How To Tie and Make a Regency Cravat; 5 Different Knots

Learn to Make and Tie 5 different Regency Cravats.
You can follow this helpful guide for Historical Reenactment, Historybounding, LARP and general dress up.
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Photo used in thumbnail courtesy of Timelight Photographic

[@vickiibendit943]

First of all, I’m 68 years old. I grew up cold starching clothing and linens. I learned to iron starched items by ironing pillow cases and the top sheet of the bed linens. I still starch and iron my pillow cases and at least the top hem of my bed linens. I agree with your statement about the cloth becoming shiny when properly ironed after starching. I used to starch and iron my mothers nurses caps, and it had to be set, just as you did, then carefully ironed so that it would stand up stiffly, so she would look clean, crisp, and professional on the floor of the hospital. Properly starching and ironing an item takes time, and it is t easy.

[@pinsenttailoring]

What a wonderful insight and I’m thrilled to hear you keep doing it. My grandmother and nearly all the other women in my family at that time were nurses with starched caps. My aunt whom was a Matron was very upset when the caps left the uniform, seeing it as a necessary step for discipline.

[@vickiibendit943]

@@pinsenttailoring my mother also mourned the loss of caps and proper uniforms. She did go to wearing pants, but they were always starched and ironed, as were her tops, and of course her cap. While scrubs are infinitely more comfortable, she would have agreed with your aunt that it denotes a loss of discipline and of the professional way in which nurses present themselves. Of course when my mother was still able to work she worked an 8 hour shift. Now a days, at least in the US, most nurses work 12 - 14 hour shifts so the comfort of scrubs is almost a necessity. I’ve taught my children, both my sons and my daughter, how to properly starch and iron items and my grandson and granddaughters have all learned the discipline. My grandson is an actor. He endeared himself to the wardrobe department of a show he was on by showing them his ironing skills when they were told that something must be ironed crisply. LOL - he told someone that he could do that, demonstrated how to do it properly, and impressed everyone in the wardrobe department. They would often get him to help.

[@rhondacrosswhite8048]

I’m happy to see that I’m not the only oldster (65) taking an interest in starching methods of yore. My grandma was a hospital dietician when she was starching the uniforms I mentioned above.

[@vickiibendit943]

@@rhondacrosswhite8048 so true. LOL - starching and ironing is a lost skill that needs to be continued.

[@DannyJane.]

@@vickiibendit943 What an amazing story. My aunt was a nurse. I had been reading a story about a hospital when I was 16 and I was curious about how hospital corners were done for the beds. She was so flattered when I asked her to show me. They really do make a neat and professional look that fitted sheets simply do not have. I'd love to learn how to iron with REAL starch.

[@DannyJane.]

Dear Zack: The only thing wrong with your videos is that there aren't enough of them. ALWAYS you are entertaining, witty, fun, and informative and this time you certainly didn't disappoint. I have now learned that my favorite ways of wearing a neck scarf were actually cravat ties modified only by my dislike of tight things against my throat. Please, please keep up the good work! Much love.

[@pinsenttailoring]

You are too kind! And never fear I shall be doing at least one new video a month x

[@madzness19]

I agree!

[@m.maclellan7147]

@@madzness19 @Alex Zarlengo I was thinking how this was a thinly veiled Valentine to you, Alex ! Zack certainly looks quite dashing in this video !

[@DAYBROK3]

Here, here, here

[@adedow1333]

@@pinsenttailoring I wonder if you know how to tie the Mathematical? I've heard of it and I have no reference to it's appearance except that it is supposedly quite difficult to tie and only the beaux of society would even attempt it.

[@eurydice5890]

“If you find yourself in a particularly historical or masochist mood, you can saw it by hand.” **Bernadette has entered the chat** Anyway, it was so great to see you back with another video, and that’s such an interesting subject! So now I want to make a cravat to live my romantic goth 18th century rock star Lord Byron fantasy!

[@slowfire2]

She finds it easier to do by hand than handle a machine. I get it. You are more agile and have more control with hand sewing. Sewing machines can be a bit tricky.

[@lorisewsstuff1607]

I sew exclusively by hand. I've had many offers of free sewing machines. While kind, it isn't necessary. I have a very bad back. Sitting at a sewing machine for an hour is enough to put me in great pain. I actually gave up sewing. I got sew jealous watching Bernadette that I decided to try making an entire garment by hand. It was slow but not that bad so I kept it up. The more you do it the faster you become. I can sit in a comfy chair with real people all around me and participate in conversations while I work. It's actually pretty wonderful. Much better than not sewing at all.

[@eurydice5890]

@@lorisewsstuff1607 I’m glad you’ve found what suits you best! I love hand sewing too, I actually started sewing watching Bernadette (I don’t have a sewing machine, and I don’t sew a lot, so I don’t really want to invest in something I won’t used that much, and I wouldn’t even know what to buy)

[@secundrabeasley855]

Add V Birchwood-Historical Fashion (a CosTuber who hand sews her clothing) to the Bernadette hand sewing roll call.)

[@werelemur1138]

I usually sew by hand these days, because after cleaning off the dining room table and hauling out and setting up the sewing machine, I am rarely in a mood conducive to actually sewing.

[@laurahegge7298]

If any viewers here want to support Mr. Pinsent in his creative endeavours, he has a Patreon page. I personally think the value in what I have learned from him so far exceeds what he is earning in the pittance that is ad revenue. I think his work is worth a chai latte a month! I encourage any subscriber who can afford to to become a patron.

[@pinsenttailoring]

I honestly cannot thank you enough, this has legitimately brought me to tears.

[@ushere5791]

@@pinsenttailoring dear one, if you really can post at least one video a month, i would be thrilled to support you on patreon. :) just think of it as a friendly little bribe because we enjoy your videos so very much! ;)

[@julecaesara482]

"past the age of 27 NO CRAVAT LIKE THIS" dignified grey haired gentleman: ✨😊✨

[@lenabreijer1311]

I am so happy after all these years to see how the heroes of my Georgette Heyer romances really did their cravats!

[@penniecormier8770]

Thanks for the tutorial! Another benefit of starching clothing. Starched clothes laundered better. Everything easily washes out. Source, an interview with The American artist- ‘Grandma Moses’.

[@pinsenttailoring]

Very true! it can form a protective barrier for the fibres of the clothing to prevent staining and diminish soiling.

[@ThinWhiteAxe]

@@pinsenttailoring another reason to starch your bright white linens in particular

[@SMTRodent]

Now I understand why we starched our school blouses!

[@nibbleniks2320]

Thank you! It is difficult to see in historical paintings how the fabric is tied. I thought some of shirt frills were part of the cravat, but see that is not necessarily so. Appreciate your charming videos that help better understand menswear of the Regency and earlier Georgian periods. I hope you write that book too.

[@mrsmmoose6775]

I also want to see the book!

[@adamnomdeplum3]

"Just like all your period drama heroes" in the (unintentionally?) slightly sardonic tone of an immortal who's totally over the historical stereotypes

[@neilpickup237]

Interesting about how white was a symbol of status. Growing up in the 60s with my father in the Police, I remember well how white shirts were reserved for the higher ranks (Inspector and above). My father's issue shirts had removable collars and I remember how my mother would make up a starch solution (I think it was Robin Brand - but it definitely had a picture of a robin on the box) and dip the collar in it.

[@zitronentee]

Things become status symbols by low supply yet kinda high demand. The color white become status symbol because cleaning and laundry were hard and tedious labor, that only rich people could pay workers to do that. The current one is hypebeast and some fashion items with limited release.

[@dandyjandon4231]

Plus its classic anything goes with white shirt tie wise many options and it just a clean classic look.

[@alysoffoxdale]

Came for the historical content. Giggled madly over "..haaaands..." and demented rabbit ears! XD

[@lwhitaker4054]

I remember my Grandmother putting all her items ( after washed and dried) to be starched and/ or ironed, in a big bag, then freezing everything. On ironing day, out came the irons, starch, board and frozen items....it took all morning...I can still remember the clean starched smell.

[@noonynoonynoo]

Why freeze them though?

[@lwhitaker4054]

@@noonynoonynoo Then....linen was from natural fibers ....linen and cotton. She always said freezing before ironing...made them softer.

[@tylersdog]

What an ABSOLUTE DELIGHT! Several years ago I was costuming a Regency short film and had to discover for myself - using those insanely complex diagrams - how to tie the cravat for the actor. I do wish I'd had this video, I'd have saved a lot of time. Not to mention having the humour and charm of Mr. Pinsent. Mind you, I'm more than happy to spend hours ironing....

[@loraleitourtillottwiehr2473]

Yay, more Zac! Also, I hadn't yet realized how sexy removing a cravat could be until seeing this. I think I need to make some for my partner...

[@2Sparrows4aFarthing]

Darling, fetch the smelling salts! Zac is taking off his cravat again and I’m starting to swoon

[@harriet.z]

Lol the comments took me out

[@TheMysterDe]

Holy saints! this clothing is the personification of biblical chastity and morality, its complexity does not even allow such a thing to happen, since it is easy to spoil it. it ideally maintains a working business form and rigor. And remember that before most of them were Christians, they went to church, they prayed a lot. so don't dishonor Jesus.

[@gerardacronin334]

When I visited Croatia (Hrvatska) I learnt that Croatian mercenaries in the French army in the 17th century wore knotted neckties. The neckties became popular and were given the name Hrvat, which the French morphed into Cravat. There is a necktie shop called Kravata in Zagreb. It is close to the Museum of Broken Relationships, which tells you something about the Croatian sensibility! 🇭🇷

[@TheWorldLuvsABastard]

I just respect the fact that you're walking around in clothing that you wanna wear and don't give a flip what anyone says. Much respect!

[@LaineyBug2020]

Ok, but why did I swoon every time he took off a cravat?

[@lajoyous1568]

Oh good, I was afraid that I was the only one ☺ I think more men would consider wearing a cravat if everyone responds to their removal as I apparently do.

[@LaineyBug2020]

@@lajoyous1568 right?

[@ritad673]

I, too, swooned.

[@WayToVibe]

Didn't miss the "AHEM!" right before the "For this, you will need..." I see what you did there, sir!

[@ailenehuston1650]

Thank you for sharing! My daughter and her boyfriend decided to go with regency era dress for prom and I was appointed to make the cravat so it matches her dress.

[@CadetRedShirt]

this is perfect, thank you so much! Attending a Victorian gothic wedding on halloween and this is exactly what i needed ❤

[@Neophoia]

the sound of you tapping on the sides of the starched cravat reminded me of popping popcorn.

[@acebaker3623]

I find it interesting to learn of the myriad and subtle ways wealth was displayed in these times. I can see how important the subtlety was. A heavily starched white cravat was indispensable to a gentleman in this respect.

[@clitidas4412]

J’aime bien la touche d’humour et l’élégance du personnage

[@rhondacrosswhite8048]

Thank you Zac for showing me how this is done. By now many of us have sewn our linen shirts and most ardently desire to sport the next step of gender-bending ( I’m a woman) by accenting said shirts with the proper neckwear. Watching you reminded me of seeing my grandmother, circa 1964, starch the white uniforms she wore for hospital work. She basically saturated the item with starch, put it in a plastic bag and stashed it in the refrigerator until time to iron it. The starch would spoil or sour if it wasn’t kept cold. The crocheted doilies and anti-Macassars she made all stood up with perfect pie-crust edges. I think I remember a super crisp (rock hard)starch solution made with sugar too. When ironed the sugar starch would reach a hard ball to soft crack stage just like cooking candy. Does anyone else out there recall this? I’m working on a lace edged cravat or jabot for a froth of lace at the neck. Yes, hand-stitched rolled hems. Zac, I being nosy and asking if you and Bernadette Banner are ever in each other’s company. You are both such attractive people that you would make a lovely striking pair strolling the streets of London. I can’t seem to help thinking that you have very similar interests and would make fast friends.

[@lady_sir_knight3713]

They are indeed friends, they have posted pictures to their Instagrams together and appeared in some videos, although I can't remember the specific videos.

[@m.maclellan7147]

Alas, Zack "plays for the other team" ! Though he & Bernadette are friends. If you watch the Patreon roll at the end you will see her name.

[@daxhopkins7312]

I'm not sure about whether the sugar reaches a particular temperature, but sugar can enhance starching. I use it a lot with small crochet cotton works. For this, I use a small amount added to the starch mix, and starch normally. Sugar alone can be used to stiffen a small crochet lace, but its sticky (worked well as a small bowl to hold decorative sweets on top of a cake).

[@karenlschiermeyer3495]

The way you folded the back of that supremely starched cravat made the back as interesting as the front. Lovely.

[@marjoleinsmolders1630]

The mannequin behind you is so scary!! 👻 with his button eyes saying IF YOU LEAVE A NEGATIVE COMMENT I WILL HAUNT YOU IN YOUR SLEEP Thanks for the info, it was as always informative and funny 😊

[@suecox2308]

Fascinating--always wondered about these knots. The other variation mentioned in some of the books I've read is the "Mathematical." I'll now choose to think it has something to do with the brilliant Miss Lovelace!! One of the things I always enjoyed about doing dressage is that all the riders, men and women, look like Regency dandies, complete with cravats, breeches, tall boots and tail coats.

[@madzness19]

So proud of this journey for you baby!

[@Skuggkatten]

The “oriental” was fun. And very distinct. 👏🏻🙂 Interesting that it demands calm and patience and a certain amount of ceremony to get just so. Like it’s nodding in respect towards the kimono and the tea ceremony. Things that can not - and must not - be hurried.

[@Leon18th]

I like the Cravat with the bow knot

[@purplealice]

As a young girl, I liked wearing scarves, and I figured out ways to fold it to get different effects. One thing I liked was to fold it diagonally, until it formed a relatively narrow strip (not quite as narrow as your cravat). And then I'd wear my carefully folded scarf tied like a normal necktie (Windsor or half-Windsor). I liked wearing a scarf that way with a neat blouse and a very tailored suit, to make myself look less as if I were trying to pretend to be male (I worked in a male-dominated professsion).

[@harriet.z]

That’s my favorite way to wear scarfs!!! I LOVE them. I bet you look absolutely fabulous and super smart!

[@purplealice]

@@harriet.z It's a way to not look feminine without going too far towards "mannish" (in contexts where women are considered less qualified than men are).

[@frauleintrude6347]

This takes me back to childhood and I am a grandmother. Huffing and puffing from the ladies in duty (grandmother and great aunt) to first dampen the linen, cotton shirts and sheets and spraying the starch water. I think they simmered the starch with water. There was a big copper pot. I am still remembering the green and white box Hoffmans Idealstärke and the smell. They also had a big cauldron to boil the white fabrics and to soak dirty children in..Later on there came the Washing Machine and Spray starch in cans.

[@suzisaintjames]

18:01 truth is you can spray it with water (moistening the starch) and re-iron the ends and you'll be good to go again. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@gerrubio87]

It is always so cool to see how wearing something can change your look, you went from a every day neck to a high as the sky neck and all it took was a 4in wide piece of fabric 🤯

[@hummus6150]

Music is perfect, thank you for the authenticity

[@mirjanbouma]

I love how you interspersed your serious information with lightheartedness like the smacking of your high collar flaps. Will I ever use this? Probably no. Did I still save it in my sewing videos list? Absolutely.

[@loesgodschalk]

Can we please bring high collars and cravats back into fashion? It is such a stylish and damn handsome look :D

[@theoldbuilding4818]

This is so fascinating. I am going to have a go with a silk scarf!

[@TheJaniebabe]

The starch tapping interlude was a laugh out loud moment for me (watching in double time). You are a delight, not sure how you popped up in my list but so glad you did. On to the next one...

[@theplussizecostumer]

Thank you for this video. Now I know how to tie a cravat for my fiancé. Or, at the least, I can refer to this video to refresh my memory. It's good to have you back again.

[@jeuandavidjones]

...that cheeky grin! Very illuminating; well done. Encore?

[@rudetuesday]

Yay! The long hoped-for cravat video! I've been using large, square scarves as very rough cravats, and have been looking for a way to level up. This is very helpful.

[@MaliceAttention]

I am so excited! I think I am finally ready to both make and wear my own cravats. Turns out, it isn’t nearly as complicated as I imagined since for years I have been using the same techniques and knots with my scarves and silk handkerchieves (except for the starching, of course). Thank you so much for this entertaining and educational video!

[@JW-kh9bm]

I watch period movies and always wondered about the process of cravats from beginning to knotted end. Your humor is a tonic. Wish you had the time to post more often, but you are busy hand sewing all day long.

[@alexanderaugustus]

Thank you very much, this was extremely helpful! I also like the button eyes on your mannequin.

[@scouttyra]

This information will probably prove usefull to me when I finaly get to restarching my bobbin lace hat that I inherited from my grandmother. I've dropped it, so it's a little buckled/bent/floppy.

[@sharonpeek4578]

Do you ever feel you were born too late? You look as if you you were born to wear the styles you demonstrate; no, you ROCK them, and I thank you for sharing!

[@romainvicta3076]

Love love love - you are a credit to English History . God Bless you and your endeavours

[@cinemaocd1752]

Enjoying the incredibly judge-y regency cravat guide quotes...

[@cornelia9778]

No wonder a good valet was worth his weight in gold. Thanks for this. I have read about so many kinds of knots and wondered what they looked like. The hero of any regency novel could, of course, tie some extraordinary knot to perfection.

[@sleepywombat2751]

There are a few good Regency cravat tying resources out there in the historical sewing community but this is by far the most comprehensive and easily followed. Thanks so much Zack.

[@elizabethfaraone]

I love starched cotton and linen. Thank you for the starch recipe that I imagine doesn’t irritate the skin? I stopped starching when my boyfriend 40 years ago was irritated by Niagara spray starch.

[@daddyaf945]

It was a delightful tutorial. - Perfect in being much too short.

[@TheTorchOfGreatness]

He looks like he’s ready to discover a country. All jokes aside, this is insane dedication. And I respect that. I personally like to dress like 20s - 60s era and it’s hard enough already. But this is really hard to do.

[@collettemcquaide1662]

This was fabulous. I'm a keen Georgette Heyer fan and you brought it to life. Thanks for posting. Xx

[@thomassmith6344]

Hello collette

[@avalon9626]

Those were really nice clothes back then!

[@SibylleLeon]

Yesssss! Thank you for this :)

[@ManorandMaker]

How very timely, on our way to Venice!

[@davidalanmors3233]

You're an inspiration. Bravo for doing what you love, and it shows in the beautiful things you craft.

[@janehex]

Thank you so much Zack, great to see another video from you! Just this morning I watched Bernadette's video where you critiqued (to put it mildly) ridiculous polyester historical Halloween costumes! 😀💕

[@cherylspear1633]

This video was magnificent! I loved the bit of history that you shared along the way.

[@jelsner5077]

Hoorah! Another compelling episode!

[@lucianoazahel8379]

Love you guy, you are the best

[@madeleinedarnoco5190]

What a great video! I also really liked the cravat drops :D

[@KatalovesLinkinPark]

Thank you so much for this! I'm head of costumes for a Jane Eyre Musical and reaserching a lot atm. As it is set in eary vicorian era (late 1840s) I guess the cravatte styles were a little different, but this helped a lot to see how to actually make a cravatte cloth.

[@melissalemmons549]

Costume designer for a Jane Eyre production sounds like my literal dream job! 😍😍😍

[@ShineKelly]

How absolutely splendid to see you again! (and with such a delightfully useful demonstration/instruction, no less!). Pleased to see you are healthy and in good spirits! Please find time to share more, dear you! Such cheer for us.

[@thomassmith6344]

Hello Kelly

[@liadanducky]

I have frequently wondered about cravats. So cool to see!

[@egm3551]

Great tutorial, thank you!

[@sarahbrown5373]

I've been watching for your return. Here's hoping that your arm is as good as new, and that many more of these videos are in store. My favourite cravat was actually the last one.

[@Carmen-nq8ex]

Entertaining, amusing and informative! Thank you!!

[@fvonbolt9162]

Phantastic!

[@dolphin64575]

Thank you for making this, it's very helpful for my cosplay!

[@pinsenttailoring]

Glad I could help!

[@sarahbrown5373]

I was watching a Lucy Worsely video about the Regency period, and one of the men showed her exactly the same method you used for the last cravat, with the really stiff fabric! It just reinforced with me that you know exactly what you're talking about; of course you do, it just made me think, "see, that's what Zack does!"

[@emellestan]

Fascinating as always!

[@jenniferstone2975]

Love your videos!

[@thomassmith6344]

Hello Jennifer

[@raraavis7782]

Marvelous. I absolutely adore this look and now I know, how to recreate it!

[@historyismyplayground1827]

I have been wanting to know how to do more than a four-in-hand for a long time!

[@pamwatterson3845]

Missed you. Welcome back

[@dees3179]

Great to see you back Zack. Lovely video as always.

[@jackiejames4551]

Well, that was both entertaining and interesting. Thank you for that. I've read quite a few Regency books and when ever the books mentioned doing up a cravat I always wondered how it was done. Now that I know, it will make these books more enjoyable. Welcome back BTW, you've been missed.

[@scotzer]

Zack, you are a delight! Thank you so much for being you!

[@sapphirejade5029]

Zack, I thank you so much for making this video. Using historical details for my line of sewing is such a treat.🫂

[@carolynbriggs6972]

Thanks so much. I’ve always wondered and it was so satisfying to see you do this.

[@donnanoble9588]

That was really helpful. Thanks for the good explanation.

[@therealhellkitty5388]

This is wonderful, thank you so much!

[@shirliepriestley8761]

Welcome back , i have missed u!!

[@nuadsilverhand]

Thank you, cravat tie-ing has been one those little mysteries I have always wanted to understand.

[@lizmednick3842]

That was most informative, and I love the cyberman mannequin.

[@erinhawkins1950]

This video was so funny.... all the stuff about Byron had me absolutely rolling. I guess it shows how much I hate ironing anything with the fact that the whole time you were doing it, I was thinking, could I just put interfacing on it to permanently stiffen it? Yeah, I'm lazy, I only ever use my iron when I'm sewing.

[@marybrown8892]

Looking forward to learning more :)

[@DAYBROK3]

mr pinsent, at the present i am hand hemming a table runner longer but narrower than your cravat by hand with an invisible stitch. i am a quick sewer.

[@annetteleggett9854]

Great video and very good starching skills!

[@ushere5791]

hooray--another pinsent tailoring video!!!!! moar, please!!!!!

[@jessicajackson8064]

This is wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing how this is done. Cheers.

[@Steph_here]

😊😊😊 learned lots! Thank u for making this video

[@EuSeiT]

SO elegant! (I remembered a scene of the Scarlet Pimpernel.)

[@SD-hs2pk]

The waterfall is so lovely!

[@AngelavengerL]

Love it! Your humor makes an interesting subject even better!

[@paulvanbeaumont7184]

Thanks for the detailed information. Well presented and informal .

[@l.baughman1445]

Brilliant!!!!! ♥️♥️♥️