How to make a western bow tie

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How many yards of fabric do you need to make a bow tie?
What are the Western bow ties called?

Cattle Kate manufactures western ties made of 100% silk in over 30 different colors. Learn how to tie our traditional western ties.

Add a western flare to an outfit by dressing it up with a string bow tie, also known as a colonel tie. String bow ties first became popular during the 1800s and have remained popular to this day. Patience and practice are required to tie a string bow tie and a few attempts will be necessary to get the tie to look just right. Make a simple and attractive string bow tie at home using inexpensive materials.

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Step 1

Wrap the measuring tape around the neck to find the width of the neck. Cut the ends of the ribbon diagonally so that the total length is 8 inches longer than the width of the neck.

Step 2

Stand in front of a mirror. Wrap the ribbon around the neck. Adjust the ends so that the right side is about two inches longer than the left. Hold each side in front of the neck with the index finger and thumb finger.

Step 3

Cross the right side of the ribbon over the left side. Pull on each end of the ribbon so that the ribbon is against the neck. Take the section of the tie in the right hand and bring it up and under the ribbon against the neck. Pull the ribbon in the right hand all the way through.

Step 4

Fold the piece of ribbon in the left hand into a bow. Fold the piece of ribbon in the right hand into a bow.

Step 5

Cross the bow in the right hand over the bow in the left hand. Take the bow in the right hand and bring it up and under the knot in the bow. Pull the end of the bow in the right hand all the way through.

Step 6

Pull gently on the ends of the loops in the bow to tighten. Pull the material taut to straighten any wrinkles from the center knot.

Tip

Place a small drop of superglue at the ends of cut ribbon to prevent fraying. The knot is similar to how many people tie their shoes.

The western bow tie, also called a string tie, was a popular style in the 1800s. Few men still wear this style today, but it is sometimes employed in western costumes or period outfits. You can buy these ties from some specialty clothiers, but it's easy to make your own out of a piece of satin ribbon. This way, you can also choose the color and ribbon width that appeals to you most.

Put on a collared shirt. Put the ribbon around your neck and under your collar, adjusting the ends so that they are the same length.

Hold each end in each hand. Think of the end in your right hand to be end A and the one in your right hand to be end B.

Lay A over B, and pull them snugly around the neck.

Tuck the end of A behind the overlapping layers and pull it up through the neck loop. Pull it all the way through.

Lay A over B again.

Pull the end of A around the back of B, creating a loop between the two layers.

Push the end of A through this loop, and pull it somewhat snugly. This will finish the basic bow shape.

Pull the two bow loops in opposite directions to snug the tie against your neck.

Smooth out and unwrinkle the center knot.

Adjust the two hanging ends until they're of equal length.

Trim both ends to the desired length. Traditionally, these ties extend about halfway down the length of the shirt, but you can hang the ends as short or as long as you like.

How many yards of fabric do you need to make a bow tie?

How Much Fabric is Needed to Make a Bow Tie? You will need ¼ yard of two kinds of fabric. One fabric for the front and one for the back. You can also use a Fat Quarter of fabric, which is a precut fabric that is readily available.

What are the Western bow ties called?

WHAT IS A BOLO TIE? A bolo tie is a necktie made up of three components—a cord, cord tips, and an ornamental clasp. They are sometimes referred to as bola ties, cowboy ties, or shoestring neckties, and are the official neckties of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.