The Seven-Fold Tie
With its substantial handle and distinctive construction, the seven-fold tie represents one of the finest traditions in tie-making. Crafted using an abundance of fine silk and requiring exceptional skill to produce, it is defined by the intricate process behind every piece.
First appearing at the end of the nineteenth century, the seven-fold tie predates the widespread use of interlining. As a result, many examples remain unlined and untipped to this day. At Turnbull & Asser, however, every tie is finished with a soft, durable lining, while our seven-fold designs are self-tipped using a precise technique that ensures the tie is crafted from one continuous piece of silk.
The lengthy and meticulous process of creating a seven-fold tie means each one is remarkable in its own right. Handmade over the course of more than three and a half hours by a dedicated seamstress, every tie requires 0.77 metres of silk to complete. The process takes ten times longer and uses twice the amount of material required for a traditional tie, despite arriving at the same 9.5cm width.
SHOP SEVEN-FOLD TIES
OUR PROCESS
CUTTING AND PREPARATION
Once the silk has been cut to the larger seven-fold pattern, the individual pieces are sewn together by machine – the only stage of the process carried out mechanically. The tie is then self-tipped before being passed to the seamstress.
SETTING THE LINING
The lining is positioned in the centre of the tie and carefully pushed towards the tip before being centralised by hand, creating the foundation for the folds that follow.
FORMING THE FOLDS
The tie is folded into its 9.5cm shape, with each fold completed individually. Every fold is steamed and pinned into place before sewing, ensuring precision and consistency throughout the construction.
TAKING SHAPE
Once all of the folds are in place, a bar tack is sewn into the lining before the tie is closed using a hand-worked slip stitch. At this stage, the tie begins to take its final form.
ATTACHING THE LOOP
During the slip-stitching process, the tie loop is also attached by hand.
SIGNATURE DETAILS
The iconic Turnbull & Asser label is positioned between the loop and the bar tack, while a Seven-Fold label is sewn to the underside of the blade.
FINAL TOUCHES
The final stage requires two extra-thick bar tacks to be sewn in place. Created by doubling over the thread many times, these are followed by a button and scallop loop, which provide additional stability and durability. This intricate finishing process is what makes the seven-fold tie so distinctive.
THE FINISHED TIE
The completed tie showcases the full complexity of its construction, with every fold carefully formed by hand to create a piece of exceptional character and craftsmanship.
