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.
Tulups says
I did the double tie this morning with a new prerty scarf,and it looks great! Im a petite woman, and the scarf is long with tassels, so this is perfect. Thank you!
Romaisa SoSo says
Already a stunning scarf tie, yesterday I was watching the latest dresses in 2019 and frankly this website I really liked, we hope you have been exposed to the latest scenes of mantle ties for women and men
لوله بازکنی says
It was an interesting way
Thanks for publishing these images
style hacks says
aboslutely amazing styles..totally loves how you draped your scarf n different ways <3
خرید روسری says
It was an interesting way
Thanks for publishing these images
DressilyMe says
Awesome styles. I really like 7th Neck Wrap style.
Nicole John says
How amazing stylish you are, wow.
June says
Help! What about for the circle scarf that is not one long scarf?? Are there a variety of ways to wear that? I seem to have been given quite a few of them and get bored with the double loop.
Any tips would be lovely!
Arnika says
These are so creative!
Joe says
By the way most of these work just as well for men.... and help mark you out as the most stylish guy on the block :)
KissAnime says
I really enjoyed reading your post!
Bob jons says
What a terrible scarf to choose to demonstrate your scarf-tying techniques. Pick something thats easier to see and less hideous next time
Daryl Wor says
I love these! Much needed for the scarf challenged like myself (:
halimantyu says
yeah thanks a lot
Donna says
Your post is excellent. I learn much from your article.
hannah says
this has been reposted on this website again. it would be nice to see you giving new diy fashion tips and or guides instead of reposting old stuff.
Lisa says
I am glad it was reposted.
Missed it the first time. Will definitely try some of these designs.
Kathryn says
Nice ideas, but these pictures do not help in accomplishing these looks. Not enough explanation.
David Huggins says
agreed. Very hard to follow those pics! Love the scarf versatility, though.
Sonali Awasthi says
superb designs...i definately used these designs in my daily routine
Phil @ Three by Six says
Awesome information to go with our nature-inspired catalog @ threebysix.com
Jessica @ Dog and Boy says
Scarves change an entire outfit.
Cecilia Blanco says
Do you have a video on this? I can't make out some of your twists (I'm new to the whole scarf craze). :)
Mrs Robin Budd says
why are classic loop and classic pull through identical pics? You could scrap one and put an different version in. That said, many knots will have several names the same knot is known by. But this is a lovely reference page to find, and nice 'save to favourites' on my phone for a quick check when wanting an change whilst running out the door,or standing waiting for the tube, and bored of same old look:) Well done! I hope we soon have an new knot 'show how' to replace one of the two identical pics, something to look forward to and return for too!
Annie PRsons says
Do you know anyone who would come along to. Charity event and demonstrate how to tie a scarf? Annie
Thelma Sibita Boroko says
Please send me ways to tie a scarf and also to tie a doek
Nzembi Mutua says
This is so helpful. I can't wait to try out all these styles. Thank you so much
moshidi says
Love love. Love cant wwaitt to try dont you have books on how to would loove to own one
Laura says
Can't wait to try some of these cool knotts out.
Tehmina Ghafur says
Excellent ideas of wearing scarfs
Nudnik says
I love this . Learned a lot from it. I already amusing some of your Knotts. Thanks
Amy says
Love your tutorial. Makes me feel like I can actually tie a scarf! :) Thank you!
Auumn says
You can hardly tell what they are doing each step. They need to show more steps so we can actually see what they are doing ??????
Jane Christine says
I had no Idea what they were doing................I ll just have to guess.............
A person says
No one else notices that this is crap. 9 and 13 are the same. You can barely tell that they did each step and it’s just awful all around. You can call me a hater but I don’t care. So get wrecked.
Pamela says
I love your Ways to Tie a Scarf,
2. KNOTTED NECKLACE is great.I will try this evening.
Thanks for great share!
Carleigh says
don't tie. it! Just let it hang free!
Kristin says
Ha! That's fine, too, but no one needs instructions for that.
Raz says
They are lovely ways to tie scarves, except no 9 and 13 are the same, so effectively 12 ways.
Kate says
They don't have the same directions, and if you read them, they are 2 different ways to tie the scarf, but she used the same pictures (probably by accident:)
Kristine says
Hi! Great scarf blog and I'm looking forward to trying them all out. How long are the scarves in 1 and 2? Thank you!
Kiara davis says
Loved the blog, got to learn so many new wrap patterns, I have always loved the cozy neck wrap pattern, and it my favorite way of wrapping my designer silk scarves, but love the necklace wrap will try it next time i wear my long length digitally print scarf.
Laurene says
When I'm wearing a jacket, I knot each end of a rectangular scarf, tuck it under the collar, and just let the ends hang down.
Samantha says
I have a million scarves. They always start out nicely tied and evolve into a mess.
gerbermom says
Totally. Mine always ride up until I feel like it's trying to choke me, lol :)
Heather @ Beyond the Aisle says
Thanks for sharing these great ideas! I wear a scarf to work almost every day in the cooler months and this will help me mix it up!
Deb Frank says
great ideas! esp. tying a scarf behind your back for a updated shawl look is great for those times when a jacket or shrug is too sporty looking! I love my scarf collection...it's forever growing!
Nana says
Gorgeous! I think I'm gonna buy some kinds of scarf..but it is hot in my country..
bu thank you!
Silvergirl says
I am in love with the scarf necklace look
Totally just pinned that one!
Brett
Jolleen ~ The Graffitied Gardenia says
Can't wait to try the double loop! So cute, agree the white scarf is lovely. One of my favorites is a side bow, with the right outfit looks perfect.
Stacia says
This is super helpful for this time of year! Thanks for sharing and for the great "illustrated" instructions!
April says
Ok, I absolutely need to know where that white scarf came from! Pretty please? :D
gerbermom says
Target! I think it was awhile ago though...
Julia in West Des Moines says
The main issue I have with scarves is the way they pull attention to a busty gal's chest when the tails fall right in between her bosoms.
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Unfortunately it won't be scarf weather again around here for a while but I'll definitely be saving this one away for winter. Great ideas thanks Stephanie!
Mo says
Thanks for sharing! I like the braided style. :-)
Ellen says
I love scarves in the store, but then I get home and don't know what to do with them. I can never twist and tie them quite right...until now. Thanks for sharing!
Jen @ Cuddles and Chaos says
I am scarf CRAZED! I'm definitely trying the necklace and the double-sided guy this fall. Thanks for the inspiration!