A polyester classic, the ultra-wide, double-thick necktie of the 1970s never came back in style like it should’ve. Nevertheless, you can still pay homage to one of the Me Decade’s most garish moments in men’s fashion with this upholstered switch plate.
You will need: Wide 70s necktie, plastic light-switch plate, scissors, pencil, contact cement with brush, X-Acto blade, needlenose pliers or tweezers
4¼"
Using scissors, cut the bottom 8" from the necktie. Cut any seam along the back. Remove the lining and superfluous filler.
Place the fabric face down, and using the widest part of the tie, center the plate face up and trace its placement. Cutting ¾" outside your traced lines, create a 6"× 4¼" rectangle.
6"
8"
In a well-ventilated area, coat the backside of the fabric and the front side of the switch plate with contact cement (include the inside edges of the switch opening). Allow both pieces to dry.
On the backside of the switch plate, brush a ½" trim on the inside edges, and ¼" around the outside edge of the switch opening with contact cement. Allow to dry.
Place the coated necktie fabric face down on a flat surface. Place the switch plate face down, centered, onto the fabric, pressing to make full contact.
Using an X-Acto knife, cut a diagonal “V” in each corner of the fabric, and an “X” in the center of the switch opening. Do not cut clear to the edge of the switch plate — allow for a 1" buffer.
Pull each edge of the excess trim over each side of the switch plate, and press into place. Using needlenose pliers or tweezers, pull the small triangular tabs through and over the edges of the switch opening, pressing each one into place.
Using the tip of the X-Acto blade, puncture a slit in the fabric centered directly over each screw opening. Mount plate to wall as usual.
Matt Maranian is a bestselling writer, designer, and bon vivant whose books include PAD and PAD Parties. He lives in New England.
Illustrations by Dave McMahon
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