A twilly is a narrow silk scarf, about 2.4 by 44 inches (6 x 106 cm), and none of the ways to tie it needs pins or practice. On a bag, knot one end at the base of the handle, wrap it in a tight spiral and knot the other end. In the hair, wrap it over an elastic or tie it as a headband; at the neck or on the wrist, a single knot or a bow is enough.

Below are the ties we use most, step by step, followed by notes on care and storage.

What is a silk twilly?

A twilly is a narrow ribbon of silk rather than a square. Ours is 6 x 106 cm (2.4 x 44 inches) of 100% mulberry silk, hand-printed with the Phoenix Dance motif, with edges rolled and stitched by hand. It comes in pink, purple and green for $57. You may also see it called a skinny scarf; it is the same thing. See the Phoenix Dance twilly in all three colors.

Before you tie

• For a slim, neat line, fold the twilly in half lengthwise first. Leave it flat when you want more of the print to show.
• Many ties start from the middle, so find the center by folding it end to end.
• Tie firmly enough to hold, not so tight that the knot is hard to undo. Untie it after wearing rather than leaving a knot in for weeks.

How to tie a twilly on a bag

The handle wrap

1. Tie one end around the base of the handle with a small double knot, leaving a short tail.
2. Wrap the twilly around the handle in a tight spiral, overlapping each turn slightly so no handle shows between turns.
3. Keep the silk flat as you go. If it starts to twist into a rope, turn it back.
4. At the far end of the handle, finish with a double knot, or with a bow if there is length left.
5. Let the tails hang, or tuck them under the last turn.

On a long shoulder strap, wrap just the part your hand holds and tie off there.

The bow on the handle

1. Center the twilly under the handle, where it meets the bag.
2. Bring both ends up and tie a single knot.
3. Make a loop with each end and tie a bow, as you would a shoelace.
4. Pull the loops and tails even. Long tails look relaxed; short loops look neat.

The loose knot

1. Loop the twilly once around a strap, a ring or a zipper pull.
2. Tie a single knot and let both ends fall. Quick, and easy to move to another bag.

How to tie a twilly in your hair

The ponytail wrap

1. Make your ponytail and secure it with an elastic first. Silk is smooth, so it holds better over an elastic than on its own.
2. Place the middle of the twilly under the ponytail, against the elastic.
3. Cross the ends over the top and wrap them around the elastic once or twice.
4. Finish with a knot or a bow and let the ends fall with your hair.

The headband

1. Fold the twilly in half lengthwise for a narrow band.
2. Lay the middle at the back of your neck, under your hair.
3. Bring both ends up over the top of your head.
4. Tie a knot or a small bow on top, or slide it off to one side.

Braided in

1. Tie one end of the twilly around the base of a ponytail.
2. Split the ponytail into two strands and use the twilly as the third.
3. Braid down as usual, keeping the silk flat where you can.
4. Close the braid with an elastic and knot the twilly's tail around it.

How to tie a twilly at the neck

The simple knot

1. Fold the twilly lengthwise for a slim line.
2. Place the middle at the front of your neck, cross the ends behind, and bring them back to the front.
3. Tie a single knot at the front or just off center, and let the ends fall.

The slim bow

1. Drape the twilly around your neck with the ends even at the front.
2. Tie a bow at the collarbone or slightly to one side.
3. With a collared shirt, tie it under the collar points for a neat, slightly retro look.

How to tie a twilly on your wrist

1. Hold one end against the inside of your wrist, leaving a tail of about four inches.
2. Wrap the rest around the wrist, keeping it flat, until about four inches remain.
3. Tie the two ends together in a small knot or bow.

This one is easier with a second pair of hands. Alone, tie it loosely around your hand, then slide it down and tighten.

On a hat

Wrap the twilly around the crown of a straw or felt hat, where a band would sit, and knot it at the side with the tails hanging.

Caring for a silk twilly

Silk does not need washing after every wear; every 3 to 5 wears is plenty. Use cold water with a little shampoo or body wash rather than laundry detergent. Squeeze gently, never wring, and dry it flat in the shade. Iron on the lowest silk setting while it is still faintly damp. If a knot has left creases, hanging it in a steamy bathroom helps them relax.

Storing a twilly between wears

Roll it loosely rather than folding it into a tight square, especially when you travel, so it comes out without sharp creases. Keep it away from perfume and cosmetics, and put perfume on before you tie the twilly, not after. If it lives on a bag, untie it every so often, let it rest flat and check the silk where your hand grips the handle.

Three mistakes to avoid

• Tying it wet or damp. Silk creases hard when damp; let it dry fully first.
• Pulling knots tight. A snug knot holds just as well and is far easier to undo.
• Letting it twist on a handle. A flat spiral looks deliberate; a twisted one looks like rope.

Twilly or square?

A twilly is for accents: a bag, a ponytail, a wrist, a slim bow. If she wants one piece that does hair and neck with more coverage, a 26 inch square is the better start; our silk scarf size guide compares every size. The twilly also works as a small gift on its own, or alongside a Phoenix Dance square in the same motif. To learn what the phoenix means, read What Vietnamese Silk Motifs Mean.

Frequently asked questions

How long is a silk twilly?

Folk Form's twilly is 106 cm (44 inches) long and 6 cm (2.4 inches) wide, long enough to wrap a bag handle or tie a bow at the neck.

What is the difference between a twilly and a skinny scarf?

There is none. Both names describe a narrow, ribbon-like silk scarf.

How do I keep a twilly from slipping out of my hair?

Tie it over an elastic rather than on its own. Silk is smooth, and the elastic gives the knot something to grip.

Can I wash a silk twilly?

Yes, by hand in cold water with shampoo or body wash. Squeeze, do not wring, dry flat in the shade, and iron on low while faintly damp.

Is a twilly a good gift?

Yes, especially when you do not know someone's size or style. There is nothing to fit, it arrives gift boxed, and it costs $57. Orders under $90 ship for a flat $20, so pairing it with a second piece brings free shipping. Browse the twilly collection or the pink twilly.