Mini Saddle Bag Made From Neckties

A few years ago I tested a bag for a bag pattern designer. He was designing a saddle bag that he was going to send out to the testers, but he had some things happen at that time and so all us testers said we would be here when he wanted us to test the next bag. In the meanwhile, he emailed us a mini version of the saddle bag pattern he wrote and said the new bag would be larger, but similar to this bag. I thought for fun I would use some men's neckties to make this mini version. I had it cut out and pieces the front and back pieces, but then it somehow got put away and buried in my pile of UFO's for a couple of years. When I found it recently, I decided to finish this bag and here it is. But I can't help wonder what became of the designer? I never heard from him again. I hope he is alright, but I have no idea. He never posted to his Facebook Tester group (which I belong to), so it's a mystery I suppose.

Made from men's neckties on the front, back, flap and front pocket. The black gusset and strap as well as the lining are cotton fabrics.

The front has a flap and I added a turn lock closure instead of a magnetic snap.

Back view of bag.

Mostly silk ties. I used a decorative stitch to quilt this.

The front has a nice slip pocket, great for keys or a cell phone.

Oh how embarrassing to see all that lint! I thought I had cleaned it off, but now that I see the photos, obviously I didn't do a very good job of it, lol!!! Anyhow, this is the inside with a slip pocket and a pen pocket.

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MyTie Makeover Mini Bag

I tested the MyTie Makeover Mini Bag for Rochelle of eSheep Designs last month. The pattern includes 3 styles of small bags, each made from using a man's necktie. I liked the one with the flap and gusset so I chose to make this one. Since all ties will yield a different amount of fabric in which to work with, Rochelle explains how to cut your fabric and somewhat re-create the pattern that she provides. It actually works rather well, even if I was a bit slow in "getting it" at first. The bag itself goes together rather quickly. You can choose to make a handle/strap using fabric or cording or other material and add hardware if you want to as well. I actually braided the cord myself for this small bag, using several strands of different ribbon and string using my Kumhimo braiding disk. I chose to add a sewn snap to close the bag instead of a buttonhole and button. But I did make a fabric flower and used a button in the center to add a bit of embellishment.

Be sure and visit Rochelle's blog to see the other tester's bags. Rochelle will have the pattern for this bag available in her Craftsy shop soon.

My Tie Bag made from a man's necktie. I made the cording myself with my Kumihimo braiding disk.

The tie flap which closes with a snap and I added a fabric flower with a button center as an embellishment.

I chose to add 2 slip pockets in the lining.

The back of the bag.

The back of the bag.

I like the idea of upcycling a necktie into something else and these bags are so cute and a great way to give new life to a necktie. The size of the bag is perfect for a young girl too. Elegant fabrics would make a great evening bag or great bag for a wedding, while a novelty tie print would make a cute bag for a young girl or teen. Rochelle's instructions are well written with good photos too. Pin It Now!