The rabbit jumps over the log . . . wait a minute. Oh yes, "over, under, around, and through." Sing it. It helps.

Now use the preceding rhyme to help you remember the following story about the rabbit and the log while using your neck tie as character and prop. By the end of the story, you will have created the simple four-in-hand tie knot, and perhaps entertained a nearby child.

1. The rabbit hops over the log.

With your collar up and shirt completely buttoned, hang the tie around your neck with the wide end (hereafter, "the rabbit") on your dominant-hand side. Hop the rabbit over the narrow end of the tie (hereafter, "the log") at the diagonal seam.

2. The rabbit crawls under the log.

Pull the rabbit under (behind) the log.

3. The rabbit runs around the log.

Bring the rabbit around the log, and under and around one more time (repeating steps 2 and 3). The rabbit is attempting to outsmart a fox.

4. The rabbit dives through the rabbit hole at the top end of the log.

Pull the rabbit behind the knot and down through the loop (hereafter, "the rabbit hole"). Tighten the knot by sliding it up the log.

Take liberties with the story to create your own ending and reasons for the rabbit's actions.

A Couple of Additional Tie Tying Tips:

Don't pull on the rabbit. This over-tightens the tie. Don't let anyone else pull on the rabbit either.

To create a dimple in the tie, squeeze the bottom of the knot until a dimple forms.

Reverse the rabbit's path to untie the tie (through, around, under, and over), as if you are rewinding the story. This is the gentlest way to untie the tie and prevent stretching or wearing out.

About the Four-in-Hand Tie Knot:

The four-in-hand tie knot is the easiest knot to make. It produces a narrow, slightly asymmetrical knot. It works best with wide neck ties made from heavier fabrics and is best suited to standard button-down dress shirts.

Other Types of Neck Tie Knot:

Windsor - A wide triangular knot worn for formal occasions. Suitable for shirts with cut-away collars. (Not named after the Duke of Windsor.)

Half-Windsor - A medium triangular knot less formal than Windsor but more formal than Four-in-Hand. Suitable for standard dress shirts.

Small Knot - A small knot suitable for ties made of thick fabric and shirts with close-fitting collars.

Prince Albert - A compact knot suitable for ties made of soft fabric and shirts with long collars.

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