How a Handmade Tie Is Made: Over 50 Years of Craft in Barcelona
A tie looks simple. In reality, a well-made tie is the result of carefully chosen silk, precise cutting and a lot of handwork. At Marco Pascali we have been making ties in Barcelona since 1973, and in this article we explain how a handmade tie is made, how to recognise a quality one and how to make it last for years.
Our story: tie makers since 1973
Marco Pascali was born in 1973 with a first collection of handmade Italian silk ties. Since then we have launched more than a hundred collections and added bow ties, pocket squares, scarves and wedding accessories, while many well-known brands trust us to produce the accessories for their own collections. What has not changed is the essentials: our ties are made by hand in Barcelona from Italian silk, and every piece is checked before it leaves our workshop. You can read the full story on our About Us page.
How a handmade tie is made, step by step
1. Choosing the silk
Everything starts with the fabric. We select our silks from renowned Italian mills: jacquards woven with the pattern in the fabric itself, printed silks, and for the colder months wool and silk-wool blends. The quality of the silk determines how the tie drapes, how the knot sits and how long it lasts.
2. Cutting on the bias
A good tie is cut on the bias, that is, at 45 degrees to the weave of the fabric. This gives the tie a little natural elasticity, so it falls straight, does not twist and recovers its shape after being knotted. It uses more fabric, but it is the key to a tie that hangs well.
3. Joining the pieces
A tie is usually made from several pieces of silk (blade, neck and tail) joined together. The seams are placed where they will not be seen once the tie is worn.
4. The interlining
Inside every tie there is an interlining that gives it body and weight. It is what makes the knot full and the tie hang with substance rather than looking flat.
5. Folding and hand stitching
The silk is folded around the interlining and closed along the back with a long hand stitch, known as the slip stitch. This loose stitch lets the tie move and flex when you tie the knot, and then return to its shape.
6. Finishing the tips
The tips are finished and lined, and the back is secured with a small bar tack that keeps the folds in place. The keeper loop, which holds the narrow end, is added at the back.
7. Final check
Before a tie is packed, it is inspected: shape, seams, finish and fabric. Only then is it ready to be worn.
How to recognise a quality tie
- It hangs straight: hold it by the narrow end. If it twists, it was probably not cut on the bias.
- It has a slip stitch: open the back slightly and you will see a loose thread running along the length. Gently pulling it should gather the fabric a little.
- It has a bar tack: a small horizontal stitch at the back that keeps the two folds together.
- The silk feels substantial: a quality silk has a soft, dense feel and a natural sheen, never stiff or plasticky.
- The knot is full and clean: thanks to a good interlining, it does not look flat or wrinkled.
How to care for a silk tie
- Untie it after every use, undoing the knot the reverse way it was tied, and never pull from the narrow end.
- Let it rest: hang it or roll it loosely so the creases disappear before wearing it again.
- No direct ironing: if it needs refreshing, use steam held at a distance or a cloth between the iron and the silk.
- Stains: act quickly, dab (do not rub) and, for anything serious, take it to a specialist dry cleaner.
- Travelling: roll it up rather than folding it.
Choose your tie
Our handmade silk ties start at €69. Not sure which one suits your suit? Read our guide on how to choose a tie to match your shirt and suit, or write to us and we will help. Free shipping to mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands on orders over €50.
Discover our full collection of handmade silk ties.