Page 349 - Lindsey Philpott "The Ultimate Book of Decorative Knots"

ornamental knots 343

the Double Coin Knot the coins may be tied onto a string. The Double
The Chinese coin with a square hole in the centre is Coin Knot symbolises two such coins overlapping
a distinguishing mark of coins of the ‘knife money’ each other and having a square centre, symbolising
areas, like the Shanxi province. The original ‘coins’ prosperity and longevity for the Chinese. In other
were in the shape of model knives, until the shape of decorative applications the knot is known as the
the coin was banned by Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi, Carrick Bend or the Josephine Knot. Try using two
who replaced them with the round coins with square cords or more to accentuate this fine and simple
holes that we know today. The hole is there so that knot.
2 Pass the right-hand

cord over, under,
over, under, down
and to the left. the
knot is now ready
for fairing.

1 starting at upper right, form an underhand clock- type d: s-Curves that make

wise loop and pass the end of the line clockwise
opposing halF-loops
under the loop formed, taking the end of the line
over the first part of the line. the Cross Knot
This intertwining of a single ‘S-shaped’ curve
allows the front and back of the knot to carry
different symbols. The method is probably one of
the simplest to master and yet may present its own
challenges by popping open if not made sufficiently
tight. The Cross Knot also symbolises the Chinese
character for the number ten. The cross formation
has also been said to represent the Christian faith,
although the knot is known to have existed long
before the dawn of that religion.

1 form a bight in

The finished Double Coin Knot in a single, simple the centre of
cord. your cord.