Thank you for sharing this Japanese knotting guide. It contains instructions for two distinct techniques:
- 二重り結び (Nijūri Musubi) – Double Loop Knot
- タッチング結び (Tatchingu Musubi) – Tatting Knot (similar to a series of half-hitch knots used in decorative lace-making)
The guide also uses くみひも (kumihimo) – Japanese braided cord – as the material. Below is a complete how-to guide, full meaning, and full understanding of both knots, with translations and clarifications.
How to Tie Japanese Double Loop Knot & Tatting Knot: Complete Guide
Full Meaning of the Instructions
Materials
- Kumihimo cord (Japanese braided cord) – 100cm in length, 1 piece
- Adhesive/glue – to prevent the final knot from unraveling
- Beads/pass-through components (optional – indicated by “パーツを通す”)
General Structure
The project has:
- Front side (表面) – the decorative face
- Back side (裏面) – where ends are hidden
- Starting from the center (★) of the cord
Part 1: Double Loop Knot (二重り結び / Nijūri Musubi)
Full Meaning
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 二重 (nijū) | Double / two-layer |
| り結び (ri musubi) | Loop knot |
| Function | Creates two parallel loops, often used as a decorative slide or closure |
This knot is similar to a double overhand loop or a French whipping in Western terminology, but arranged symmetrically for jewelry.
Step-by-Step Translation & Clarification
| Step (from diagram text) | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| Right fold, pass through loop | Fold the right cord back and insert it through the loop |
| Left fold | Fold the left cord back similarly |
| Fold the loop upward | Bring the bottom loop up |
| Create a loop on the opposite side, pass through already braided cord (☆) and the loop. Use an awl if cord is difficult to pass. | On the other side, make a loop and thread it through the marked reference point (☆). Use a pin or awl to widen gaps. |
| Fold downward, pass through already braided cord (▲) | Fold the cord down and thread it through the second reference point (▲) |
| Shape adjustment (形を整える) | Adjust the knot so the loops are even and symmetrical |
| Final dimensions: approx. 8mm × 3.3cm × 3.3cm | The finished knot should measure roughly 8mm thick and 3.3cm in each direction |
Final Step (共通)
Apply glue (接着剤) to the finishing knot (くちの結び目) so it cannot come undone.
Part 2: Tatting Knot (タッチング結び / Tatchingu Musubi)
Full Meaning
Tatting is a technique for making lace-like knots using a series of half-hitch knots worked in alternating directions. In Japanese cord work, it creates a dense, textured chain.
The diagram shows:
- A and B – two working cords or two sides of the same cord
- 9 repetitions (9回) of the two-step sequence
Step-by-Step Translation
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| ① | Pass A over B, wrap clockwise, bring to the front of the loop |
| ② | Pass A under B, wrap clockwise, bring to the back of the loop |
| Count | One complete tatting knot = ① + ② |
| Repeat | Do steps ①–② nine times total |
Visual Clarification
The diagram shows a zigzag or alternating pattern:
- Left side A, right side B
- First knot: A over B (front)
- Second knot: A under B (back)
- This creates a flat, braid-like chain
This is essentially the same as a series of half-hitches or a cobra knot but worked with a single cord doubled back on itself.
Full Understanding: How These Knots Work Together
| Element | Role |
|---|---|
| Double loop knot | Creates a decorative, symmetrical loop structure at the center |
| Tatting knot | Builds a textured chain extending from the loops |
| Kumihimo cord | Provides stiffness and a braided surface that holds shape well |
| Glue | Essential because Japanese cords can be slippery; glue locks the final knot |
The double loop acts as a connector – it can attach to a clasp, another cord, or a bead. The tatting knot chain becomes the main body of a bracelet or strap.
How-To Guide (Simplified)
For the Double Loop Knot
- Find the exact center of your 100cm kumihimo cord.
- Form a small loop on the right side. Fold the right end back and pass it through this loop.
- Form a matching loop on the left side. Fold the left end back.
- Take the bottom loop and fold it upward.
- On the opposite side, create a new loop. Thread the cord through both the marked reference point (☆) and the new loop. Use an awl to open gaps if needed.
- Fold the cord downward and thread it through the second reference point (▲).
- Gently pull and adjust all loops until they are even. Target size: 8mm thick × 3.3cm wide × 3.3cm long.
- Apply a small drop of glue to the final knot to lock it.
For the Tatting Knot (9 repetitions)
- Identify the two working strands (A and B). They may be the two ends of the same cord or two separate cords.
- First half-knot: Bring A over B, wrap clockwise, and pull A to the front.
- Second half-knot: Bring A under B, wrap clockwise, and pull A to the back.
- Count this as 1 complete tatting knot.
- Repeat steps 2–4 nine times.
- The result should be a flat, braided chain approximately 3–5cm long (depending on cord thickness).
Common Mistakes & Fixes
| Mistake | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Double loop is asymmetrical | Left and right loops not matched | Count folds carefully; adjust before gluing |
| Tatting knot twists | Always wrapping the same direction | Follow ① (over) then ② (under) strictly |
| Cord too tight to pass | Knots cinched too early | Keep loops loose until final shaping |
| Glue visible | Too much adhesive | Use a toothpick to apply a tiny drop only on the knot |
Connection to Your Artisanal Purple Macrame Bracelet
| Japanese Technique | How to Use in Purple Bracelet |
|---|---|
| Double loop knot | Create a decorative centerpiece or a loop for a toggle clasp |
| Tatting knot chain | Replace a plain braided section with a textured, lace-like band |
| Kumihimo cord | Use 2mm purple braided cord for a traditional Japanese feel |
| Glue finish | Secure sliding knots or end knots on purple paracord |
For an artisanal fusion piece, combine:
- Chinese Pan Chang knot (eternity)
- Japanese double loop + tatting chain (texture)
- Purple kumihimo cord (color)
- Monkey’s fist (weighted end)
Final Pro Tip: Japanese Glue Finish
In Japanese cord work, glue is not a shortcut – it is part of the traditional finishing method. Use clear craft glue (like Bondic or GS Hypo Cement) that dries invisible. Apply only to the final knot, not to adjustable loops.
