Chinese KnotA cord. A quiet wish.

Chinese Knot

Eight-Loop Star Knot

Build the eight-loop star route on a pin board, using the numbered diagram to track its crossings. After completing the loose route, release the pins and follow the cord around the centre to balance all eight outer loops.

星辰结（八耳）

13:40 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 first open loop — 星辰结（八耳）

    01. Pin the first open loop

    Place the cord on the board with its first loop open. Use pins to hold the bend while leaving the long working end free.

  2. Step 2: Bring the second loop around the first — 星辰结（八耳）

    02. Bring the second loop around the first

    Follow the highlighted second passage in the numbered diagram. Keep the new loop broad and hold its crossing with the existing pinned loop.

  3. Step 3: Continue the numbered crossings — 星辰结（八耳）

    03. Continue the numbered crossings

    Add the following loops in the diagram's order. Use the pins to keep each opening visible while passing the working end through the developing arrangement.

  4. Step 4: Keep the middle passages open — 星辰结（八耳）

    04. Keep the middle passages open

    Work around the central crossings as the diagram highlights the next passages. Move the end through without tightening the outer loops.

  5. Step 5: Add the seventh loop — 星辰结（八耳）

    05. Add the seventh loop

    Form the seventh numbered loop beside the loose route. Check its entry against the highlighted diagram before placing the next return.

  6. Step 6: Complete the eighth loop — 星辰结（八耳）

    06. Complete the eighth loop

    Follow the final numbered loop and its return through the earlier crossings. Keep the whole arrangement loose enough to see the path.

  7. Step 7: Inspect the completed loose route — 星辰结（八耳）

    07. Inspect the completed loose route

    Compare the full pinned arrangement with the eight-loop diagram. Check the final returned end before removing the supports.

  8. Step 8: Release the pins and open the ears — 星辰结（八耳）

    08. Release the pins and open the ears

    Remove the pins and draw the main loops outward gently. Keep the centre supported so its crossings remain in place.

  9. Step 9: Find the slack through the centre — 星辰结（八耳）

    09. Find the slack through the centre

    Trace the continuous cord through the loose knot. Use the pointed tool to open a tight passage and transfer slack into the next loop.

  10. Step 10: Reduce the first oversized loop — 星辰结（八耳）

    10. Reduce the first oversized loop

    Hold the knot close to your fingers and draw slack through the first ear. Use the diagram to identify which neighbouring passage receives the slack.

  11. Step 11: Continue around the neighbouring ears — 星辰结（八耳）

    11. Continue around the neighbouring ears

    Move to the next loop along the cord and repeat the same small adjustment. Work around the knot rather than pulling one end hard.

  12. Step 12: Balance the eight outer loops — 星辰结（八耳）

    12. Balance the eight outer loops

    Compare the sizes of the main ears. Transfer a little slack from larger loops to smaller ones while keeping the star centre compact.

  13. Step 13: Set the radial outline — 星辰结（八耳）

    13. Set the radial outline

    Hold up the finished knot and inspect its face. Ease the outer loops into a balanced ring around the small woven star centre.

Check your finished piece

  • Eight main outer loops remain around the woven centre.
  • The centre has a visible star-like crossing pattern and no large temporary slack loop.
  • The outer loops have a balanced size, with the working ends distinct beneath the knot.