Using more complex knots can make a structure more solid and is a great way to add decoration to a chest tie. We’re starting some classic knots and will explore more in Day 222.

Half knot, Square Knot and Granny Knot

Chances are you have already used these knots to tie your shoes. Two consecutive half knots will create either a square knot or a granny knot depending on which direction it is tied.

The square knot is a bit more stable and easier to untie than the granny knot, which is usually considered inferior. Note that neither of these knots are fully secured and they should not be used when solidity is critical. They can both capsize when jerking the ends.

Double Coin Knot

Also known as Josephine knot in macrame, the double coin knot is a variation of the carrick bend of the basketweave knot family. It can be created using a single line of rope weaved on itself but is more often used in bondage to tie two ropes together.

In Japan, it is called awajimusubi 淡路結び and is used to represent good relationships. It is also used in several other cultures in heraldry. In sailing, large ropes are harder to tie with so the Carrick bent is a good solution as it is convenient to tie and stays easy to untie.

A similar knot is the interwoven diagonal Carrick knot, which has an identical topology but is tied in the opposite direction.

Triple Crown Knot

This knot is an interesting variation of the crown knot, a type of button knot tied with three stands. The Chinese flower knots are tied using a similar technique. The triple crown knot has two loops (also referred to as petals in Chinese knotting) that are fun to play with when creating a chest harness.

Decorative Chest Harness

Once we knot a few knots, we can combine them to add decorative elements to the design of a tie.

Practice Time!

Integrate aesthetic knotwork in your chest harness design!

Self-evaluation checklist:

  • The knots are compact and tight with no undesired twist
  • Is the tie symmetric?

Exploration ideas:

  • Start a tie with a triple crown knot.
  • Compare the half knot, the square knot and the granny knot.
  • Try to combine double coin knots with the diamond tie.

Inspirations and Resources

  • Coming soon!

Credit: Knots: R/P:Ebi McKnotty – Square knot harness M:ADelightfulPain R/P: Ebi McKnotty Crown and double coin harness M/R: Ebi McKnotty P: AlexK7


Let’s continue with Serpentine

Or return to The Chest for more options.