Cloverleaf Clasp
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Description: This Cloverleaf Clasp is a unique Oriental design that can be used not only for jewelry, but for clothing as well. I came up with this idea when I found an interesting clasp in a box of craft supplies. I decided to make something similar using two of my favorite decorative knots.
The first set of instructions is for using this combination of Chinese knots to make a closure for sweaters, blouses, vests, etc. The second part describes how this clasp can be modified for jewelry.
I highly recommend you use a Project Board and pins to construct the Cloverleaf clasps.
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CLOVERLEAF CLASP FOR CLOTHING |
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Step 1: Cut 1 strand of cord at least 60 inches long to practice this clasp. Prepare the ends with tape, glue or other method, so the cord will not unravel. See Cord Preparation for more details. |
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Step 2: Tie a Cloverleaf Knot. Try to tie it so it rests near the center of the cord. You should try to make it as small as you can, approximately 1 inch in size. Pin it to your Project Board so it is on your left, and the ends are running horizontally. |
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Step 3: Tie a Chinese Button knot using only one of the strands. During the tightening process, leave one inch of space between the Cloverleaf Knot and the Button. |
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Step 4: Use needle nose pliers or tweezers to pull the other strand through the Button Knot. Make any adjustments needed, so the design looks tidy and symmetrical. Tie a Square Knot (no fillers) with the 2 ends. This knot should rest against the Button knot, preferably in the back, so it can’t be seen easily.
Step 5: Apply glue to the Square Knot and cut off any remaining cord, after it is completely dry. Sew the Cloverleaf Clasp design onto the article of clothing you are decorating. |
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| Step 6: You will need to decide what you will use for the other half of the clasp. Buttons, Beads, or the Chinese Button Knot are all perfect for this application. |
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For a Button: Tie a Cloverleaf Knot in the center of a second cord, just as you did the first one. Leave a 1-inch space, so the design is the same size as the other one. Pass both ends through the shank or holes in the button. |
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| Tie a Chinese Step Knot to secure it, close to the back of the button. Apply glue and trim off any remaining cord. |
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For a Bead: Tie a Cloverleaf Knot, followed by a 1-inch space. Pass both ends through the bead. Tie a Chinese Step Knot. If possible, direct the ends back through the bead. Apply glue inside the bead, and when it is dry, cut off any remainder. |
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Note: If the hole in the bead is not large enough to pass the ends back through, you can omit that step, but the design won’t look as neat. |
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For A Button Knot: Simply repeat steps 1 thru 5. The Button Knot of one half will pass through the space between the Cloverleaf and Button knot of the other half.
When you are through designing both parts of the clasp, sew the Cloverleaf portion onto the article of clothing. |
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CLOVERLEAF CLASP FOR JEWELRY |
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When making this clasp as part of handcrafted Jewelry, it’s usually best if you create half of the design first, and make the body of the bracelet or necklace with the remaining cord. At the other end, you would repeat the Cloverleaf and Button Knot design, or use a button or bead to complete the clasp.
This way, you can use a single strand of cord for the entire design. Jewelry needs to be lightweight and slender, so it's best to create them with as few cords as possible. If more than one strand of cord is needed for the overall bracelet or necklace design, they should be added in.
Follow the process below to make this clasp for a single-strand bracelet or necklace. |
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| Step 1: To practice, obtain one strand of cord at least 90 inches long. Tie a Chinese button knot near one end. Make it as small as possible. |
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Step 2: Leave ½ inch to 1-inch of space, and tie a Cloverleaf Knot. Tighten it so it is no more than 2 inches in size.
Step 3: Create the body of the necklace or bracelet design, using knots, beads, pendants, etc. Be sure to leave at least 30 inches for the second part of the clasp.
Step 4: To start designing the second half of the clasp, tie a Cloverleaf Knot, followed by the same amount of space you left in step 2.
Step 5: Tie a Chinese Button Knot. It should be the same size as the first one you made. Pass the end back through the Button knot, using needle nose pliers or tweezers. Make sure you direct it through in such a way that it won’t affect the design of the Button. This gives the Cloverleaf clasp a neatly finished appearance. Apply glue to the entire knot and cut off any remaining cord when it is completely dry. |
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Step 6: If you prefer to use a button or bead, that'll work too. Simply omit step 5, and add a button or bead instead. Be sure to tie a Step Knot to secure it. Pass the end back through the opening if you can, and apply glue. Cut off any remainder.
The Button Knot, bead, or button will pass through the space between the Cloverleaf and Button Knot to secure the necklace or bracelet. |
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