How to Tie a Silk Head Scarf: 3 Beautiful Styles

How to Tie a Silk Head Scarf

A silk head scarf can be tied in many different ways — from a simple band around the hair to a fuller wrap or a sculptural crown. With each fold, the same scarf reveals different colours, borders and fragments of the illustration.

For an illustrated silk scarf, that transformation is part of its character. A design worn open around the shoulders may look completely different once it is folded around the head, with only selected details of the drawing remaining visible.

Here are three ways to tie a silk head scarf, using either a classic 90 × 90 cm square or a larger 135 × 135 cm scarf depending on the amount of fabric and coverage you prefer.

The Twisted Silk Headband

The simplest way to begin is with a narrow silk head scarf worn almost like a traditional headband. It keeps the hair open and loose while introducing colour and illustration around the face.

The twist at the front gives the style a little more shape without requiring an elaborate knot.

1. Fold the silk scarf several times to create a long, narrow band.
2. Place the centre of the folded scarf behind your head.
3. Bring both ends forward towards the forehead.
4. Cross the ends over one another, then twist them once more to create the detail at the front.
5. Take both ends back behind the head, tie a small knot and tuck away the remaining fabric.

A 90 × 90 cm silk scarf is particularly suited to this style because it gives enough length for the twist without creating too much volume.

The Full-Coverage Head Scarf

When you want more coverage, a larger silk scarf can be wrapped around the whole head while still leaving enough fabric to create a soft knot at the front.

A 135 × 135 cm square works particularly well for this style. The additional fabric makes it easier to cover the hair fully and gives you more freedom to adjust the folds around the face.

1. Place the open silk scarf over your head so that the fabric covers the hair.
2. Gather the two ends behind your head and cross them over one another.
3. Bring both ends forward towards the forehead.
4. Tie the ends into a soft knot at the front.
5. Tuck the remaining fabric beneath the surrounding folds until the head scarf feels secure and balanced.

Adjust the edge gently around the hairline rather than pulling the silk too tightly. The finished headscarf should feel comfortable and secure while allowing the fabric to fall naturally.

The Twisted Crown Wrap

The crown wrap is a more sculptural way to wear a silk head scarf. Instead of finishing with a simple knot, the loose ends are twisted together and carried around the head to form a soft, wreath-like shape.

Both a 90 × 90 cm and a 135 × 135 cm silk scarf can be used. The larger size creates more volume, while the smaller square gives a more compact finish.

1. Tie your hair back or smooth it away from the face.
2. Place the scarf over your head and gather both ends towards the back.
3. Tie the ends once to hold the scarf securely in place.
4. Twist the two loose lengths around one another to create a soft rope of silk.
5. Bring the twisted section around the head like a crown and tuck the remaining end securely beneath the wrap.

The twist does not need to be perfectly symmetrical. Allowing the silk to move slightly gives the finished style a softer character and reveals more fragments of the illustration.

Choosing a Silk Scarf for Your Hair

The size of the scarf changes the finished style almost as much as the way it is tied. A 90 × 90 cm square works beautifully for a lighter headband or compact head scarf, while a 135 × 135 cm scarf provides more fabric for coverage, twisting and fuller shapes.

With an illustrated silk scarf, the starting position also matters. Turn the scarf before folding it and a different border, colour or part of the drawing may appear around the face.

The same scarf can therefore create several completely different head scarf styles simply by changing the fold, knot and orientation.

Looking for more ways to fold and knot a silk scarf?

Each piece begins with a line.