to you this week!

I've had a doodle of this project in my sketchbook for ages. When I was developing projects for Sewing Green, I came up with a sling concept made simply from 2 neckties. Well, like a handful of ideas for the book, the sketch never made it into a 3-D project...that is until now! Last week between workshops, I grabbed 2 neckties and stitched them up...it worked! Rarely has something so simple turned out so cool. (95% of the time the "brilliant idea" in my head just somehow doesn't translate into reality.)

Materials:
2 neckties, same width and degree of taper (this is important!)
Ruler
Pins
Needle and thread
Sewing machine, optional

1) Line up the neckties in opposite directions, as shown. Measure 14 inches from the corner of one tie point to the corner of the other point. Mark with a pin.

2) Pin edges of ties together, overlapping each one slightly over the other about 1/8-1/4" total. *It is important that both ties are the same width and degree of taper for these 14 inches!* Use a wide zigzag to stitch down the center, or stitch by hand. Note: Many ties are cut on the bias, therefore the fabric may give when sewing the length of the tie. Be sure not to stretch as you sew.

3) Turn wrong side up and fold the ties back on themselves.

4) Line up the outside edges and pin. (If your ties are different widths or sewn woodgie, the sides will not line up!) Straight stitch the sides.

5) Now all you need to do is decide how long you want the straps and tie the skinny ends. If you'd prefer a neater look, cut off the ends at the desired length and stitch together.

My ties were each about 3 1/4" wide at the widest point, making the sling just right to carry my camera or a water bottle. These are really easy to make and so much fun. They were a hit last week at the workshops. One girl even made a double-wide. I've got a nice stash of neck ties...I may whip up a few of these for my etsy shop this weekend!

Have fun and let me know if you try this! (and no raiding the hub's tie collection!)

EDIT: For more necktie fun, check out a Flickr group and blog I came across with some great ideas!