Quick Start Guide to Head Scarves: Shopping and Tying

Updated: May 9

Let's keep things simple: you love headscarves. You want to enjoy the creative expression. You want scarf shopping to be a pleasure. And you have good taste.

Let's simplify--and beautify--tying head scarves.

Quick Start Guide: Shopping for & Tying Head Scarves

In this post, I'll demystify squares, triangles, and rectangles. Read until the end for tips on embellishing with narrow scarves and sashes.

Triangular & Square Scarves

Shopping:

At least 32"x32" squares for full head coverage
Cotton is the most budge-proof

Quick tying tips:

Tie silk squares on top of a cotton scarf or velvet headband to prevent slipping
Fold squares in half diagonally to make into a triangle

The 50-second video tutorial below shows how to tie a simple bun style. No hair is needed.

Rectangular Scarves

What to look for:

At least 17" wide by at least 72" long for the Double Wrap style (video below)
Lightweight, gauzy fabrics are easier to tie than heavy ones
Stretchy fabrics allow a snug fit without headaches
Frayed edges lend a bohemian flair, and can be tucked in for a more conservative style

The 60-second 'Double Wrap' video tutorial below shows a simple technique for rectangles. It also happens to be my personal favorite.

Narrow Scarves and Sashes

(Screenshots from my first YouTube tutorials in 2010: the Urban Wrap Down Low and the Rapunzel)

Quick tips:

At least 27" long for ease of tying
Consider silk sashes in a diamond shape, like the Lauren Ralph Lauren line at Macy's
The search term 'narrow scarf' yields more shopping results than 'sash'
Wear as a headband or an accent on a full-coverage scarf

Wishing you lots of success and enjoyment in your scarf-tying adventures!