How to Tie a Neckerchief: 9 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2025)

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Co-authored byHannah Park

Last Updated: December 23, 2023References

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1. 1

   Choose a classic tie for a simple style. Fold the scarf in half diagonally so that it looks like a triangle. Then fold the base of the triangle upward towards the top point several times to create a long, rectangular shape. Tie the scarf around your neck using a square knot and position the knot either to the front or the side of your neck.^[1]

   • A square knot is a basic knot which involves crossing each end in a tie, twice.
   • This style goes well with a button-down shirt.^[2]
2. 2

   Pick a cowboy tie if you are going for a Western look. Bring 2 diagonal corners of the scarf together to make a triangle. Tie the 2 long ends of the triangle together at the back of your neck using a square knot. Shift the triangle part of the neckerchief either to the front or just off to the side of your neck to see which style you prefer.^[3]

   • Use a small scarf to create a small neckerchief. Alternatively, opt for a larger scarf if you want a cowboy neckerchief that is slightly ruffled at the front of the triangle.

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3. 3

   Make a choker for a chic and feminine neckerchief style. Fold the scarf into a triangle shape by matching 2 diagonal corners. Then fold the base of the triangle upward toward the point of the triangle until the scarf looks like a long rectangle. Wrap it twice around your neck and form a square knot to hold it in place.^[4]

   • Position the knot at the front of your neck by your throat.
   • Start wrapping the neckerchief at the front of your neck, then bring it to the back, and then wrap it back around the front again. This is where you will tie the knot.^[5]
   • This style of neckerchief should be snug against your neck.
4. 4

   Pick the desperado tie for an edgy look. Arrange the scarf into a triangle by bringing together 2 diagonal corners. Loosely tie the 2 long ends together at the back of your neck. You can either tuck the neckerchief into your shirt or wear it untucked.^[6]

   • This type of neckerchief tie is the fastest and easiest way to style it.
5. 5

   Choose a necklace tie for a fun and casual style. Draw 2 diagonal corners of the scarf together to form a triangle. Fold the triangle from the base upwards toward the final point. This will turn the scarf into a long rectangle. Bring the scarf around your neck and let it hang loosely, before tying a square knot at the front.^[7]

   • Leave plenty of space between the neckerchief and your neck for this style. Tie only the very ends of the scarf in a knot.
   • Use a scarf that goes well with the color of your eyes. You can choose pink, purple, blue, or white scarf if you have blue eyes.^[8]
   • Bright colors like orange, blue, green, yellow, and red match well with green eyes.^[9]
   • White, green, and yellow suit people who have brown eyes.^[10]

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1. 1

   Fold the scarf into a triangle. Lay the scarf out on a flat surface. Bring 1 corner over the scarf to rest on the diagonal corner. Gently press the scarf down the fold.^[11]

   • Make sure that the scarf isn't wrinkled. Iron the scarf before you start tying it if necessary.
2. 2

   Turn the long edge of the triangle over 1-3 times. Keep the triangle flat on a surface. Fold the base of the triangle up by approximately 3in (7.6cm) towards the top point of the triangle. Run your hand along the fold to make sure it is smooth and repeat this if necessary to make the neckerchief triangle smaller.^[12]

   • Generally, approximately 6in (15cm) of the tip of the neckerchief tends to remain unfolded at the top.^[13]
3. 3

   Place the neckerchief either over or under your collar depending on your unit. Either wrap the neckerchief around your neck over the top of your uniform collar or lift your collar up and wrap the neckerchief below it. The regulations for neckerchiefs differ among the units that wear them, so check with your unit if you are unsure.^[14]

   • If you wear your neckerchief under your collar, make sure to fold your collar back over the neckerchief once you have tied it.
4. 4

   Place the Scout neckerchief slide onto the neckerchief. Place the 2 loose ends of the neckerchief into the slide. Draw the slide upward until it reaches the top button of your uniform.^[15]

   • To remove the neckerchief, simply pull the slide down to loosen it and pull the neckerchief over your head.^[16]
   • The neckerchief not only looks smart with your uniform, but it can also be a great piece of emergency first aid gear. It can be used to make a sling, bandage, or tourniquet.^[17]

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For a classic look, fold the neckerchief in half diagonally, then make several small folds along the long side up toward the top point to create a rectangular shape. Put the neckerchief around your neck and make a simple square knot (cross the ends of the tie twice and pull tight).

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