I am thinking on making a quilt of ties. Any suggestions?
Two ideas: sew the ties together and then cut blocks and use the tips for around the outside, sew ties together.

I have a pattern for a necktie quilt and have been collecting the ties. It calls for opening up the ties, making a block with strips on the diagonal, and alternating them with solids like tweeds and things from suit jackets. They place mens buttons as the tie between each square. Can"t wait to start it. It's on my 2011 to do list.

I purchased 2 garbage bags filled with ties a couple of years ago at an auction. I washed them in the washer (even though I was told not to do that) and most came out fine. Some of these ties are probably 40 years old.... fat ones, skinny ones, etc.
I haven't started the quilt yet (too many UFOs) but I plan to do paper piecing..... using muslin for the paper and sewing the ties to it. I want a crazy quilt as a result.
I did a search online once and saw some beautiful quilts made from ties..... and some not so beautiful.
Good luck.

I like the diagonal idea. I have opened a few and sewed them together on the folds. I have tied another quilt with buttons and it turned out really cute.

I have just about 20 of my fil's ties that I want to do something with- maybe it's enough for a pillow.

I have some projects made with ties. Took a class and learned to apply a backing to the tie before cutting the pieces. I too like to wash the ties; some will fade, some don't. I wash them before cutting apart; then rip out stitching. I discard everything but the tie fabric. Save the brand labels. They can be used sometimes. I will try to post a picture of one of my favorites later today. Can't think of the name of the backing you iron on. Will look for that for you also.

One you start opening them, between the length and width you may have more fabric than you think.

My grandmother made a beautiful quilt from my grandfather's ties. She used the "My Grandmother's Fan" pattern for the blocks. The sashing, base of the fan, and borders were done in a rich brown taffeta. The upper top of the fan block was a creamy taffeta. The quilt was made during the late 1940's. I wish I had a picture to show you.

I had posted these ideas on another thread today that someone was looking for ideas for neckties, enjoy

I will do a search for you

1. http://www.quiltbug.com/articles/mens-ties.htm

2. http://huntsville.about.com/od/tips/a/silktiequilt.htm

3. http://www.ehow.com/how_5176400_make...-neckties.html

rugs made with ties

4. http://sewingwithneckties.blogspot.com/

5. http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...es.html?cat=24

This is a favorite wall hanging I made with ties.