Scarves might just be my favorite accessory. If I had to shop for just one thing that I could use for the rest of my life (but why would someone do that to me?), it might be a scarf.
Scarves are so versatile. They don't judge you, they don't miraculously shrink when you're pregnant or put on a few pounds, and they have a tendency to stick around.
But how to tie a scarf? That's another story! We asked our friends for their favorite methods and came up with 19 (woo-hoo!) different scarf tying ideas you can try. Just read through this post or check out the video at the end to learn how to tie each one like a pro.
19 Ways to Tie a Scarf
All you need is a large square or rectangular scarf to create these 19 different looks. I used a couple of my favorite scarves in various sizes, but you only need one scarf to make the majority of these knots.
Obviously, a shorter scarf is best for neckties and basic drapes, while a longer scarf is good for the more complicated knots. And heavy winter scarves are ideal for a simple toss and tuck, in my experience. But feel free to try each knot with a few different types of scarves to see how it looks.
1. The Braid
Fold the scarf in half and place it around your neck. Take the loose ends of the scarf and pull them through the loop, making sure not to pull it too tight. Now, twist the loop and pull the loose ends through again. Continue twisting the loop with one hand and pulling the ends through until you run out of scarf.
2. The Cowl
Place your scarf around your neck so that one end is much shorter than the other. Wrap the long end around your neck twice, then tuck in the loose ends. If using a scarf with fringe, adjust it so that a bit of fringe is hanging down in front.
3. Classic Loop
It's a classic because it's so easy and looks so good! Fold the scarf in half. Put it behind your neck and bring both ends to the front. Pull the loose ends through the loop.
4. Knotted Necklace
Take a lightweight scarf (silk is great for this one!) and place it around the back of your neck. Tie a knot on one side followed by the other. Pick up the loose ends and tie them together. Turn the scarf around so the ends are at that back, and the knots are in the front.
5. The Shawl
The easiest way to wear a scarf! Just drape it around your shoulders and let it hang down on each side in front.
6. French Knot
I discovered this French twist last winter and still love it! Just fold the scarf in half and put it around your shoulders. Take one loose end piece and pull it over and under the scarf loop. Take the second end piece and go under and over the same loop.
7. False Knot
Wrap the scarf behind your neck. Take one end and wrap it around your hand. Pull it through to make a loose knot. Take the other end and pull it through the side knot, going under the knot loop and then over.
8. Simple Neck Knot
Take a small scarf and wrap it around your neck twice, so that the ends come together at one shoulder. Tie the ends together once and toss one end over your back while the other stays towards the front.
9. Double Bandana
Fold a long scarf in half lengthwise. Grab the diagonal ends and knot them together. Put it over your neck, then twist it and loop again.
10. Hidden Knot
Loop a long scarf once around your neck. Make a half knot with the long ends, up near your neck. Pull the fabric of the neck loop down over the half knot.
11. Slouchy Turtleneck
Place the scarf evenly around your neck. Loop one end of the scarf around your neck, then repeat with the other end (the ends should be hanging down slightly at your chest). Tuck the loose ends up inside the scarf.
12. Twisted Turtleneck
This one is exactly like the slouchy turtleneck (see #15), except for this one, you twist the scarf before wrapping it around your neck. You can wrap it tightly to look like a turtleneck or leave it loose for a more relaxed look.
13. The Tie Loop
I love wearing this knot underneath a blazer or jacket because it resembles a men's tie, but with a feminine touch. Wrap the scarf around your neck, so the ends are even in the front. Cross the left side over the right, then bring it behind and through the hole around your neck. Take the end on the right, pull it toward the left and push it upward through the loop you just created. Adjust the knot until it sits like a loose men's tie.
14. Two-sided Twist
Put two of your favorite scarves back to back. Loop once around your neck and turn the fabric so that you see both sides.
15. Single Side Bow
Wrap the scarf around your neck and cross one side over the other. Using your right hand, gather a bit of scarf into a loop. Wrap the left side around the loop and down through the hole, almost like tying your shoelaces. Tighten the knot and turn the scarf, so the bow sits at your shoulder.
16. Knotted Shawl
A slightly more advanced version of the wrap. Put the scarf around your shoulders like a shawl and make a half knot in the back with the ends. Pull the ends tight and up high on your back. Pull the scarf fabric down to cover the ends.
17. Rolled Loop
Wrap a scarf once around your neck. Take each scarf end up and over the neck loop.
18. Double Loop
Loop the scarf twice around your neck. Take one end over and down through the neck loops and tie the ends together.
19. Twisted Necklace
Bring the scarf around your neck. Tie once at the front and bring the ends up and over your shoulders. Tie a knot where they meet at the back.
Ways to Tie a Scarf Video
In case you need a little more instruction, here's the video showing you how to tie each one in real-time:
Want to wear that scarf in your hair? Check out 13 Chic Ways To Wear a Scarf in Your Hair.
