Chinese Snake Knot
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Description:
The Chinese Snake Knot symbolizes good fortune, due to the
fact that it’s considered bad luck if a snake is killed
or injured if found in a home. The snake is considered the
guardian of treasure and riches, so it’s not surprising
that the Chinese people have a knot named after that creature.
This decorative knot is not seen in Macrame all that often, but it
makes a beautiful chain. You could use it as a purse handle,
as part of a handcrafted necklace, or anytime you need a
snug, slender chain of knots.
You can click on the images and a large picture
will show up in a new window. |
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| Step 1:
You will need 2 strands of cord, at least 36 inches long to
practice the Chinese Snake knot. While learning this technique, try to use 2 different
colors if you can. Place them vertically in front of you. Temporarily secure one end of each cord, one to the right, and the other left. |
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Step 2: Use the cord on the right to make a clockwise loop. Pass under the cord on the left, and over it a little further up, as you make the loop.
Pass the working end over the secured portion to make the crossing point. |
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| Notice how the loop resembles a fish -- with a head and two tails. Mentally label the tails upper and lower. The upper tails are the ones that are secured. You will use the lower ones as the working ends. |
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Step 3: Use the left cord, and make a counter-clockwise loop. Bring the working end over the lower tail of the other cord, and under the upper tail.
Pass it through the first loop by going under and over the two parts. It should also pass under itself to form the crossing point on the left. |
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| Tighten the knot somewhat, but loose enough so you can see the loops clearly. I recommend you keep the top ends secured as long as you can, so you don't confuse them with the working ends. |
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Step 4: Take the working end of the right cord (blue) and direct it clockwise, so it goes under the lower tail of the left cord (tan). Pass it over the upper tail (secured), and into the loop made by the left cord. If you did not use two colors, the loop you go through will be on the right. |
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| Turn the knot over. Make sure you identify which were the secured ends, since you need to remove the pins now. I like to keep them at the top, and re-secure them so I don't lose track. |
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Step 5: Take the working end of the left cord (tan), and direct it under the lower tail of the right one. Rotating clockwise, bring the end into the loop formed by the right cord (blue).
If you did not use two colors, the loop you go through will be on the right again. |
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Step 6:
Repeat steps 4 an 5, turning the knot over to make each new loop. Alternate between the right and left working ends each time. The loop you pass through will always be on the right.
Stop when you are satisfied
with the length of the Chinese Snake Knot. You can finish
this design by weaving the ends into
the sennit to secure the cords. |
