Fun with chinese Knotting-(Berkeiey)
D1006-54 -- 4225 --01 Resurg of Ch Knot (4-26)FIN_ 10/16/06 7:17 PM Page 26
Fun with chinese Knotting-(Berkeiey)
CD1106-16 -- 4225 --01 Resurg of Ch Knot (4-26)FIN_ 11/6/06 8:03 AM Page 26
26 FORMATION SKILLS
TBSee project 50 on page 131 for instructions on
making this pendant.575859
6061Leather
Leather can be formed into cylindrical strips or, as shown in diagram 54, into flat
cords to make knot formations which are compatible with leather bags or other simi-
lar items. Since leather has a glossy and a rough side, a choice is available according
to the needs of a particular design.Cloth
The buttons on traditional Chinese robes, as demonstrated in diagram 55, are actual-
ly Chinese knots made from cloth. A plain color cloth is suitable for making knots
for more classical attire, whereas colorful cloth can form trendy knot formations for
present-day fashion wear.Plastic
Plastic cords, shown in diagram 56, are glossy and are stain and water resistant. They
can can be used to make knot formations for colorful garments, or for ornaments that
frequently come into contact with water.Metal
Metallic cords, which are stiff but do not snap when bent, can be used for making
knots. Guitar strings or fuse wires that are relatively pliant, as shown in diagram 57,
can be made into knot formations using one’s hands alone. However, harder metallic
cords such as copper wires, illustrated in diagram 58, need to be shaped with pliers.Paper
Papers folded into long strips can be used to make knot formations, as shown in
diagram 59, as a substitute for ribbon paper. Paper that does not easily crumple when
rubbed, such as cotton paper, is the most suitable.Clay
Long clay cords can be used to make simple knots, such as the one shown in diagram
- The clay strips are formed by hand, then baked to harden them. Clay cords which
are colored and then baked make for highly original knots, as in diagram 61.