Whether you are tying a bow tie or tying a shoe, the steps are the same. Here are some helpful hints if you are learning to tie a bow tie:

1. The widest part of the "bulb" section of your bow tie corresponds with the spot on your tied shoelace where the loop folds back on itself (see diagram below). When I give bow tying lessons in person, I tell people to "fold wide" because their natural inclination is to fold at the narrow spot. Resist that temptation, and FOLD WIDE instead.

2. I suggest that you give yourself time to learn to tie your bow tie BEFORE the event for which you will be wearing it.

3. It's easier to learn if you can be in a quiet, well lit room rather than with lots of distractions. This is technical reading you are doing!

4. You must forget everything you know about tying a necktie. Think "SHOE" not "TIE."

Fold this side of the page to the back and stand in front of a mirror to complete the instructions on the other side of the page.