Chinese KnotA cord. A quiet wish.

Chinese Knot

Zao Jing Knot

Place two coloured routes around an open upright fold, then close them into a compact Zao Jing centre. The source also shows a longer grey variant and finished applications after the main knot is dressed.

藻井结

13:30 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: Arrange the starting fold — 藻井结

    01. Arrange the starting fold

    Lay the two colours around the upright open fold. Keep their free working lengths distinct.

  2. Step 2: Pin the parallel upright strands — 藻井结

    02. Pin the parallel upright strands

    Secure the upper and lower turns on the board. Leave room at the bottom for the compact interlacing.

  3. Step 3: Start the green return route — 藻井结

    03. Start the green return route

    Bring the green end around the lower folds along the highlighted diagram. Keep its side openings loose.

  4. Step 4: Complete the green crossings — 藻井结

    04. Complete the green crossings

    Finish the green route around the open centre. Compare its entry and exit with the diagram before starting the gold return.

  5. Step 5: Place the gold returning passages — 藻井结

    05. Place the gold returning passages

    Work the gold length through the developing green route. Separate nearby strands with the pointed tool while following the diagram.

  6. Step 6: Tuck the final gold return — 藻井结

    06. Tuck the final gold return

    Place the last indicated passage through the small central opening. Keep both ends accessible.

  7. Step 7: Inspect the complete pinned route — 藻井结

    07. Inspect the complete pinned route

    Trace both colours through the compact lattice. Check the long upright fold before removing supports.

  8. Step 8: Lift and close the centre — 藻井结

    08. Lift and close the centre

    Support the knot in your hand and draw loose cord through the outer folds. Keep the two colours in their established positions.

  9. Step 9: Dress each route in turn — 藻井结

    09. Dress each route in turn

    Follow the numbered sequence and transfer slack through one colour at a time. Straighten the paired strands as the centre compacts.

  10. Step 10: Set the finished compact face — 藻井结

    10. Set the finished compact face

    Balance the small central crossings and the upright loop. Keep the free ends distinct beneath the knot.

  11. Step 11: Compare the longer variant — 藻井结

    11. Compare the longer variant

    Study the grey sample to see how extending the repeated structure changes its length. It is a comparison after the main demonstration.

Check your finished piece

  • The compact centre keeps both routes in order.
  • The upright loop and lower free ends remain distinct.
  • The face has no large loose central passage.