rel="nofollow" href="#fb3_img_img_a5e2395a-1dd3-5b91-83a9-5e6e0d305e8d.jpg" alt="Image"/>
1
2
3
See project 124 on pages 154–155 for instructions on making the pendant above.
Knotting two cords separately
Knotting two cords as one not only produces a body comprising two different colors, but also allows one cord to be tied separately to form outer and side loops. This further enhances the combination of colors. For example, diagram 4 shows a butterfly knot tied in this way. The body of the knot was tied by knotting two cords as one. Then, as the outer loops were reached, one of the cords was tightened. The other cord was separated and tied into a butterfly wing. Another example is shown as a clover-leaf knot in diagram 5. When the outer loop was reached, one cord was tightened while the other one was pulled longer. Notice that the knot body and outer loops are of different colors as are the top outer loop and the outer loops on both sides.
Knotting Multiple Cords
The technique of knotting with multiple cords is similar to that of knotting two cords. But since more cords are involved, there is much more opportunity for experiment and variation. Added to this are the factors of cord colors and textures. The number of possible combinations that can be achieved is enormous.
Knotting multiple cords as one
The cords can get easily tangled up when knotting multiple cords as one. However, with all the different cord colors and textures involved, the entanglement might produce a unique design, much like the knot shown in diagram 6. However, if you want the end result to be like that illustrated in diagram 7, where all the different colors are lined up properly, a technique similar to that of knotting two cords as one should be employed; that is, the thickest or hardest cord should be tied first, followed by the second cord, third cord, etc. Each cord should be inserted in its proper place in the design before all are tightened.
4
5
6
7
The thoughtful use of single, double or multiple cord knotting techniques, either tied as a single cord or as separate cords, can give rise to a great deal of color and stylistic variation.
See project 125, page 155, for instructions on making the knot formation above.
Knotting multiple cords separately
When knotting multiple cords as one, on reaching the outer loop one or several of the cords can be used to produce outer loops or side loops, thus adding another variation. For example, in the cloverleaf knot tied with three different colored cords in diagram 8, the three outer loops are formed of different colored cord. Similarly, in the pan chang knot tied with four different colored cords in diagram 9, the outer loops are highlighted with a number of color combinations. In addition, all sorts of side loops of different colors can be created with the lengthened outer loops.
The most critical part of knotting is, of course, the tightening of the knots, especially when multiple colored cords are used. It is necessary, first of all, to determine which cords are to be pulled (usually indicated by black arrows on the step-by-step diagrams). A gentle, even pressure should be applied to make sure that no twists or kinks develop. The body of the knot should always be tightened first before pulling out the slack, loop by loop, until the cord ends are reached. It is important not to let the body of the knot loosen, or its shape will be distorted.
8
9
A necklace created by the author. Once you have mastered the basic skills, you can then apply the formation skills freely to create other graceful and elegant accessories and ornaments.
See project 129 on page 157 for instructions on making this necklace.
FORMATION SKILLS
A knot formation, as the name suggests, is not a single knot but a group of simple or compound knots linked together. This section focuses on the various ways of connecting the unrelated knots to make such a formation.
All compound knots and knot formations originating from simple knots follow three techniques: cord end extension, outer loop extension and outer loop hook-up. Coupled with the techniques of knotting single, double and multiple cords, as well as the skills of cord addition and reduction, it is possible to make fascinating and innovative knot formations.
Cord End Extension
The simplest and most common technique for making knot formations is the cord end extension technique. This involves using the end of a cord to tie another knot after a knot has already been made with one or both ends of the cord. Besides enabling the formation of a long series of knots, the technique also allows the knotter to adjust the distance between individual knots to produce a pleasing formation arrangement. This technique applies to the extension of one or both cord ends.
Extension of one cord end
The extension technique using one cord end comprises making a knot with one cord end, then making a second knot on the same cord end. In most cases, all the knots tied will fall on the same side of the cord, as shown in the cloverleaf knot in diagram 10. The few exceptions include the double coin knot as well as the button knot, as shown in diagram 11. To add variety, cords of different colors and textures can be tied using this technique.
Extension of both cord ends
The extension technique using both cord ends involves folding a cord and tying a knot using the two cord ends, as shown in diagram 12. Using both cord ends again, another knot is made. In this technique, most knots will be formed equally on both sides of the cords, with both cord ends as their centers, as shown in the cloverleaf knot in diagram 13. Variations in color and texture can be added by knotting two or more cords of different colors and textures as one single cord.
10
