by Allison Tannery

Created on: June 13, 2008

Two Approaches to Tying the Perfect Bow Tie.

One.

1. You are the person to tie your own tie. Stand comfortably in front of a mirror, with the tie around your neck, and under your collar. Pull the end on your right down about an inch and half lower than the end on your left. Check for accuracy. And this is your right, as you look in the mirror.

2. Cross the longer side, over the shorter, near to your neck, but leaving enough space to work the proper bow. There is balance between this space, and the bow hanging too low. Adjust as necessary.

3. Bring the longer end up through the loop, as if you were beginning to tie anything, like a shoestring, or hairbow. Simple. But leave it loose.

4. Pay attention. Take the end still hanging down, it should be on your right (again, as you look in the mirror) and using your thumb and first finger, pinch a loop, just as you would begin to tie your shoe. Think Mr. Rogers and those tennis shoes.

5. Coming from your left, the right side will be doubled over itself to make the loop.

6. Drop that upper left end of the tie, which was brought up in step (3) and comes from the right. Drop it over the front of the developing bow.

7. Hang in there. That left end has to form a new loop, just like the first loop, and must be done while first loop is still being held. And again, doubled over itself, and back through the loop behind the tie.

8. Gently, but firmly adjust by pulling at both the ends of the bow, and working to straighten the center.

Voila'.

Two.

1. You are the person assigned the task of creating a bow tie for your lover. Stand comfortably in front him/her (who knows with fashion today?), placing the tie around his (just selecting a sex here) neck, and under his collar. Gently kiss one ear lobe, and then the other. Pull the end of the tie on your left down about an inch and half lower than the end on your right. Kiss his nose. And maybe nuzzle his neck as you check for accuracy.

2. Cross the longer side, over the shorter, near to his neck, but leaving enough space to work the proper bow. There is balance between this space, and the bow hanging too low. Adjust as necessary, and weave your fingers through his hair. Maybe sigh a bit. Longingly.

3. Bring the longer end up through the loop, as you brush your lips against his forehead, and as if you were beginning to tie anything, like a shoestring, or hairbow. Simple. But leave it loose. He may need more breath now.

4. Pay attention. Take the end still hanging down, it should be on your left, and using your thumb and first finger, playfully tweak his chin, then pinch a loop, just as you would begin to tie your shoe. Do not think Mr. Rogers.

5. Coming from your right, the left side will be doubled over itself to make the loop.

6. Drop that upper right end of the tie, which was brought up in step (3) and comes from the left. Drop it over the front of the developing bow. Whisper something in his ear.

7. Hang in there, both of you. That right end has to form a new loop, just like the first loop, and must be done while first loop is still being held. And again, doubled over itself, and back through the loop behind the tie. Concentrate.

8. Gently, but firmly adjust by pulling at both the ends of the bow, and working to straighten the center. Give him a firm kiss square on the mouth, and wish him (or her) well on whatever task that lies ahead that requires this beautiful bow tie.

You'll always and forever be the Official Master of Bow Ties. Enjoy the title.

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