The Beginning Steps
Types of knots
There are 4 types of knots you will see on a pattern: The forward knot, the backward knot, the forward-backward knot, and the backward-forward knot. Not that confusing, right?
A basic knot works by tying one piece of string around another twice. There are two types of ways to tie the string: forward and backward.
A basic knot works by tying one piece of string around another twice. There are two types of ways to tie the string: forward and backward.
Forward
To tie something forward, make a 4 with the string. The color you want to show should be the one that bends. Loop it under and through as in the picture and then pull up.
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Backward
To tie something backward, do the opposite of forward. Make a backwards four, the color you want to show still on top. Then loop it under and through, pulling it up tight to finish it.
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The 4 knots used in all patterns are variations of these two ties. Each knot is a combination of one or two of these ties. These are the symbols that will denote what type of knot you need in a pattern.
Forward Knot:
The forward knot is made by tying the string forward twice. |
Backward Knot:
The backward knot is made by tying the string backward twice. |
Backward-Forward Knot:
This knot is made by tying the string backwards once and then forwards once. |
Forward-Backward Knot:
This knot is made by tying the string forward once and then backward once. |
So those are the basics of tying knots. Simple patterns only work with forwards and backwards knot. However, more advanced patters will start to use the other two types of knots to get. Continue on to learn some of the basic bracelet patterns or feel free to explore around the website and look at more complicated patterns.