How to Tie Decorative Knots With Rope

Other decorative knots include the Chinese Button knot and the Dragonfly knot.

Knots aren't always a bad thing --- when tied correctly, they can add a decorative element to rope and string. Decorative knots are often seen on handmade necklaces and bracelets to add another element of intricacy. If you are trying to tie a decorative knot for the first time, use a large piece of nylon rope that can be easily taken apart if you make a mistake. The thinner the thread, the harder it is to get apart if you don't get the knot right.

Instructions

Blimp Knot

1. Tie an overhand knot that resembles a pretzel shape.

2. Bring the right end of the rope and tie it through the top left loop of your pretzel.

3. Continue holding the right end of the rope and bring it under and through the new loop you just formed on the right side.

4. Pull the knot tight to secure it.

Braided Knot

1. Bring the right end of rope underneath and over the left side of rope. Lay it down so it is underneath the loop you just created.

2. Use your hands to twist the loop you just formed two times, so there are three holes. You will now have three "strands" of rope to work with.

3. Braid the strands like you would hair, bringing the bottom strand over the middle strand and then the top strand over the middle strand. Continue braiding until you reach the desired length.

Chain Stitch

1. Tie a slip knot in your length of rope.

2. Push the resulting bight, or open loop, through the loop of the slip knot.

3. Continue pushing the new bight through each previous bight until you reach the desired length of your chain.

4. Lock the chain in place by pushing the end of rope through the final bight and pulling it tight.

References

• Layhands: Decorative Knots