I love chair sashes. I think they are a simple way to dress up an otherwise plain chair. I couldn’t bring myself to spend the money on chivari chairs, so we are using black folding chairs with white sashes. I soon began researching all the different ways to tie a sash. BBJ Linens has some great ideas on their website, but they don’t give instructions. But, worry not! Miss Fondue is here with some tutorials!
(As a side note: I would have made videos instead of just picture tutorials, but my Firewire cable is on the fritz, so I can’t get video off my camcorder until I buy a new one. Thus, I decided to forge ahead with photos.)
First up: the basics. These are the easiest ones to tie. If you can tie your shoes, you can tie these sashes. BBJ Linen refers to these as the Flip, the Bow, the Loose Knot, and the Tight Knot.
(Another side note: I am not using a real chair sash in these photos; it’s an obi from a kimono I made. Hopefully your sashes will look better.) 
The Flip
The basis of most every sash tie is the Flip. It is simply the first step when you tie your shoes.
First, find the center of the sash and match it up with the center of the front of the chair (the part that people will be leaning against). Wrap the sash around, keeping it centered.
Then tie a simple knot. Like I said, it’s the first step when tying your shoes. Make sure you tie it so one tail goes behind and up.
Take the top tail and drape it over. Then fix it so it looks pretty.
That’s all there is to the Flip!
The Bow
This is exactly like tying your shoes. Start with the flip and then tie a bow. The bunny ears method usually produces the most symmetrical looking bow (at least for me). It should look better than this.
The Knot
Again, start with the flip. Then tie it again, but in the opposite direction. (So, if you went left over right for the first knot, do right over left for the second.) Then make it as loose or as tight as you want.
I’ll get into some more difficult ties later, but hopefully these will give you a good starting point.
What’s your preferred look for chair sash ties?
First one!!!
i love the fact that your cat wanted in on the chair sash pictures. and i definitely like number one.
I like the first one, too. When I worked in retail, we used zip ties and discreet pins to secure draping like this. I bet something like that would work here!
I’m going to be a loner and go with the third one! I love the look of simple knot!
great instructions Miss Fondue! Will you be renting sashes or buying fabric?
@Miss Cheese: As someone else suggested, you can use a safety pin or something similar to secure it.
@Mrs. Pineapple: Definitely renting. I hate hemming fabric, and after 4 months, I still only have one table runner done. There’s no way I could hem 130+ chair sashes, haha.
[...] time, I discussed the basics of tying a chair sash. This time, I’m going to show you how to do a more complicated tie (although it’s still fairly [...]
Hey all 
If you are looking for wedding decor visit http://www.elegantperspectives.com/ for some great deals on sashes and chair covers. We sell them for less than renting. Large selection of colors. We have other items as well.
Sorry, I thought these all looked pretty sloppy. If you’re posting a how-to on the internet, it should look a lot better.
@Kristin: The point of the how-to is to learn the steps to create the desired effect. If you don’t like it, find another one.
Thank you Ms. Fondue! Four years later and your tutorial is still helping me out!
Miss Fondue, Nashville Age and Occupation: 27, Technical Analyst Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Network Admin Student/Senior Game Advisor Engagement Date: December 25, 2007 Wedding Date: May 2009 Blogging Since: September 14, 2008 Venue: Ravenwood Golf Club About Me: I’m your average computer geek marrying a gaming geek and trying to find a good balance of elegance and geek chic in our wedding. I adore The Sims, Nintendo, cosplay, (good) music, TiVo, theme parks, and our two crazy felines.
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