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How to wrap a Keffiyeh

by numberandom on November 20, 2006 Table of Contents License: Public Domain Dedication (pd) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro: How to wrap a Keffiyeh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 1: Fold it in half . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 2: Pinch, wrap and tuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 3: The other side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 4: Enjoy! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2 2 2 3 4 5 5

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-wrap-a-Keffiyeh/

License: Public Domain Dedication (pd) Intro: How to wrap a Keffiyeh

Guide to wrapping a traditional Keffiyeh around your head as demonstrated by the legendary Tim Anderson .

step 1: Fold it in half

Fold the keffiyeh in half diagonally so you get a big triangle, then put it over your head like Tim.

step 2: Pinch, wrap and tuck

Pinch the fabric over your ear and wrap that side in front of your face then around your head and tuck it into itself.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-wrap-a-Keffiyeh/

step 3: The other side

Same thing as before, but instead of going in front of your face go under your chin

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-wrap-a-Keffiyeh/

step 4: Enjoy!
The brilliant thing about the head wrap is the convertible nature of the face section.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-wrap-a-Keffiyeh/

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Comments
48 comments Add Comment

miamdz says:
got it. where can i pick up one

Nov 25, 2010. 10:53 PM REPLY

kotuhell says:

Dec 27, 2010. 4:36 PM REPLY You can probably get them anywhere, especially as they become really popular fashion accessories. I've seen them sold at urban outfitters actually. But you SHOULD get them here: http://www.palestineonlinestore.com/kufiyeh/ This place gets their keffiyehs from the last remaining keffiyeh factory still operating in Palestine. It's a mitzvah to buy it here and support the Palestinian economy. :)

miamdz says:
thanks for the link. appreciate it.

Jan 3, 2011. 5:24 PM REPLY

MadDogg710 says:
Any surplus store. Its also calles a shemagh or Coalition scarf.

Dec 22, 2010. 10:26 AM REPLY

kwalian says:

Aug 24, 2008. 6:30 AM REPLY Maybe someone could post an Instructable on how to make a keffiyeh so that eBay-prohibited people like me could make our own. Until that wonderful day, could someone post the size of a keffiyeh and a recommended material? Thanks in advance!

txscubasteve says:

Feb 25, 2010. 8:34 AM REPLY You can find them in Army surplus stores. National Outdoors has them for sale for $20. I do not know if you have that store where you are, but here in Texas, we have them all over. Feb 21, 2010. 5:06 PM REPLY you can always do what my friend did, join the marines, go through months of training, get shipped to the middle east, then haggle for half an hour for it. or you could do what i did and get a friend that did the above lol Dec 10, 2009. 2:18 PM REPLY I recently made one from a twin size sheet from the thrift store. Just cut it square and hem the raw edge. I have a big head, and this just fits correctly. (Twin sheet is about 52 inches wide.) The fabric is a Poly-cotton blend, but plain cotton would have been better. Wonderful for keeping my face warm, but the top of my head is still a little chilly. Aug 31, 2008. 9:58 PM REPLY I'm contemplating making one myself, so I looked at the ones on ebay and found that they are usually 41in by 41in and are either 100% cotton or woven polyester. post an image if you make one.

SuperCoPilot says:

ac7ss says:

pyrotechnical says:

smithy813 says:
in case no one noticed, a bolt a fabric is around 41 inches wide, so cut a square, and wear it

Sep 14, 2008. 7:49 PM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-wrap-a-Keffiyeh/

schnitzle says:
Cool, this could really be useful for a lot of situations :D

Jun 30, 2009. 10:11 AM REPLY

Gadeeka says:

May 11, 2007. 3:05 PM REPLY I always called this a shemagh. The marines use them in the mid east, and they can be worn over or under your kevlar lid and around your goggles. They are great to keep the sand out of your hair, ears and nose. And in a big blow, they keep the sand from blasting your skin off. Also, great to keep the sun off, and you can soak it in water and enjoy the evaporative cooling effect for some relief. Nothing like blowing your nose and having a beach come out.

GunnyMacNeill says:

Apr 27, 2009. 11:31 PM REPLY As a retired Marine from the first GW, I can verify that we not only wore the keffiyeh but used it to prevent reflection and limit heat signature in combination with our standard utilities. I always believed in using the local clothing that has worked for centuries, regardless of the country - multiple light layers work much better in high heat environments than single heavy or medium weight layers. Try three or four layers of muslin over silk or polished cotton. It is amazing and it will prevent hyperthermia (overheating) and reduces sweat output by keeping the skin moist but not wet. Doesn't look 'military', but it sure helps when we needed to blend in a desert environment, even sub-Saharan. As for the politics, if you're concerned, find a cotton weave with a pattern which can't be confused with the shemagh or keffiyeh, and wear it. Comfort and utility are more important than politics.

VikingLord13 says:
how big is this, like three square feet?

Mar 27, 2009. 5:31 PM REPLY

ralamo95 says:
(removed by author or community request)

Feb 20, 2007. 8:16 PM

Contrelesexism says:

Jun 12, 2008. 5:45 PM REPLY Are you kidding? The british government has been wearing keffiyehs since WW1! US soldiers have worn them during the gulf war, and even now in iraq and afghanistan. they have practical application, genius.

ExtraMedium says:
hey what did ralamo95 say? its sounds interesting if not trollish.

Feb 7, 2009. 12:36 PM REPLY

okto says:
Keep the sun off your head, same as the Lebanese, Syrians, Jordanians, Bedouin, and Saudis.

May 29, 2008. 2:16 PM REPLY

SWV1787 says:

Dec 17, 2007. 5:37 AM REPLY hiking... I love to do it and this could help with the wind and sun but also in the winter it could keep you warm and prevent wind burn and frost bite

numberandom says:

Feb 20, 2007. 9:31 PM REPLY Besides being awesome, it can keep your face warm when its cold or even keep the sun off you when its really hot! Everyone should know how to wear one!

lordofthedonuts says:

Feb 20, 2008. 1:03 PM REPLY Beside being awesome, a good sun protection, a nice cold protection, a good dust-mask a Keffiyeh is more than only a "Arab dust mask". The Keffiyeh is a political statement for some people (like me), It's a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian people, though not an islamic symbol. I think you should know this before wearing a Keffiyeh. I live in Canada, an it's cold here in winter. I use my Keffiyeh as a scarf, it's light and I don't feel strangled by it. It's a good alternative to disposable dust-masks because it doesn't create fog in safety goggles. Hey it's also pretty cool!

ExtraMedium says:

Feb 7, 2009. 12:39 PM REPLY Its a shame its also so trendy. I see so many people wearing them now that I feel that people may not realise I'm making a statement of solidarity and think I'm just an ignorant consumerist who saw a nice "jihad scarf thing" and wanted to wear it.

knynja says:
It very well could be an Islamic symbol.

Oct 7, 2008. 3:39 PM REPLY

the biggs says:

May 10, 2008. 3:43 PM REPLY These things are AMAZING in Canadian winter. I have a great wool scarf that I don't wear anymore because these work so much better. They keep warm air near your face and neck, keep snow and rain off your face and neck, and aren't as stuffy or restrictive as regular scarves. But I resent it every time I wear it. Stupid scene kids.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-wrap-a-Keffiyeh/

rayon says:
great job...not bad at all!

Jan 21, 2009. 8:33 AM REPLY

Labot2001 says:
Keffiyeh... anyone care to help with pronunciation?

Dec 17, 2007. 5:03 PM REPLY

Contrelesexism says:
kuh-FEE-yuh :)

Jun 14, 2008. 9:47 AM REPLY

lordofthedonuts says:
I think it's pronounced like this : K-fee-yeah Although, I'm not sure but in French it's how we pronounce it.

Feb 20, 2008. 12:25 PM REPLY

savagesteve says:

May 9, 2007. 10:24 AM REPLY www.desertstore.com Everything arab, as long as you don't mind paying money to a Saudi Arabian company. I bought a Khofiya and an Egal, because I needed it for paintball. (somebody's gotta play the terrorists)

threecheersfornick says:

Sep 7, 2007. 7:16 PM REPLY I object to the "someone's gotta play the terrorists" statement -- not everyone from the middle east is a terrorist, or even interested in fighting, and not all terrorists are from the middle east. Also, why would you have a problem with giving Saudi Arabians money? Is it because they'll use the money to build nuclear bombs?

okto says:

May 29, 2008. 2:31 PM REPLY I don't think savagesteve was saying all cultures who wear the keffiyeh/shmagh/ghutra are terrorists, he was saying that the terrorists with which the US has dealt are from the Middle East, and thus would likely wear the clothing of their culture. If we had been attacked by radical Japanese nationalists, he'd be wearing a hachimaki, or if they were French he'd be wearing a beret and maillot. It's not racist or bigoted to observe that someone's culture is different from your own. I'd have a problem giving a Saudi company money because they oppress women and deny citizens of Saudi Arabia freedom of religion. I don't support governments or cultures that violate basic human rights.

TracyDC says:

May 30, 2008. 10:07 PM REPLY Well, I imagine people who role play in other countries may use cowboy hats to symbolize Americans as "bad guys", but ultimately I'm with threecheers on this one. The OP wasn't observing that a culture is different, he was -- even if in jest -- using a piece of clothing worn by many people as a symbol of terrorists. And there were plenty of people doing similar things with Japanese culture during WWII, which wasn't right either. I know, I know, it's "only" a scarf, but keffiyehs are more emotionally charged than most articles of clothing. Some people find them a painful symbol of terrorism, but others feel that way about Jewish symbols. Seems sad either way. Better to avoid feeding those perceptions from any direction. Know what I mean? Eh monsieur, I lived in France for three years and never saw a "beret and maillot." I think smoking while doing the Gallic shrug would actually capture the French better. "Mon dieu, zhees ees so boring."

threecheersfornick says:
Thank you.

May 31, 2008. 11:04 AM REPLY

okto says:

May 30, 2008. 10:48 PM REPLY Eh ben, moi aussi, j'habitais Paris pendant trois ans. A vrai dire, j'ai choisi le maillot et beret par examples pcq ils sont peut-tre les vetements les plus Franais. Bien dit avec la cigarette et l'attitude blas. Mais, seulement si c'est un Gitane. >_

Demon_Darkchild says:
calm down, that was a joke. and some people like to keep their money in the country.

Nov 19, 2007. 8:18 PM REPLY

SWV1787 says:

Dec 17, 2007. 5:32 AM REPLY yeah some do like to keep their money in their country just not the US government... outsorcing jobs, buying almost all foregin made goods, sending our militarary everywhere to destroy only to then send in releif efforts... I love my country but I hate my government

theRIAA says:
and off to the airport i go!

Nov 21, 2006. 5:00 PM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-wrap-a-Keffiyeh/

icedog515 says:
lmfao

Apr 29, 2008. 4:30 PM REPLY

Full Frontal Graphic says:

Thank you for this. You have no idea how it bugs me to see an improperly-worn keffiyeh.

Mar 22, 2008. 11:41 PM REPLY

SWV1787 says:

Dec 17, 2007. 5:34 AM REPLY I could have used this when I was hiking in new mexico. it was frezing in the mountains and scourching during the days. this would have been nice

savagesteve says:
If you ever do roofing in the hot sun you will find that the smagh is a great way to keep your face from getting sunburned.

Sep 9, 2007. 10:18 PM REPLY

PLC.Doctor says:
And where does one find a Keffiyeh? A town my size doesn't have a "Mideast-R-Us" store.

Nov 23, 2006. 12:31 PM REPLY

numberandom says:
I got it off ebay believe it or not. sometimes they are called a shemagh. You can find them pretty easily for under $10.

Feb 4, 2007. 2:08 PM REPLY

RobbyTheSheef says:

Feb 4, 2007. 4:46 AM REPLY I assume a square cloth of any sort would work, but wouldn't technically be a Keffiyeh? Looks more comfy than a ski mask. Cool!

Ingerson says:
Thanks loads. I always see these in the army surpus store but assumed you just wrapped it round your head.

Nov 30, 2006. 10:29 AM REPLY

crestind says:
lol! this is going to be interesting.

Nov 25, 2006. 10:26 PM REPLY

Shifman says:
lol man u da bomb but dont set any of

Nov 21, 2006. 7:33 PM REPLY

Tool Using Animal says:

Nov 21, 2006. 4:44 PM REPLY Last time I had to take a flight my wife wouldn't leave the house until I changed out of my "Muslim Academy" shirt, I wonder how she'd like this. BTW Tim you do look very stylish in it.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-wrap-a-Keffiyeh/