DIY Network

Recycled-Tie Wrist Cuffs Tie makeover #3: decorative wrist cuff or choker From "Uncommon Threads" episode DUCT-115

These cuffs are made from recycled neckties and decorative snaps. You can easily increase the length to make them into chokers. A great way to use up those tie scraps after you made a tie skirt.

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	Recycled-Tie Wrist Cuff
	Wrist cuffs are a great way to use up those scraps after you made a tie skirt.

Materials:

necktie
2 small 1"-square pieces of interfacing or coordinating fabric scrap
thread
pearl snaps
sewing machine or hand-sewing needle
snap-setting pliers or hand tool
flexible measuring tape
scissors
pins
washable fabric marking pencil or dressmaker's chalk

1. To determine the best fit for your cuff, you should start by measuring your wrist with a flexible tape measure. Keeping the tape snug, measure at the point where you plan to wear the cuff. The average women’s wrist is 5.5"-6.5"; the average man’s wrist is 6.5"-7.5". My wrist measures 6", which I will use to calculate the length of my cuff.

2. Using the wrist measurement you just made, calculate the length to which you should cut the necktie. First add a bit of ease, since you don’t want it to be too tight. For most tie thicknesses, 1/2" is good; if you have a very thick or rigid tie, however, you may want to go a bit larger. You also need to add a bit of length to accommodate the snaps and allow the end of the tie to overlap slightly, so add another 2" (e.g., 6+.5+2=8.5").

If you're unable to get a wrist measurement, here are a few general sizes:

Women's: " (S), 8.5" (M), 9" (L)
Men's: 9" (S), 9.5" (M), 10" (L)

3. Measure the tie, starting with the point at the skinny end, and mark the measurement with the fabric pencil; then use the scissors to cut it to length.

4. Fold under the fabric on the cut end of the tie 1/2", so that ends are actually folded into the opening created when you cut the tie. Many ties also have a piece of interfacing inside them; if yours does, make sure to fold that as well. Pin the tie and press with a cool iron. Then sew across the portion of the tie you folded under with a straight stitch, 1/4" from the edge (figure A).

5. Lay the tie right side up on a flat surface. On the pointy, finished end, measure in 1" and mark a dot in the center with the fabric pencil.

• Side A: Repeat on the other end (the one you hemmed), measuring in 1/2", and mark a dot in the center of the tie.

• Side B: Double-check the fit. Wrap the tie around your wrist so that points A and B meet by overlapping the ends of the cuff (figure B). If the cuff feels to loose, move point B in from the edge until the fit is correct. If the cuff is too tight, move point A out.

Figure A

Figure B

6. Following the directions that came with the snaps and the setting tool, attach the decorative cap (socket) portion of the snap to side A, so that the cap is on the right side of the tie (figure C). Repeat with the stud portion of the snap on side B, making sure the socket is up on the right side of the tie (figure D).

Figure C

Figure D

To wear, simply wrap the tie around your wrist, using the snap to secure it in place!