You’re invited to dinner & drinks…
An informal event… upscale place.
So no time to relax just yet…
You’ve got to bring your A-game in style.
No need for a wardrobe overhaul…
Just a different-looking tie will do the trick…
Ever tried the Christensen Knot? It can take your outfit from nice to FANTASTIC.
So check out the detailed guide below for tying this unique, attention-stealing knot.
Click here to watch the video – How To Tie the Christensen Knot
Click here to watch the video on YouTube – Easily Tie This Elegant Tie Knot
Harry Anderson said it best: “Neckties satisfy modern man’s desire to dress in art.”
The Night Court star, director and magician can tell you how powerful a tie is. He would wear one every time he appeared on-screen as Judge Stone. The tie had to be there – it was a key element of his professional-looking role.
Like Harry, you want a tie that adds something extra to your style – especially at a party filled with men in sharp suits. You want to edge them out a bit. And that’s where a Christensen Knot really comes in handy.
The Christensen is a unique, medium-sized necktie knot with low origins. It was first used by a Swedish mail-order catalog for pre-tied & clip-on ties, where the knot was stitched into place and never untied.
When it’s properly done, this knot has diagonal symmetry – as shown by the stylized X-shape across the collar. It’s pulled tight and becomes narrow at the center, but spreads out at the top & bottom. The overall image is similar to an hourglass figure.
To stress that signature curved “bottleneck” at the center, you need a smooth kind of tie that doesn’t have a thick knit. And keep in mind this is a great knot for enhancing plain, solid-colored neckties. Any patterns should be minimal.
Since the knot has a very striking look, it’s not the most appropriate choice for strictly formal/business situations. You can wear it instead to casual, day-to-day business settings or fancy social events.
To summarize what you need to know about the Christensen Knot:
- Level of difficulty: Hard
- Formality: Business-casual or social
- Recommended collars: Spread collars
- Required type of necktie: Smooth, thin-knitted
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How To Tie A Tie: The Christensen Knot – Step #1
Drape the necktie around your collar with the thick end on the left. The front side should be exposed.
This knot requires quite a bit of length, so make sure the thick end is hanging a good 4 to 6 inches lower than the finished length you desire.
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How To Tie A Tie: The Christensen Knot – Step #2
Cross the thick end horizontally over the thin end from left to right, making an X-shape underneath your chin. Maintain a firm grasp of the intersection point with one hand.
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How To Tie A Tie: The Christensen Knot – Step #3
Bring the thick end horizontally from right to left, crossing from behind the thin end. The thick end should now be pointed to your left with its backside exposed.
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How To Tie A Tie: The Christensen Knot – Step #4
Flip the thick end over to the front of the loop. At this point, the tip of the thick end should be facing downward – ready to pass through the loop.
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How To Tie A Tie: The Christensen Knot – Step #5
Tuck the thick end behind the loop, emerging at the right side of the thin end. This creates a diagonal fold across the front of the knot, angled upward from left to right.
The thick end should now be pointed down on your right, with its backside exposed.
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How To Tie A Tie: The Christensen Knot – Step #6
Bring the thick end horizontally across the front of the knot, going from right to left. Slip a finger under this new horizontal crossing — you’ll be tucking the tie down through it in a few steps.
This time the thick end is pointed to your left, with the front side exposed.
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How To Tie A Tie: The Christensen Knot – Step #7
Bring the thick end around the back of the knot, passing horizontally from left to right. You should end up with the thick end pointing to your right. Its backside is exposed once again.
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How To Tie A Tie: The Christensen Knot – Step #8
Once more, bring the thick end horizontally across the front of the knot, going from right to left. This should be made right over the horizontal fold from Step #6 (with your finger keeping it slightly open).
So now you have looped the thick end around the knot in a full, 360-degree circle. Make sure both horizontal bands are held slightly open with that same finger.
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How To Tie A Tie: The Christensen Knot – Step #9
Bring the thick end up through the loop from the back of the knot. Point its tip upward, exposing the backside once again.
Now point the tip straight down – you’re about to slip it through the gap behind both horizontal bands.
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How To Tie A Tie: The Christensen Knot – Step #10
Tuck the thick end down behind the horizontal bands. Pull the tie all the way through. This is the point where you have completed the shape of the knot.
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How To Tie A Tie: The Christensen Knot – Step #11
Adjust the tie by gripping the body of the knot with one hand, while tugging gently on the thin end with the other. Also, use your finger to slightly “dress” the knot. When done properly – the result is a distinct hourglass taper (narrower in the middle of the knot & wider at the ends).
Tease out the diagonal folds with your fingertip until the X-shaped body of the knot becomes very clear. You may need a wide collar spread to avoid hiding the top corners of the knot under your collar points.
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Congratulations! You have completed the one & only Christensen Knot. This standout necktie style will spice up any casual or business-casual outfit you plan to wear.
Don’t be surprised if you see other guys stop to do a double-take on your tie. They’re going to wonder how you did it – and maybe try it themselves!