Chinese KnotA cord. A quiet wish.

Chinese Knot

Cao Hua Knot

Use a radial pin layout and a temporary bead spacer to make an open-centred Cao Hua knot. Work the loose circular crossings first, then lift the structure and balance its long ears and smaller turns around the opening.

草花结

13:48 in total. Parts continue in order. Use English subtitles to switch captions on or off.

Follow the making process.

These checkpoints come from the demonstration. Replay the movement before tightening a hidden crossing.

  1. Step 1: Pin the starting upright loop — 草花结

    01. Pin the starting upright loop

    Fold the cord and hold the standing loop on the radial guide. Keep the free lengths available below it.

  2. Step 2: Spread the radial folds — 草花结

    02. Spread the radial folds

    Arrange the long folds around the centre and secure their turns. Keep their crossing point visible.

  3. Step 3: Return through the central arrangement — 草花结

    03. Return through the central arrangement

    Continue the working route around the radial folds. Support the open centre around the temporary bead while placing each new return.

  4. Step 4: Check the completed pinned route — 草花结

    04. Check the completed pinned route

    Compare the circular structure and its long ears before releasing supports. Keep the central opening loose.

  5. Step 5: Release the pins carefully — 草花结

    05. Release the pins carefully

    Support the crossings as the pins come out. This loose structure can open easily, so keep the centre between your fingers.

  6. Step 6: Lift the open flower structure — 草花结

    06. Lift the open flower structure

    Take the knot into your hands without closing its middle. Spread the long outer loops to retain the radial order.

  7. Step 7: Reduce the first large loop — 草花结

    07. Reduce the first large loop

    Follow the continuous cord into the first oversized ear. Transfer slack through the neighbouring crossing in small amounts.

  8. Step 8: Continue through the neighbouring ears — 草花结

    08. Continue through the neighbouring ears

    Move around the ring, reducing each large fold in turn. Keep the smaller turns distinct beside the long outer loops.

  9. Step 9: Balance the circular face — 草花结

    09. Balance the circular face

    Compare the loop sizes and transfer slack where needed. Support the open middle while tightening the surrounding crossings.

  10. Step 10: Check the clear central opening — 草花结

    10. Check the clear central opening

    Set the knot flat and inspect the centre. Reduce any remaining large temporary fold without pulling the opening shut.

  11. Step 11: Set the finished flower outline — 草花结

    11. Set the finished flower outline

    Remove the temporary bead and ease the long ears into an even radial arrangement. Check that the central opening stays clear and the small turns remain distinct.

Check your finished piece

  • The central opening remains clear.
  • The long outer ears and smaller turns remain distinct.
  • The radial outline is balanced, with no large temporary slack loop.