How to Tie Chinese Button Knots

The use of Chinese button knots, also known as a knife lanyard knots or bosun whistle knots, dates back as early as 960 AD. Traditionally, the art of knot tying was used on clothing and in decor to bring good luck and keep evil spirits away. The button knot is probably the most familiar of the Chinese knots to due to its frequent use in the widely popular Chinese silk pajamas. Like all of the Chinese knots, the button knot is tied using one piece of string. Although these knots can be found in a variety of colors, the lucky color red is the most common. This knot is one of the more difficult of all the decorative knots, but with a little practice executing the steps below, anyone can become a pro.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Silk cord of any length, diameter and color desired
• Scissors
• Crochet hook, if available

1. Form a loop in the near the left end of the cord in a counterclockwise direction. Hold the loop with the left hand. Take the right hand and form another loop, again in a counterclockwise direction over top of the first loop. The shape of the cord should at this point resemble a pretzel.

2. Take the right end of the string and working towards the left, weave it through the loops over, under, over, under. Finish this step with the working end over top of the other end. Keep the weave loose. You now have three overlapping loops.

3. Take the right end and once again work to the left in a counterclockwise direction. As before, weave the string through the existing loops. The circle that you will now form will lie in a spiral fashion inside the circle that you formed during Step 2. This time go over, under, under, over, over, over.

4. Pull both ends of the cord away from one another to tighten the knot. Pull slowly to avoid a lumpy knot. You will need to loosen and re-tighten a few times until all the loops are taut and even. Use a crochet hook if you have one to make this step easier.

5. Repeat the previous steps until you reach the desired length if making a knot necklace, bracelet or anklet. If making buttons or a clasp, cut the ends, tuck them into the knot and secure with a drop of super glue.