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Tie a four-string patka

Arrange a comfortable top knot, place the square patka over it and tie each pair of corner strings in sequence. Undo the upper wraps and rear tie before lifting the cloth away.

Step by step

  1. An adult places a square four-string patka over a comfortable top knot.
    STEP 1 OF 3

    Gather hair and place the square

    • Start with dry detangled hair, a four-string patka and a soft tie. Gather hair comfortably at the top, coil it into a knot and secure it without root pulling.
    • Center the cloth over the knot, with one edge across your forehead. Let its front corner strings pass behind the ears; keep the rear pair separate.
    • Use both hands to smooth the cloth over the knot. Reposition it if the edge presses or the cloth pulls on the hair.
  2. An adult wraps the rear corner strings around the cloth-covered top knot while holding the first free end.
    STEP 2 OF 3

    Tie behind, then wrap the upper pair

    • Tie the two front strings together behind your head. Flatten the cloth beneath the tie without pulling it taut against your scalp.
    • Bring one rear corner string up around the covered top knot. Wrap it until a usable end remains, then hold that end under your thumb.
    • With your other hand, wrap the last corner string around the knot in the opposite direction. Bring its end to the first while keeping both wraps comfortable.
    • Tie the two remaining ends together in a double knot and tuck the loose ends into a cloth fold. Check that the knot and forehead edge do not press or pull.
  3. An adult holds the removed square patka with all four corner strings untied, before releasing the hair top knot.
    STEP 3 OF 3

    Undo both pairs and release the hair

    • Untuck the upper ends and loosen their double knot. Unwrap each string from around the covered top knot, supporting the cloth with your other hand.
    • Untie the pair behind your head. Once all four strings are free, lift the cloth away without dragging across the hair.
    • Support the top knot, unwind its soft tie and release the coil. Put away the tie and care for the patka according to its fabric directions.

Fitting and later removal; hair preparation and wearing time are separate.

Unmeasured editorial handling estimate for the stated scope. Familiarity, access and the item or hair being handled change the time.

You’re done when…

The cloth covers the top knot, each string pair is secure but comfortable, and all ties can be undone without dragging through hair.