Instead of going for the same old staid, stuffy tie consider showing up at your next event paying homage to the mustache with a mustache bow tie. With the simple instructions in this tutorial, you'll be able to make a mustache bow tie in no time.
Steps
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Create the mustache bow tie pattern. The pattern will also act as the backing on the bow tie, so use something sturdy that also able to be worn comfortably. Ideal backing includes cardboard from a cereal package, poster board or thin plastic folder covers. The pattern should match the usual size of a bow tie––if possible, grab one from your existing collection and take measurements. You can either freehand draw the mustache pattern or print off a version:
- To draw a pattern freehand: Draw two paisley designs that join each other in the middle.
- To print: Check online for mustache designs that you think will work. Print. Resize if needed using the graph resizing technique.
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Cut out the mustache pattern. Use sharp scissors or a box cutter to cut through the board or plastic backing chosen. Avoid making jagged edges––snip off any that form.
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Using the white pencil, draw the mustache bow tie onto the felt, tracing around the pattern created above. The white pencil lines will serve as a visible guide for cutting the felt accurately, especially if you chose to use black.
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Cut the felt shape out. Again, use sharp or sewing scissors to cut the felt, for the sharpest, cleanest cut.
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Glue the cut piece of felt to the cardboard or plastic pattern. Be sure to align the felt piece so that it fits exactly over the pattern. This creates the sturdiness needed for the bow tie.
- Add a dab of hot glue around the perimeter of the mustache pattern. Add a drop of glue every half inch (1.3cm) around the perimeter of the pattern. Add a few drops in the middle of the pattern to ensure a smooth transfer.
- Only add a small amount of glue near but not on the edge of the pattern. This will reduce the likelihood the glue will spill over the edge.
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Measure the elastic band to accommodate your neck. For the best fit, obtain your measurements for accuracy, as follows:
- Take collar/neck measurements using a measuring tape. If you don’t have seamstress measuring tape, use a tape measure and wrap it around your shirt collar.
- Line the elastic up against the measuring tape and cut to size. Lay the elastic down next to your measuring tape and cut to size.
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Sew the elastic band to the mustache. The elastic band will hold your bow tie in place. Remember to place elastic underneath the shirt collar to hide it once the tie is in place.
- Lay the mustache felt side down on a flat surface. Lay the elastic band across the mustache, lengthwise, checking to be sure that the elastic sits evenly on both sides.
- Stitch the elastic in the middle of the mustache. Create a stitch that won’t be overly obvious from the front of the mustache. If the cardboard or plastic you're using is thick, consider trying to just stitch the elastic to the cardboard and avoid hitting the felt.
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Sew the ends of the elastic together. Stitch the ends of the elastic together using either the same thread or use white thread for a more finished look.
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Finished.
Tips
- Make sure the elastic length is long enough so you can put it over your head but not so loose that it dangles when worn.
- Another way to wear this is to add a button at the end of the elastic and a button hole so you can wrap the elastic around your neck and simply button it together.
Warnings
- This type of mustache bow tie may not be the most durable piece of clothing, so take care with the tie if you plan to wear it again in the future.
Things You'll Need
- Black (or your choice color) felt
- Cardboard or small poster board
- Scissors
- White pencil (for darker color felt) or regular pencil
- Seamstress thin elastic band (but make sure it is wide enough to prevent cutting into you)
- Regular sewing needle and thread (the same color as your felt)
- Hot glue gun
