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Pipa Knot

 
Pipa Knot
 
 

Description: The Pipa Knot is a unique Chinese Macrame knot that is based on the Figure 8 shape.  This historical knot has been around for a long time.

It's been seen frequently on ancient Oriental clothing as a clasp and for decoration.  The Pipa is a Chinese musical instrument similar to a Lute, which is pear shaped like this knot.

This decorative knot makes a great pendant for jewelry, and can also be used to make very unique earrings. 

Try it as a clasp by making the knot first, then use the remaining material to make the bracelet or belt.  At the other end, tie a button knot.

 

 

I searched for years to find the instructions to make this historic knot.

I finally found it in Decorative Fusion Knots.

Be sure to click on the link or image to visit the Fusion Knots site. The video gallery contain tutorials for many unusual knots.

  Fusion Knots
 
 
 
 
Step 1: You will need one cord at least 36 inches long to make the Pipa Knot.

Fold the cord in half and then adjust it so the right half is 12 inches longer than the left half.  Secure it vertically to your board.

When using this knot in a Macrame project, add 12 - 15 inches of material to the length you need for the project.  
 
 
Loop 1
  Use the right half to make a clockwise loop. 

Adjust loop 1 until it's 1-inch in size, if you are using 4mm material like the Paracord shown.

Secure the loop at the crossing point.
 

 
Loop 2
 

Step 2: Bring the right half of the cord toward you (forward), then make a counter-clockwise loop.

It should rest on top of the left half. Secure it at the crook.

Loop 2 should be 1.5 inches long if you are using 4mm material.

 


Designer's Tip:  The size of the loops is determined by the width of the material you are using. 

Increase the length of the loops if using material wider than 4mm.  Decrease the size if using material less than 4mm wide.


 
Loop 3
 

Step 3: Bring the right half of the cord under loop 1 at the crossing point, moving left to right.

Mentally label it loop 3.

 

 
Loop 4
 

Step 4: Make another counter-clockwise loop with the right half of the cord.

Arrange loop 4 so it nestles inside Loop 2. 

Make sure Loop 3 is wrapped snugly around loop 1, then secure the crook of loop 4 (move the pin).

 

 
Loop 5
 

Step 5: Move the right half of the cord under loop 3, heading left to right.

Arrange loop 5 so it's in front of loop 3 on the left.

 

 
Loop 6
 

Step 6:  Make another counter-clockwise loop with the right half of the cord.

Position it inside Loop 4, then secure it after making sure loop 5 is snug.

Move the left half of the cord to the side before completing the next step.

 

 
Loop 7
 

Step 7: Move the right half of the cord under loop 5, heading left to right.

Arrange loop 7 in front of loop 5 on the left.

Move the left half of the cord to the left of the Pipa Knot.

 

 
Thru Space
 

Step 8: Pass the right half of the cord through the small space inside loop 6.

Pull it firmly so loop 7 is snug.

 

 
Tighten
 

Step 9: Pull on loops 2, 4, and 6 (bottom) to tighten loops 3, 5, and 7.   Make sure ALL the loops are as flat as possible when you are done.

Then pull loop 1 to tighten loop 2.  You probably won't need to tighten loops 4 and 6. 

Reduce the size of loop 1 by pulling on the left half of the cord.

 

 
Step 9, continued:  You can either finish off the ends by securing them to the back of the knot with glue, or you can use them for other knots.
 
 



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Have any comments about the Pipa Knot? Contact Me.




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