75 Chinese, Celtic and Ornamental Knots

Mystic knot

Dragonfly knot

The mystic knot is also known as a pan chang knot, which means “endless.” This knot represents the Chinese buddhist belief that life exists forever. It is not possible to tie this knot in the hand—a board and pins are required. It can be tied with one or two cords (with two cords only six loops are created).

Checklist DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: { {

The dragonfly knot is actually a combination of three fairly simple knots, so even though it looks quite complicated it is easily created. Beads could be combined if desired, particularly within the square knots in the body of the dragonfly.

CORD REQUIRED: 69 in. (1.75 m) per knot. EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: Can be hand tied but it is useful to anchor the knot. WHERE TO USE IT: Use on its own, as a brooch, keyring, or purse charm.

Checklist DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: { { { CORD REQUIRED: 60 in. (1.5 m). EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: Pins and a board.

1

Find the center of the cord and secure it with a pin in the top left-hand corner of the board. Use the right-hand half of the cord to create two vertical loops, then the left-hand half to create two horizontal loops as shown, checking all the overs and unders are correct.

2

Now use the left-hand half of the cord to create two more vertical loops, checking the overs and unders.

1

You will need two cords. They do not have to be different colors but different colors create a nice effect. Lay them next to each other and tie a button knot (see page 30) with both ends together. Move the knot to the center of the cords.

2

3

4

Now tie a virtue knot, following the instructions on page 40.

WHERE TO USE IT: Use as a focal knot on a necklace or earrings, or combined with a pendant bead.

Working end

3 VARIATIONS 1 Shiny, variegated cord. 2 Tied with two colors.

1

2

Make two more vertical loops using the left-hand cord to complete tying the knot. Check all the overs and unders are in the correct places before carefully unpinning the knot from the board.

4

Pull the outer seven loops to start tightening the knot. To get the best results pull the loops evenly and all at the same time. The cords in the center will move to sit on top of each other where they were side by side, doubling the thickness of the center of the knot.

5

To tidy up the knot and reduce the size of the loops, start at the point that was the center of the cord. Pull the cord through the knot, carefully following its course and reducing the loops to the required size. The loops can be left at any size but should be even.

Tighten the virtue knot. Arrange the cords so two of the same color are on the outside of the four cords. Following the instructions on page 55, tie a square knot around the two center lazy cords.

Continue with the square knots until the body of the dragonfly is approx. 3 in. (7 cm) long. Leave a tail of approx. 11⁄2 in. (4 cm) with the two lazy cords and trim and seal the working ends.

2

1

VARIATIONS 1 Using a large bead instead of the button knot. 2 Gold and silver cord button-tied with silver only and gold beads added either side of the head.

48 ■■■ EASTERN KNOTS

MYSTIC KNOT • DRAGONFLY KNOT ■■■ 49