How To Tie a Shemagh: Key Concepts And Rules
Tying a shemagh is a practical skill that comes mainly from the middle Eastern culture; a shemagh is a piece of material—usually in a checkered pattern—that is typically more than two yards in length. It can be used as a turban, a scarf, a dust covering, a shawl, and much more. Here are a few key concepts and rules to follow when tying a shemagh.
Key Concept 1: Establish the Middle
When folding and tying a shemagh, the key is to establish the middle of the material first. Folding the material in half will give you the middle to work with, so that the other techniques of knotting can then be put in place.
Key Concept 2: Start with the Knot at the Neck
Once the middle is set, start off by tying the shemagh at the front of your neck. Make sure to use a knot that is not too tight, so that you can adjust it to your comfort. Loosen the material in order to get a loop neck opening.
Rule 1: Tie the Shemagh Loosely
Tying the shemagh loosely will make it easier to re-adjust the scarf during your wear. This will also make it easier to loosen periodically to allow more face and neck coverage.
Rule 2: Pull the Loose Ends From the Front
Once you have the shemagh tied loosely, start to pull the loose ends toward the front of your torso. Make sure to keep the pull even, so that the ends remain at the same length. Once you have the ends pulled to the front, you can tie a knot at the front of your torso. This will secure the loose ends and will keep the scarf in place.
Rule 3: Tuck the Loose Ends On Side
Tucking the loose ends of the scarf on the side will keep your shemagh from slipping off or flying in the wind. Make sure to adjust the material tight enough so that it does not take away from the air flow, but not so loose that it falls off your head.
Conclusion
Tying a shemagh is a quick, easy skill handy to have. Just remember to establish the middle, start with the knot at the neck, tie the shemagh loosely, pull the loose ends from the front, and tuck the loose ends on the sides. With these concepts and rules in mind, you’ll have no problems knotting your shemagh!
