Inst. Set 202C Final Draft

7/30/2019 Inst. Set 202C Final Draft

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How to Tie a Four-in

-

Hand (Basic) Tie Knot

Sean Rooney

English 202C

Professor Mclaughlin


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Table of Contents

Introduction

...................................................................................................................................................................... 2

Materials and Duration

...................................................................................................................................................................... 2

Step One

...................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Step Two

...................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Step Three

...................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Step Four

...................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Step Five

...................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Step Six

...................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Conclusion

...................................................................................................................................................................... 6


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Introduction

The ability to successfully tie a necktie is an undervalued skill that challenges most

individuals dexterity. As college students transition to the working world, the requirement to

dress more formally increases, while t-shirts are more often found in the back of the closet.

Although neckties are more commonly a gentlemans attire, it is not out of the question that

ladies may also want to master this skill. As a result, this how-to guide can be used by anyone

who chooses to wear a tie in a professional or upscale social setting.

The four-in-hand tie knot, also known as the simple knot or schoolboy knot, is the most

popular and easiest way to tie a necktie. Used mostly with button-down dress shirts, the four-in-hand tie knot is narrow and slightly asymmetric. No matter which tying technique is used, there

still exist some challenges that must be kept in mind. The challenges to the perfect tie include,

but are not limited to, the length of the tie relative to the belt, and also the size and shape of the

knot. Task specific details will be described in the six step procedure below.

Materials and Duration

On most occasions, there are only two materials needed in order to complete this task as

noted in the diagram below:

A tie A button down shirt

Wide end of tie

Narrow end of

tie

Button-down shirt

with collar

Figure 1: Tie and shirt set-up.


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Depending on an individuals experience with tying ties, this task can range from a one-

minute to ten-minute process. The main factor affecting completion time is how many attempts it

takes to achieve appropriate tie length. It is suggested, especially for beginners, that the first

couple of attempts are done in front of a mirror. Just like many tasks in life, the ultimate way to

become proficient at tying a necktie is to practice.

Step One

Arrange the tie around the collar of a button-down shirt (or simply the neck ifnot using a collared shirt) so that the wide end is on the right and the narrow

end on the left. As seen in Figure 2, make sure the wide end is much further

down on the shirt, near the belt area,

than the narrow end.

This difference in length betweenthe two ends will ultimately affect

the overall length of the tied tie.

IMPORTANT

How far down on the stomach the wide

end is placed will affect the final length

of tied tie. Try to replicatethe lengths

showed in the picture to the right.

CAUTION: VIEW THE PICTURES BELOW AS IF LOOKING IN THE MIRROR. THE

WIDE END IS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BODY AND NARROW END ON THE

LEFT SIDE OF THE BODY.

Figure 2: Step One


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Step Two

Once the wide end is on the right, cross it to the left side over top of thenarrow end of the tie. Then, swing it back to the right side, this time

underneath the narrow end. See Figures 3 & 4 below for assistance.

Step Three

One last time, swing the wide end backovertop of the narrow end to the left side, as

seen to the right in Figure 5.

Figure 3: Part one of step two. Figure 4: Part two of step two.

Figure 5: Step three


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IMPORTANT

MAKE SURE THE WIDE END

IS ONLY GOING UNDER THE

TOP LAYER OF THE

PREVIOUSLY CREATED

LOOP LAYERS.

Step Four

Once the wide end is back on the left side,swing it underneath the narrow end(which hasnt moved yet) and up through

the loose loop around the neck which has

been created by the previous steps. When

bringing the wide end up through the loop

as seen in Figure 6, it should be

underneath all other parts of the tie.

Step Five

While loosening the knot with an indexfinger, bring the wide end down under

the first layer of the previously created

loop.

Figure 6: Step four

Figure 7: Step five


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NOTE

Final Suggestions:

The wide end should not go below

the waistarea.

The narrow end should never be

longer than the wide end.

There should be a loopto tuck the

narrow end in on the underneath

side of the wide end.

Step Six

Once the wide end is through, the last step is tightening the knot and arrangingit in the right position. First, pull the wide end completely through and then

pull it tight. Then, while holding the underneath narrow end, slowly slide the

knot upwards towards the neck. Tighten the tie to individual preferences.

Conclusion

Tying a necktie is not the most intricate task in the world, but it is one that will confuse

many whom have little experience The previous six steps are what separate an average guy from

the best dressed guy in the room. Whether dressing for a wedding or a job interview, the four-in-

hand tie knot procedure will get the job done.

Figure 8: Step six

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Inst. Set 202C Final Draft