Celtic Mat

Step 2: Direct the end towards the top of the Celtic Mat, passing under both portions of Area 1.

The angle that forms is Area 4, which you can see in the image below.

Step 3: Make a loop at the top of the design, rotating in a clockwise direction. That's considered Area 5.

Bring the end down to the lower left area of the knot, passing under all three segments.

Step 4: Bring the working end towards the right. Pass over the secured end.

Direct it under both parts of Area 4.

Step 5: Spread the design out a little, so you can see all areas clearly. Direct the working end towards the loop (Area 5).

Weave the end over-under-over-under the four segments making up Areas 1 and 5.

Step 6: Direct the working end down and to the right. Pass over - under - over - under - over the segments making up areas 2, 3, and 4.

Make sure the end comes out through the middle of Area 4.

Step 7: Balance the loops by tightening or expanding them as needed. The top loop should be a bit larger and rounder than the others.

If you wish to double the Celtic Mat, use a second strand and follow the path of the first cord all the way through.

I found the next two patterns in a book called "Decorative Fusion Knots" written by J. D. Lenzen.

Click on the link or image to visit his website, which contains video tutorials for many other interesting knotting techniques

Basket Weave

This type of Celtic Mat is very similar to the design shown above, but it is constructed differently.

I recommend you make this design large the first few times. Once you know how to make it, try to use more delicate cord, so it ends up around 3 inches in size.

Step 1: Make the first loop in the center of the cord.

Make sure the right end passes over the left, to make the crossing point at the bottom.

Step 2: Take the end that is now on the left, and bring it through the loop, over - under.

I indicated the crossed area that is mentioned in the next step.

Step 3: Turn the design so the crossed area is at the bottom (indicated by the circle).

Make the loop longer, so it's around 4 inches in size.

Bring both ends to the top of the Celtic Mat design. Two loops will appear down below. Mentally number them as shown.

Note that they each have a left and right portion, which is important in the next step.

Step 4: FLIP the left portion over the right. Do this for both loops, and secure the crossing points.

Step 5: Take Loop 2, which is on the right, and cross it over Loop 1.

Make sure you can see all the crossed areas clearly before moving on to the next step.

Step 6: Use the right end and weave it down the middle of Loop 2, which is now on the left. It should pass over - under - over - under the four segments.

The area you are looking for is below the crossed areas formed when you flipped the cords, which I marked with X's. They should still be secured.

Step 7: Take the left end and pass it down the middle of Loop 1. Remember the area is below the crossing points.

Pass under - over - under - over - under the five segments.

Balance and tighten this variation of the Celtic Mat gradually.

If you wish to double it, use a second cord and follow the path of the first one. It works out better if you start at the bottom, where the ends are.

Prosperity Knot

This variation of the Celtic Mat is very similar to the others, but is slightly longer.

This historical knot has been featured in many Celtic as well as Chinese art works. The Chinese name for it is the Prosperity Knot. It represents abundance, long life, and wealth.

Step 1: Make a Josephine Knot in the center of a cord that's at least 60 inches long.

Note that I labeled the three loops in the order they are made.

Step 2: Secure the top loop to your project board.

Pull the left and right loops until they are around 3 to 5 inches in size.

Step 3: Re-position the ends so they are at the top, resting horizontally. The crossing point needs to be moved up, too.

Note that each loop has a right and left side. This is important in the next step.

Step 4: Flip the left side of the loops over the right side (left to right).

Secure the cords at the crossing points, which are above the loops.

Step 5: Move the left loop THROUGH the right one, from below.

In other words, Loop 1 passes under - over the Loop 2, as it is moved towards the right.

Move Loop 2 slightly to the left, and spread the segments out so you can see the details clearly.

Step 6: Take the right end and direct it down to the two loops at the bottom.

It needs to weave through the center of Loop 2, passing over - under - under - over the four segments.

Step 7: Note in the previous step Loop 1 was resting over the right portion of Loop 2.

Now you need to pick up Loop 1, and bring the crook of it under right segment of Loop 2.

Step 8: Take the left end and weave it through the middle of Loop 1, heading left to right.

The weaving sequence is under - over - under - over - under. So the end comes out below the crook of Loop 1.

Step 9: Adjust the loops so they are balanced and neatly arranged.