Page 405 - The Ashley Book of Knots

THE ASHLEY BOOK OF KNOTS

2471. The MOTH. The knots on this are further amplifica-

tions of BUTTERFLY KNOTS 'Iii 2460 and 2461, the centers of which

are here copied, but the marginal loops are further complicated in

flat over-one-and-under-one sequence. In this knot the CARRICK BEND

motif is repeated four times in the loops and the OVERHAND KNOT

four times, one in each end of the two cords.

2472. The OWL KNOT, like the last, is based on BUTTERFLY KNOT

'# 2460. Two CARRICK BENDS are tied in the wings. To add a knot in

the marginal loops, pin out the first strand of the knot carefully.

No tucking is required until the second strand is introduced, but

the loop receives a single twist, which may be in either direction,

provided the knot on the opposite wing is twisted contrariwise.

When the strand is led for a second time to one of these knots, make

certain while laying in the strand that the over-and-under is alternate

~ _ ..... :...-/ 241 ( throughout.

2473. The WILD GOOSE KNOT is based on BUTIERFLY '#2461.

Two Loop KNOTS ('# 1046) are tied in the neck of the bird and the

knot tied in the wings is '# 1429, which is similar to but longer than

the CARRICK BEND. Great care must be taken in drawing up this knot,

for if it is once distorted by drawing anyone part too tight it is

2412. difficult to make it lie fair again. The effort should be made to tie it

just a little slacker than desired, and this should be done by working

entirely through the knot, from end to end of the cord, each time

taking out a very little of the slack. If preferred, work the knot

from the center toward both ends. Often it will be found that a knot

that has been tied a little slacker than was at first thought desirable has

really about the tension that is wanted. But often when it seems that

all reasonable restraint has been exercised it will be found that the

knot is still tied tighter than the Chinese prototype.

The Chinese, in addition to the priest cords of the last chapter,

have given us lanyards of surpassing beauty which are best exem-

plified by their lantern lanyards. Undoubtedly inside their homes are

many other examples of this variety of knotting other than the lan-

tern cords. But the lantern hangs in full view for all to see. Beside the

lacery of these cords, in which many different kinds of knots are

intertwined in a variety not equaled even in their priest cords, the

Chinese have added color and texture. Tied in both silk and cotton,

they are studded with semiprecious stones, glass and metal orna-

ments in the form of beads, disks and pendants .

.2415