Fun with chinese Knotting-(Berkeiey)
D1006-54 -- 4255 --03 Basic Knots (55-69)FIN_ 10/18/06 5:56 PM Page 55
Basic Knots
In this section, seven of the most essential basic knots taught in Chinese
Knotting: Creative Designs That Are Easy and Fun!(Tuttle Publishing, 2003) are
repeated, and are augmented by a further two basic knots. In ancient times,
Chinese decorative knotting was an oral tradition, in which the techniques were
handed down from generation to generation. It is not surprising then that the
origins of some knots are shrouded in mystery while others have simply been
lost to time. The basic knots in both books were created by analyzing and com-
bining ideas presented in ancient books and on historical artifacts such as
bronze vessels and earthenware jugs. Some basic knots are clearly representa-
tions of traditional auspicious symbols. Others have a unique historical history.
Yet others are merely technical devices used in larger knot formations.BUTTON KNOT 55
Button Knot
The interesting little buttons found on traditional Chinese dresses and jackets are a
mystery to many people. They are, in fact, formed from a simple knot. The knot can
be used in conjunction with other flat-lying knots to make a variety of unusual and
attractive clothes fasteners, a sampling of which is shown on pages 42–43.Tying
Steps one and two are almost the same as for the double coin knot (page 60), with the
cord going under the last loop on the right instead of over. This cord is then strung
over and through the center of the knot in step 3. Step 4 brings the other end of the
cord around the left side, through the top loop from underneath, and down through
the center of the knot. The knot is tightened in two stages. First, pull the two loose
cord ends downward while pushing the knot itself up. Then work out the slack from
the upper loop by pulling it through the knot. To make a button knot that lies flat,
pull the two loose ends in opposite directions during tightening, as in the inset.Tips
- If the knot becomes distorted when
you tighten it, simply pull any of the
cord segments through the knot in one
direction. The shape will reappear as
the knot closes. - Once you have mastered this knot, you
should learn how to tie it using only one
end of the cord. Many of the later knot
formations require this.
A(^1) B
A
(^2) B