Classic Knit Tie
This project started as a bit of a joke. Many years ago when I was working at NYU, our office intern was graduating and leaving to start his first full-time job. In order to celebrate the occasion, we thought it would be fun to send him off with some accessories for his new role.
Being the resident crafter, I thought it would be funny to knit a tie except that it wouldn't be the standard skinny tie that was floating around at the time. I would try to recreate a classic shaped tie that could possibly pass in an office environment (okay, not really but maybe!)
You may be happy to hear that the knit tie was well-received and our intern wore it for his entire farewell party!
Many years later, I've written this pattern to share with you! I hope you'll make this fun accessory for someone who'll find it just as charming. :)
So, what is a standard classic tie?
The classic tie is 56-58 inches long and the widest point is 4 inches.
Once you are done with the shaping section, this is a perfect watch-tv-while-knitting project. The shaping is done after about 1 foot from the beginning. Since this tie is almost 5 feet long, you have a lot of mindless knitting for approximately the next 4 feet!
Be prepared to do a lot of garter stitch and get cozy with a movie or two with this project!
Materials List
The following list has all the supplies and tools you'll need to make this project.
These affiliate links help to keep Craftic running at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support! 💛
Pattern Notes
This pattern is worked from bottom to top of the tie.
The project shown here was made using King Cole's Majestic DK in "Pale Petrol"; 131 yards, acrylic/wool/polyamide mix. There were only a few remaining yards leftover so you'd be better off getting a skein with as much yardage!
Materials
- Size 6 knitting needles
- 1 skein of DK weight yarn
- Tapestry needle
Terms
CO: Cast on
K: Knit
KFB: Knit front and back (increase stitch)
SSK: Slip slip knit (a left leaning decrease stitch)
K2tog: Knit two together (a right leaning decrease stitch)
Garter stitch: Knit all stitches on both sides.
Gauge
Approx 6 stitches per 1" (23" for 4" across)
Pattern
Starting - Bottom Triangle
CO 3 stitches
Row 1: Slip 1, KFB, K1
Row 2: Slip 1, Knit
Row 3: Slip 1, KFB, K2
Row 4: Slip 1, Knit
Row 5: Slip 1, M1, K1, M1, K1
Row 6: Slip 1, Knit
Row 7: Slip 1, M1, K3, M1, K1
Row 8: Slip 1, Knit
Row 9: Slip 1, M1, K5, M1, K1
Row 10: Slip 1, Knit
Row 11: Slip 1, M1, K7, M1, K1
Row 12: Slip 1, Knit
Row 13: Slip 1, M1, K9, M1, K1
Row 14: Slip 1, Knit
Row 15: Slip 1, M1, K11, M1, K1
Row 16: Slip 1, Knit
Row 17: Slip 1, M1, K13, M1, K1
Row 18: Slip 1, Knit
Row 19: Slip 1, M1, K15, M1, K1
Row 20: Slip 1, Knit
Row 21: Slip 1, M1, K17, M1, K1
At this point, you will have 23 stitches on your needles and your tie should measure about 4" across. This is the widest part of the tie and the next section will taper off in a gradual sequence.
If you'd like a more gradual taper, feel free to add more knit rows between the decrease rows or less knit rows if you'd like a more dramatic taper.
Shaping the Tie
Slip 1, Knit (12 rows)
Slip 1, K2tog, K17, SSK, K1
Slip 1, Knit (11 rows)
Slip 1, K2tog K15, SSK, K1
Slip 1, Knit (11 rows)
Slip 1, K2tog K13, SSK, K1
Slip 1, Knit (11 rows)
Slip 1, K2tog K11, SSK, K1
Slip 1, Knit (11 rows)
Slip 1, K2tog K9, SSK, K1
Slip 1, Knit (11 rows)
Slip 1, K2tog K7, SSK, K1
Slip 1, Knit (11 rows)
Slip 1, K2tog K5, SSK, K1
At this point, you will have 9 stitches on your needles. Knit garter stitch until the tie measures 55 inches long.
Finishing - Top Triangle
Slip 1, K2tog, K3, SSK, K1
Slip 1, Knit
Slip 1, K2tog, K1, SSK, K1
Slip 1, Knit
Slip1, K2tog, SSK
Slip 1, Knit
Slip 1, K2tog
Cast off the remaining two stitches.
Sew in ends with a tapestry needle. Congrats on your brand new knit tie!
🎉 Final Step: Show Off Your Work!
Post your WIP and finished project photos on Instagram. Add #crafticProjects and tag @crafticland for a chance to be featured on Craftic's social channels and newsletter.