Learn to make a Chinese knotting bracelet using size 72 jade thread. Step-by-step guide: 2 wraps, 10 flat knots, 5.5cm wrapped sections, and burn finishing.
Introduction
Chinese knotting (中国结) is a beautiful and intricate art form using silk or nylon cords. In this tutorial, you will create a structured bracelet or keychain component using size 72 jade thread (72号玉线) . The design features:
- A two-loop start (绕两圈)
- 10 flat knots (平结) on overlapping 6-strand and 18-strand sections
- 5.5cm wrapped segments on each divided portion
- A 0.5cm wrap on all eight threads combined
- Burn-finished ends for a clean, professional look
Colours shown in the diagram: light blue (浅蓝) and apricot (杏色) .
Note: This project creates one finished component. Repeat for a matching pair.
Difficulty & Time
- Level: Intermediate (requires basic flat knot and wrapping skills)
- Time: 45–60 minutes
- Technique: Flat knots (平结) + wrapped coils (绕线)
Materials & Tools
| Category | Item |
|---|---|
| Cord – Light Blue | Size 72 jade thread (72号玉线) – approx. 2 metres |
| Cord – Apricot | Size 72 jade thread (72号玉线) – approx. 1 metre |
| 6-strand thread | Fine decorative cord (6股线) – colour to match |
| 18-strand thread | Thicker decorative cord (18股线) – contrast colour |
| Scissors | Sharp embroidery scissors |
| Lighter or candle | For burning and sealing cut ends (烧粘) |
| Ruler | For measuring 5.5cm and 0.5cm sections |
| Clip or tape | To hold work in place while knotting |
Understanding the Structure
This project follows a clear sequence of steps (① to ④ as numbered in the diagram):
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| ① | Divide 8 threads into two groups. Wrap 0.5cm on all 8 together. |
| ② | On each group, make a 5.5cm wrapped section. |
| ③ | Overlap 6-strand and 18-strand threads. Tie 10 flat knots. Cut and burn excess. |
| ④ | Pull tight. Cut remaining excess and burn finish. |
The final piece can be used as a bracelet, bag charm, or keychain component.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step ① – Prepare & Wrap 8 Threads Together
What the diagram shows: Eight threads total. Divide into two groups (likely 4 + 4 or 3 + 5 depending on design). Then wrap 0.5cm on all eight together.
How to do it:
- Cut eight threads of size 72 jade thread (colours: light blue and apricot, quantity as per your design).
- Align all eight threads side by side.
- Take a separate piece of fine thread (6-strand or 18-strand) as the wrapping cord.
- Wrap tightly around all eight threads for 0.5 cm.
- Tuck the wrapping cord end under the wraps or glue lightly.
- This creates a neat, unified starting point.
The wrapped section prevents fraying and keeps threads organised for the next step.
Step ② – Create 5.5cm Wrapped Sections on Each Group
What the diagram shows: After Step ①, the threads are divided into two portions. On each portion, make a 5.5cm wrapped section (绕线).
How to do it:
- Separate the eight threads into two equal groups (e.g., 4 threads per group – light blue + apricot mixed).
- Take Group A and wrap it with fine thread for exactly 5.5 cm.
- Do the same for Group B – another 5.5 cm wrap.
- These long wrapped sections will become the decorative arms of the finished piece.
Keep tension even so the wraps lie flat and smooth.
Step ③ – Overlap Threads & Tie 10 Flat Knots
What the diagram shows: Overlap the 6-strand and 18-strand threads. On the overlapping section, tie 10 flat knots (平结) . Then cut and burn the excess.
How to do it:
- Take the 6-strand thread and 18-strand thread (these may be your decorative coloured cords).
- Lay them overlapping each other by about 3–4 cm.
- Using a separate piece of cord (or one of the existing tails), tie 10 consecutive flat knots over the overlapping area.
- Flat knot sequence: left over centre, right over left, through loop, tighten. Repeat alternating sides.
- After 10 knots, check that the knotting is even and snug.
- Cut off the excess tails of the 6-strand and 18-strand threads, leaving about 2–3 mm.
- Burn the cut ends with a lighter or candle flame until they melt and seal (烧粘). Be careful not to burn the main threads.
The flat knots create a sliding or adjustable section, depending on how you arrange the cords.
Step ④ – Pull Tight & Final Cut/Burn
What the diagram shows: Pull the threads tight. Cut any remaining excess and burn the ends.
How to do it:
- Gently but firmly pull all threads to tighten the entire structure.
- Make sure the 5.5cm wrapped sections are straight and parallel.
- Identify any remaining loose ends (from previous steps or final tails).
- Cut them off close to the knot or wrap.
- Burn the cut ends carefully to seal – touch the melted tip to the main cord for a clean finish.
Your component is now complete. It can be used as-is or connected to other findings (clasps, rings, tassels).
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Thread quality matters – Use genuine size 72 jade thread (玉线) for consistent thickness and burn behaviour.
- Wrap tightly – Loose wraps will slide and ruin the structure. Use a wrapping tool or pull firmly with each pass.
- Flat knot count – Exactly 10 knots, as shown. Count out loud to avoid mistakes.
- Burn, don’t scorch – Hold the flame 1–2 cm away. Melt the end into a small ball, then press gently against the cord.
- Work on a board – Pin your threads to a cork board to keep tension even, especially during the long 5.5cm wraps.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Wraps come undone | Not tucked or glued | Tuck the wrapping tail under 3–4 previous wraps, then add a tiny drop of glue |
| Flat knots are crooked | Uneven tension left vs right | Practice on scrap cord until both sides feel equal |
| Burned ends are black | Flame too close or held too long | Use the blue part of the flame (cooler) and melt slowly |
| 5.5cm wraps differ in length | No ruler used | Measure carefully – even 2mm difference will be visible |
| Threads twist | Wrapping direction changed | Always wrap in the same direction (e.g., always away from you) |
Colour Variations
| Palette | Effect |
|---|---|
| Light blue + Apricot (as shown) | Soft, spring-like, feminine |
| Red + Gold | Festive, traditional Chinese New Year |
| Black + White | Modern, monochrome, graphic |
| Purple + Pink | Romantic, whimsical |
| Green + Brown | Earthy, natural, unisex |
What to Make with This Component
Once you complete steps ①–④, you have a structured cord element that can be:
- A bracelet closure – Add a loop and button on opposite ends.
- A keychain – Attach a split ring to one wrapped section.
- A bag charm – Add a lobster clasp and decorative tassel.
- A zipper pull – Slide the flat knot section onto a zipper tab.
- A necklace focal – String beads onto the wrapped sections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is size 72 jade thread (72号玉线)?
A: It is a medium-thickness nylon thread (approx. 0.8mm) commonly used in Chinese knotting. It holds shape well and melts cleanly when burned.
Q: What do 6-strand and 18-strand mean?
A: They refer to the number of fine threads twisted together to make a decorative cord. 18-strand is thicker and shinier than 6-strand.
Q: Do I have to burn the ends?
A: For jewellery that will be worn, yes – burning seals the threads and prevents unraveling. For static craft projects, you may use glue instead.
Q: Can I use a different cord size?
A: Yes, but adjust measurements. Thicker cord needs fewer wraps and shorter wrapped sections. Thinner cord needs more wraps.
Q: How do I make an adjustable closure with flat knots?
A: After Step ③, leave the two outer cords longer. The 10 flat knots will slide along the centre cords, creating a adjustable bracelet.
Finished Look & Dimensions
When completed correctly, your piece will have:
- Total length: Approximately 12–14 cm (including both 5.5cm sections + 0.5cm centre wrap + flat knot area)
- Wrapped sections: Smooth, tight, uniform colour bands
- Flat knot section: 10 even, symmetrical knots
- Ends: Cleanly burned, no fraying
The light blue and apricot combination (浅蓝、杏色) gives a soft, elegant appearance suitable for daily wear or gifts.
Conclusion
This Chinese knotting project using 72号玉线 (size 72 jade thread) teaches three essential skills:
- Wrapped coils (绕线) – both short (0.5cm) and long (5.5cm)
- Flat knots (平结) – 10 consecutive for structure
- Burn finishing (烧粘) – professional end sealing
By following the four main steps – wrapping all eight threads, creating 5.5cm sections, tying 10 flat knots over overlapped 6/18-strand threads, and final tightening – you will produce a neat, durable component ready for jewellery or accessory assembly.
