Wooden Gifts Tutorial: Carving Shirt, Tie, and Clothing Layers on Figurines

What’s the trickiest part of carving wooden gifts?

It’s definitely the fine detailing in tight spaces — and the bow‑tie (or necktie) on a wooden figurine’s outfit falls right into that category. A tie has many parts, and you also need to figure out how it relates to the shirt underneath. Which parts should be carved deeper? Which ones more shallow? In this tutorial from Wooden Smile, we’ll walk you through all these techniques step by step using proper tools for wood carving figures.

Unveiling the Inner Layers of Your Figurine’s Clothing

Now it’s time to bring out the inner layers of your figurine’s outfit. That means carefully carving the vest, shirt collar, and tie — each layer must sit at the correct height so the final result looks natural and balanced in this wooden sculpture project.

Because this area is extremely narrow and demands precision, we recommend using a very thin blade and taking it slow when you carve.

Sketching the Proportions: Vest, Shirt, and Tie

Take a look at your character reference photo. The layering order is clear: the vest and shirt collar should sit slightly higher than the tie. Note also the small side sections between shirt and tie — those are part of the shirt (we’ve marked them in the reference). 

With your craft knife held like a pen, carefully follow the pencil guide lines. Carve the collar first — both sides — using a shallow angled cut so that the shirt collar remains above the tie. This approach helps keep the layering distinct, preserving the clarity of each garment section on the wooden figurine.

Apply the same technique to the vest. First, carve two basic slanted cuts along the lines, then deepen the groove with a second angled cut and gently shave off excess wood.

This staged carving process — common in professional wooden carvings — adds subtle depth and realism to the clothes.

Forming the Tie — A Delicate Task

After carving the vest details, the tie becomes the focus. This step is trickier because the space is even narrower — a typical challenge when crafting custom figurine details. Be extremely cautious not to cut into the surrounding shirt collar. The knot of the tie should be raised above the rest of the tie to reflect natural cloth layering. Start from the outer edge of the trapezoid shape and choose a proper blade angle — as you cut, the tie begins to take shape.

Creating Natural Depth and Flow

Once the tie is shaped, gradually shave down the areas on both sides so they sit lower, creating a gentle slope. Because your knife moves mostly vertically, the center will remain slightly raised while the sides slope inward — this resembles a small “hill” and gives a more natural, realistic effect to the garment. Then sharpen the boundary between the shirt and the face so the shirt and facial area stay clearly separated. 

Why This Detailed Step Matters for Your Wooden Gifts

• By carefully carving each layer — vest, shirt, collar, tie — you create a more realistic, 3‑dimensional wood figurine rather than a flat, mask‑like shape.
• Thoughtful layering and depth control ensures the final piece looks balanced, with natural folds and shadows, much like real clothing — a hallmark of great carved wooden art.
• This attention to subtle detail turns a simple block of wood into a meaningful, handcrafted piece — the kind of wooden gifts that feel personal and timeless.