By:

Alex Kershner
John Ames
Pete Robles
Table of Contents iii
Table of Contents

Contents
Table of Contents ............................................................................................................ iii
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... v
Chapter 1: Beginner Knots .............................................................................................. 3
Four in Hand ................................................................................................................ 3
Pratt ............................................................................................................................. 4
Windsor ....................................................................................................................... 5
Chapter 2: Exotic (advanced) Knots .............................................................................. 11
The Eldridge .............................................................................................................. 11
Trinity ......................................................................................................................... 13
Trouble Shooting ........................................................................................................... 15

Introduction v
Introduction


This manual is designed to teach people the art of tying a tie and bowtie. The designs will range
from beginner friendly knots to more advanced intricate knots and will be displayed in such
order in this manual. There will be steps to choose a tie length right for you, a color/design that is
appropriate for different occasions, and detailed step-by-step instructions for the knots. This
manual can be kept close by for those emergency occasions or maybe for when you want to
advance your knot skills. Its surprising how many do not know how to tie a tie which makes this
skill very nifty and valuable. By following the manual step by step, anyone should be able to tie
a knot that would be suitable for any occasion. Pictures have been provided to make these steps
easier to follow.
The history of tying knots can be traced back all the way to the 17
th
century. Mercenaries during
the 30 year war in France wore a functional cloth around their neck which also tied the top of
their jackets. King Louis XIII was very fond of this cloth piece that he made it mandatory for
Royal gatherings. This would soon become a fashion accessory to men and women of all
countries and occasions to this very day.

Items needed:

The Tie:
One tie of any type including wide ties or slim ties. Wide ties are mostly used in a
business setting where as slim ties are a more modern fashion forward accessory.
There are many material variety for ties including polyester, silk, wool, and many others.

Length of Tie:
Ties come in regular lengths and extra-long lengths. Regular will range between 58-59
inches long. Extra-long will be 61-62 inches long. The knot you select could possibly
affect your tie length so do not be afraid a longer tie. You can always adjust.

Color of Tie:
The color of the tie will depend on the color of your shirt, suit, skin, hair, and even the
occasion. When you do not want to share the spot light with your tie then a basic solid
neutral color will be best. When you are feeling spontaneous and fashion forward then a
bright or intricate pattern will be best for you.

Chapter 1: Beginner Knots
Chapter 1 3
Chapter 1: Beginner
Knots

Four in Hand
1. Wrap the tie around your collar with
the front facing forward and
adjusting the wide end below the
narrow end as such. This distance
will vary between the ends but make
sure the wide end is the furthest
down.


2. Cross the wide end over to the left in
front of the narrow end.

3. Bring the wide end over to your right
by passing it under the narrow end.
The back of the tie is now showing.


4. Proceed to wrap the wide end over
the narrow end again by crossing the
wide end over to your left. Make
sure to allow a little slack for an
opening loop.


5. Bring the wide end towards you
underneath the loop around your
neck and pull through and up.

6. Still holding the wide end, bring it
down through the small open loop at
the front of the knot. Proceed to pull
down and adjust the loop to your
comfort.

Chapter 1 4

Pratt
1. Start with the tie inside out and
the narrow end 12 inches above
the wide end

2. Cross the narrow end over the
wide end


3. Pull the wide end around the
narrow end


4. Tighten the loop



5. Bring the wide end across the
back of the narrow end


6. Pull the wide end over the narrow
end


7. Pull the wide end up behind the
loop


8. Bring the wide end through the
loop and tighten

1
3
4
5
6
2
Chapter 1 5


Windsor

1. Start with the wide end
approximately 12 inches below
the narrow end.


2. Cross the wide end over the
narrow end

3. Bring the wide end through the
loop located
between the collar and tie

4. Drag the wide and downwards


5. Pull the wide end underneath the
narrow end and to the right,
through the loop, and then to the
right, leaving the wide end
inside out.


6. Pull the wide end from the front
and to the left.


7. Pull the wide end up through the
loop.



1
3
4
5
6
2

7
8
Chapter 1 6





8. Bring the wide end downwards
through the knot in
front and use both hands to
tighten the knot




















2
3
4
1
5
6
7
Chapter 1 7
8

Chapter 2 : Exotic (advanced) Knots
Chapter 2 11
Chapter 2: Exotic
(advanced) Knots

The Eldridge

1. Wrap the tie around your collar with
plenty of the narrow end hanging
down on your left side.

2. Cross the narrow end over the wide
end of the tie. Then wrap the narrow
end under the wide end and pull
towards your left.


3. Raise the narrow end up towards you
and pull down through collar loop
towards your right.

4. Wrap that same narrow end over the
main knot towards the left.


5. Pull up through the collar loop.

6. Then pull down over collar loop
towards your right. (Be sure to leave
a small amount of slack to create a
loop.


7. Slide under wide end towards your
left.




2
3
4
5
6
7
1
Chapter 2 12
8. Pull narrow end up through small
loop created in step 8.


9. Pull tight on narrow end as you bring
up through the loop. Bring the
narrow end down behind the collar
loop towards your right.



10. Bring the narrow end up in front of
the knot and pull down behind the
collar loop towards your left. (Make
sure you leave enough slack to create
another small loop as in step 6)


11. Pull narrow end up through small
loop created and pull tight towards
your right.


12. Tuck away any excess of the narrow
end behind the collar loop and you
have a fancy knot.


































8
9
10
11
12
Chapter 2 13
Trinity
1. Start with the narrow end of the
tie slightly below the wide end


2. Move the narrow end over the
wide end


3. Loop the narrow end around and
pull down


4. Loop around the back


5. Pull the narrow end up through
the center and down through the
other side


6. pull across the front of the knot


7. loop behind the center and pull








2
3
4
5
6
7
1
Chapter 2 14


8. through the loop you made in the
previous step


9. loop behind the center and pull
through the loop made in the
previous step







































8
9
Chapter 2 15
Trouble Shooting

Problem: Not enough material to finish
knot
Solution: In this case, feel free to get a
longer tie or make the knot tighter which
will allow you an aesthetically pleasing
design.

Problem: The material is not folding the
way I want.
Solution: There are certain materials
that are more moldable than others. A
great beginner fabric is silk.

Problem: I dont know what colors to
choose.
Solution: Use complimentary colors
that you know will look good together. If
all else fails, use a plain black shirt with
virtually any color and it will look more
cohesive.

Problem: I cant get the design to look
like the picture.
Solution: These knots will take practice.
If you get tangled do not feel
discouraged. Just start from the
beginning until you get it.











Chapter 3 17
Chapter 4 19