When using my Dad's ties, I hand washed them all, and discarded any that didn't behave. Then I clipped the stitches to lay the fabric flat, remember most ties are cut on the bias so you need to be watchful not to stretch them. I made a mini storm-at-sea & used one of his poly/cotton blue shirts as the background. I think you could use any pattern successfully, but ones sewn to a foundation might be easier to keep from stretching.