Page 118 - Peter Randall - The Craft of the Knot

Chapter 11

DECORATIVE KNOTTING

As remarked in the introduction, knots have been with us practically as long as there
have been humans to tie them. Among their earliest uses (in addition to securing things)
were recordkeeping and measurement. But they were also used extensively for
decorative purposes.

In Western society, knots often appeared in heraldry, as particular knots became
associated with various family trees. In the East, some decorative knots were held to

have mystic symbolism or to bring good luck. (Western traditions have occasionally
connected knots with luck as well; when Alexander cut the Gordian Knot, an oracle
predicted that he would become king of Asia, a prophecy that was fulfilled, if only for a
short time.)

Entire art forms (for example, macramé) have been developed using knots. It could
also be said that knitting and crocheting are essentially based on creating knots.

Here, for your interest, are some of the more common decorative knots.

COW HITCH

Also called the Lark’s Head, the Cow Hitch is used in decorative work. It is only

considered secure if the tension is on both ends.

STEP 1 Start by making a double crossing turn over an object.

STEP 2 Finish like a regular Bowline—bring the running end down over the top and