How to tie a bow tie

1. Drape the tie around your neck so that both ends are even.
2. Cross the right end over the left end and loop under to form a basic knot.
3. Pull the knot so that it is snug against your neck and rest the top end on your left shoulder.
4. Take the other end and fold it across the knot. You will see the familiar bow shape.
5. Take the top end (that is resting on your left shoulder) and pull it down in front so that it crosses the center of the bow shape.
6. Place your left finger on the front of the bow to hold it in place and reach behind with your right index finger to find the hole where the free end will thread through.
7. This part is key: Do not thread the tip of the free end through – instead, with your left index finger, push the part that is closest to the center of the bow through the hole.
8. When it first comes through the back, it may feel like it’s going to fall apart, but don’t worry. Pull enough through that it is even with the other side and adjust to make it as neat and flat as possible.
9. Almost there! Pull the bow down towards the front and tighten. Straighten and flatten as needed.

The key to remember is that it’s not supposed to look perfect; a hand-tied bow tie adds character and charm!