How does one tie a sash, Mexican or military?

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[Reverend P. Babcock Chase]

Howdy Rangers,

I've searched the web and can fine no instructions about tying a sash around one's waist, a la Mexican vaquero or military officer. I'm most interested in the Mexican style, but beggars can't be choosers. Photos would be great, but simple, written instructions for a 12 year old would be a great help.

Reverend Chase

[Sir Charles deMoutonBlack]

I am thinking about getting/making a sash, as well.  My mind's eye says it should be long enough to go around twice and tie with a single overhand.  For me that means at least ten feet long.  The width probably varies with the bulk of the material.  I have a fur-trade style "Fleche" woven sash about 4-5 inches wide.  I have looked at silk scarves which are too short, but might work if two are sewn end to end.  My next thought is to look for silk material from a fabric store. I would think that if a length of silk were sewn folded along its length to about 18 inches wide, it would work.  I'm still puzzling about how to finish the ends in some sort of tassel.

[Reverend P. Babcock Chase]

Howdy Sir Chuck,

I already have a couple of sashes, but don't know how to tie them. I have tried a single overhand knot. The gunbelt keeps it in place OK. I've also tried a slipknot. Same deal with the gunbelt. What I need is a real vaquero to give me the straight scoop.

Reverend Chase

[Hedley Lamarr]

This is pretty much how I tie my tasseled sash. May not be right, but it works for me:

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

[D. N.]

That'd work alright.   In fact, I plan to incorporate that "half-twist" thing where the sash crosses itself. Dunno if I'd like that much knot beneath my pistol belt, though.

[Sir Charles deMoutonBlack]

I only caught about half of her mumbles!  The clip was self explanatory, and I am looking forward to becoming a sash wearing member of The Order of the True Black.

[Reverend P. Babcock Chase]

Thanx Hedster,

That clears things up nicely, but I thought the the knot was supposed to be on the left side (just kidding). I predict that we'll see a trend toward sashes for the spring cowboy season.

Reverend Chase

[NolanSackett]

Been wearing a sash for a long time - Even better than that shown is the quick release knot aka a half bow knot - locks up nice and tight but releases quickly and easily. If you don't know how to tye one plenty of instructions on line.....

When wearing under a belt just use a half hitch to limit the bulk - the belt will kepp it in place.

[Fingers McGee]

I've never quite gotten the hang of it myself. 

[Sir Charles deMoutonBlack]

Today I bought two black scarves, on sale, made of "silk-like" material.  The plan is to sew the two together end-to-end to make a hopefully credible sash.  I priced silk by the metre, $17.00 to lots per metre, and 46 inches wide.  Considering the potential problems of finishing said yard goods into a sash, I'll give this a try.

What have others done to acquire or create a sash?

[D. N.]

When wearing under a belt just use a half hitch to limit the bulk - the belt will kepp it in place.

Yup, that's what I do as well.

[Sir Charles deMoutonBlack]

Here is one of "Shotgun Steve's" postings on cascity/ncows.  It is of a young lumberjack, but shows a voyageur sash quite clearly.  It appears that the loose ends come out from underneath the sash.

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,30579.0/topicseen.html