That professional look: how to tie a culinary neckerchief

Some students and teachers have requested a brief practicum on tying a chef's kerchief.

Your culinary cravat adds a professional look to your coat and trousers. And, like a business or dress tie, it's a classic Windsor knot.

If you don't wear a tie every day, you'll want to practice this to be sure it's crisp and tight for a professional, pulled-together look. 

Herewith, a lucid YouTube presentation from The Chef's Academy that should help you get a perfect know every time:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_zqIYgTRUM

This is a very basic single-knot tie, but there is a trick, so we are also giving you a step-by-step written guide.(e-How helped with these instructions.)

Instructions

1) Fold the neckerchief in half diagonally to form a large triangle. Press the triangle with a warm iron to get a crisp fold. Turn the neckerchief so that the point is closest to you.



2)
Fold the point up toward the long edge about 3 inches and flatten the fold.

 




3) Take the folded edge in your hand and fold it over again about 3 inches. Continue folding in this manner until you are about 2 to 3 inches from the long edge of the neckerchief.



4)
Fold the long edge down to meet the top fold, and continue folding up as before. This ensures a neat finished edge on your cravat.



5) Iron the folded neckerchief to obtain a clean, professional look.



6)
Place the neckerchief around your neck, arranging the midpoint at the center of the back of your neck. Pull the ends over your shoulders and adjust the ends as necessary so they are even.



7) Cross the left end of the neckerchief over the right end, and bring the left end up and through the part that is around your neck.



8)
Cross the right end of the neckerchief over the left end, and pull the right end through to make a knot.



9)
Pull both ends to tighten the knot, making sure the ends are the same length.

10)
Arrange the neckerchief by gently tugging the knot so that it is centered at the front of your neck.



11)
Tuck the ends inside the front of your chef's coat to finish the look.