Circular Knots |
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Seal of Solomon |
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Celtic Ring Knot |
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Description: Circular Knots are fun and easy to make, so they are often used in children's projects. The Seal of Solomon is sometimes called the Flat Turks Head knot. The center of it is left open slightly, with five loops along the edges. In the image above, it's doubled. The Celtic Ring Knot is a type of circular braiding, and can also be doubled to thicken it.
These two historical decorative knots can be used to make coasters, rugs and other projects. If made small, both of these circular knots can be used to make a ring or pendant.
Please click on the small images below to see larger ones, which come up in a new window. That will help you see the details. |
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Seal of Solomon
The Seal of Solomon represents fire, water, and balance. This image shows how it can be doubled or tripled, creating a wide, flat design.
Add several strands, or use just one, following the path of the curves and loops as you thicken the knot.
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Step 1: Secure one end of a cord to your project board. Make a clockwise loop, passing the working end over the secured end to form the crossing point on the left.
Tip: You need at least 90 inches to make this circular knot, since you will be doubling it. |
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Step 2: Make a second loop, rotating in a clockwise direction. It should rest on top of the first loop. |
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| Tip: The key to making most circular knots is to make the loops large enough to have room to work. |
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Step 3: Loop 3 is created by weaving the working end through loop 2, heading left to right.
Pass over the left portion of it, and then under the secured end. Finish by going over the right portion of Loop 2. |
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Step 4: Loop 4 is made by passing the working end through Loops 1 and 3, heading right to left.
The weaving process is simple: Go under both parts of Loop 1, and over both parts of Loop 3.
Another way to look at it is to pass over - under - over - under the four segments. |
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Step 5: The fifth and final loop is made by weaving the working end through Loops 2 and 4. It's the same under - over sequence as the last step.
Tip: The end should weave through near the top of the knot, so will be above the secured end. |
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Step 6: Take a second cord and use it to follow the path of the first one, doubling the knot.
If the cord is more than 3mm thick, you don't need to double it.
Tighten it carefully, removing the slack. There should be a space in the center. |
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| Circular knots can be a challenge to tighten and balance, since cord material is so flexible. Usually, the best approach is to start at the end and work your way through the knot, one loop at a time. |
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Celtic Ring Knot
This Circular Knot is an interesting woven pattern that is seen in many Celtic art designs. The Celtic Ring quilt square shown here is a very popular sewing design.
You can use this decorative knot to make coasters as well as jewelry items such as rings and pendants. |
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| Cut 1 strand of material, at least 45 inches long, to practice this decorative knot. In the first few steps below, secure each point with pins or tape. |
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Step 1: Secure one end to your board. Take the other end and make a triangle, moving in a counter-clockwise direction. Make sure the three Angles are mentally labeled A, B, C as shown.
At the top, pass the working end under the secured end to make the crossing point. |
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Step 2: Direct the working end in a counter-clockwise direction. Make an inverted triangle this time (upside down). The working end needs to pass under Angles B and C. When you get to the top, pass the end under - over the two segments making up Angle A. Mentally label the Angles D, E, and F as shown. |
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| Now that the angles for this circular knot are all made and secured, you will use the working end to weave through them. |
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Step 3: Direct the working end under Angle D, located in the upper right area of the Celtic Ring Knot.
Pass the end into it heading left to right, moving horizontally as you complete this step. |
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Step 4: Bring the working end down to Angle B, heading right to left.
Pass the end over - under the two segments in that area. |
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Step 5: Bring the working end down to Angle E at the very bottom of the knot.
Pass over - under the two segments. |
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Step 6: Bring the end to Angle C, which is on the left.
Pass over - under the two segments. |
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Step 7: Bring the end up to Angle F on the left.
Pass over - under the two segments, and over the secured end. |
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Step 8: Tighten the design so it forms a circular knot.
For a pendant, you can use the two ends to make a necklace. Or you can weave them through the top of the knot and finish them off, for an item like a coaster. |
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| To double the Celtic Ring knot, use a separate cord, or the working end. Follow the path of the first cord, starting at the secured end. It helps if you don't tighten it until the knot is doubled. |
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