Four-in-hand knot... am I doing something wrong?

[empyre.01d2]

Sorry in advance about the lack of pictures!

I've come to the conclusion that I'm not a knot tying natural, given that the FIH seems to work the best. But one thing is bothering me, how the heck do you get the knot symmetrical? If you think of a knot as similar to an upside triangle (let us refrain from the jokes), one of the upper corners is always pulled tighter than the others.

I also experience an issue when wearing slim / skinny ties (especially those sub-2"). It seems as if the knot is falling. It seems to slip down.

Any suggestions on how to tackle this issue? I've tried practicing, but it seems to be a problem each and every time.

Thanks!

 

[Brian278]

The FIH is an asymmetrical knot by nature; therein lies its rakish charm. If you want a symmetrical approximation, I recommend the half windsor.

 

[MrDaniels]

+1

 

[j]

It's asymmetrical because the part you're wrapping around is not parallel, and because of the way the knot is constructed.

For the second problem, you might try wrapping it twice, the second time a bit more tightly, before putting the end through? I don't know, I don't have that problem but I'm not afraid to crank down my knot and get it to stay. You could also use that as an excuse to wear a tie clip.

 

[DandySF]

I became frustrated with the FIH's asymmetry and have switched to the perfectly uniform half windsor.

 

[jml90]

Try the Pratt knot.

 

[empyre.01d2]

Originally Posted by Brian278

The FIH is an asymmetrical knot by nature; therein lies its rakish charm. If you want a symmetrical approximation, I recommend the half windsor.
Ahh, I see. That makes sense now that I think about it. A few more general questions. When tightening my tie, I want to pull on the wide-end only right? When removing my tie, is there a trick? My Father says that you should always take it off the the same way you put it on--in reverse of course. Is he correct?

 

[sonlegoman]

Originally Posted by empyre.01d2

Ahh, I see. That makes sense now that I think about it.

A few more general questions. When tightening my tie, I want to pull on the wide-end only right? When removing my tie, is there a trick? My Father says that you should always take it off the the same way you put it on--in reverse of course. Is he correct?

When tightening, pull on the wide end until it is tight (while your finger is scrunching the tie if you want the dimple). Once it is tight to your liking, then pull on the narrow end so it goes up to your neck.

 

[empyre.01d2]

Originally Posted by sonlegoman

When tightening, pull on the wide end until it is tight (while your finger is scrunching the tie if you want the dimple). Once it is tight to your liking, then pull on the narrow end so it goes up to your neck.

Thank you!

 

[Krawczak]

Originally Posted by jml90

Try the Pratt knot.

+10

I came up with the Pratt-Shelbey myself, and was somewhat disappointed when I found that it was pre-existing. But it's almost all I wear. It is symmetrical without being cartoonishly huge. I can heartily recommend it.

 

[Teacher]

Originally Posted by jml90

Try the Pratt knot.

One of my favorites.

 

[empyre.01d2]

I'm going to bump my old thread here with a simple question. Let me begin by saying I'm "tie-challenged"

I've stuck with the FIH as it seems to be the only knot I can really do.

Is there a way to measure it out correctly prior to tying? I always seem to have to try 3 or 4 times before I can get it to a good length (right above or slightly covering my belt buckle). Thank you gentlemen!

 

[Countertenor]

Practice.

Once you start getting the right length, you'll be able to "eye" the right pre-knot setup.

 

[CunningSmeagol]

Originally Posted by empyre.01d2

I'm going to bump my old thread here with a simple question. Let me begin by saying I'm "tie-challenged"

I've stuck with the FIH as it seems to be the only knot I can really do.

Is there a way to measure it out correctly prior to tying? I always seem to have to try 3 or 4 times before I can get it to a good length (right above or slightly covering my belt buckle). Thank you gentlemen!

One thing I've found to work is to tighten the knot from the neck (on the side that actually tightens the knot) once you've got a loose knot at the correct length. That way you don't have to pull the wide end longer than you'd prefer. Also helps set up and cinch the dimple.

 

[awcollin]

Originally Posted by empyre.01d2

Is there a way to measure it out correctly prior to tying? I always seem to have to try 3 or 4 times before I can get it to a good length (right above or slightly covering my belt buckle).

I don't know about anyone else, but when I place the tie around my neck, I usually adjust the narrow end to a point between two particular buttons. If the tie does not end up being the correct length, I adjust up/down accordingly. Once you've got it to the length you desire, remember that starting position.

It's not an exact science, but you should be able to figure it out.