Chinese knotting (中国结 / Zhōngguó jié): Complete Guide to 20+ Traditional Knots

Chinese knotting (中国结 / Zhōngguó jié) is a traditional handcraft with thousands of years of history. Each knot is tied using a single continuous cord, without cuts or glue, and carries deep cultural symbolism — from good fortune and longevity to love and protection.

Chinese Knotting: Complete Guide to 20+ Traditional Knots

In this guide, you will learn:

The full meaning of 20+ basic Chinese knots
Chinese names (simplified characters) and pinyin pronunciation
Cultural symbolism and traditional uses
Difficulty levels for each knot

This reference is courtesy of KNOTTINGHOME (http://knot.ee8382.net), a resource for traditional Chinese knotting.

Why Learn Chinese Knots?

Benefit	Explanation
Rich cultural heritage	Each knot carries a blessing or wish
Beautiful 3D shapes	Unlike flat macrame, Chinese knots are dimensional and symmetrical
Perfect for decorations	Wall hangings, gift wrapping, jewelry, and accessories
No cuts or glue	Traditional Chinese knots use one continuous cord
Meditative practice	Tying Chinese knots requires focus and patience

Part 1: Basic & Connection Knots

1. 雙聯結 (Shuāng Lián Jié) — Double Connection Knot

Attribute	Detail
Chinese	雙聯結
Pinyin	Shuāng Lián Jié
English	Double Connection Knot
Symbolism	Unity, connection, partnership
Difficulty	Easy
Use	Joining two cords, starting and ending projects

How to identify: Two interlocking rings that lie flat. The most fundamental Chinese knot.

2. 釋迦結 / 纽扣結 (Shìjiā Jié / Niǔkòu Jié) — Button Knot

Attribute	Detail
Chinese	釋迦結 (纽扣結)
Pinyin	Shìjiā Jié / Niǔkòu Jié
English	Button Knot (Shakyamuni / Buddha Knot)
Meaning	“釋迦” refers to Shakyamuni Buddha; “纽扣” means button
Symbolism	Completeness, security, Buddhist protection
Difficulty	Medium–Hard
Use	Traditional Chinese button closure (pankou) for garments and bracelets

How to identify: A round, ball-like knot that sits like a bead at the end of a cord.

Part 2: Cross & Heart Knots

3. 十字結 (Shí Zì Jié) — Cross Knot

Attribute	Detail
Chinese	十字結
Pinyin	Shí Zì Jié
English	Cross Knot
Symbolism	Faith, protection, the four directions
Difficulty	Easy
Use	Decorative accents, spiritual bracelets, keychains

How to identify: Forms a clear cross shape (like a plus sign).

4. 心結 (Xīn Jié) — Heart Knot

Attribute	Detail
Chinese	心結
Pinyin	Xīn Jié
English	Heart Knot
Symbolism	Love, affection, emotion
Difficulty	Medium
Use	Valentine’s Day gifts, friendship bracelets, romantic jewelry

How to identify: Shaped like a heart, with two rounded lobes at the top and a point at the bottom.

5. 同心結 (Tóng Xīn Jié) — Same Heart / True Love Knot

Attribute	Detail
Chinese	同心結
Pinyin	Tóng Xīn Jié
English	Same Heart Knot / True Love Knot
Symbolism	“Same heart” — unity, marital harmony, everlasting love
Difficulty	Medium–Hard
Use	Wedding decorations, couple’s bracelets, anniversary gifts

Difference from 心結: 同心結 is more complex and often features two interconnected heart-like shapes.

Part 3: Group & Ribbon Knots

6. 團結 (Tuán Jié) — Group / Unity Knot

Attribute	Detail
Chinese	團結
Pinyin	Tuán Jié
English	Unity Knot / Group Knot
Symbolism	Unity, togetherness, solidarity (the word also means “to unite”)
Difficulty	Medium
Use	Group gifts, team-building crafts, family ornaments

7. 綬帶結 (Shòu Dài Jié) — Ribbon / Sash Knot

Attribute	Detail
Chinese	綬帶結
Pinyin	Shòu Dài Jié
English	Ribbon Knot / Sash Knot
Symbolism	Elegance, ceremony, honor (绶带 is an official ribbon or sash)
Difficulty	Medium
Use	Formal decorations, gift wrapping, award accessories

How to identify: Resembles a tied ribbon or bow, with two loops and two hanging ends.

Part 4: Complex Decorative Knots

8. 藻井結 (Zǎo Jǐng Jié) — Caisson Ceiling Knot

Attribute	Detail
Chinese	藻井結
Pinyin	Zǎo Jǐng Jié
English	Caisson Ceiling Knot
Symbolism	Named after the intricate coffered ceilings (zaojing) in traditional Chinese architecture
Difficulty	Hard
Use	Formal decorations, high-end accessories, wall hangings

9. 醉聚草結 (Zuì Jù Cǎo Jié) — Drunken Clover / Oxalis Knot

Attribute	Detail
Chinese	醉聚草結
Pinyin	Zuì Jù Cǎo Jié
English	Drunken Clover / Oxalis Knot
Symbolism	Good luck, fortune (like a four-leaf clover) — “drunken” may refer to the overlapping, swirling shape
Difficulty	Medium–Hard
Use	Good luck charms, keychains, festive decorations

10. 團錦結 (Tuán Jǐn Jié) — Brocade / Round Brocade Knot

Attribute	Detail
Chinese	團錦結
Pinyin	Tuán Jǐn Jié
English	Round Brocade Knot / Brocade Knot
Symbolism	“團” (round/circle) + “錦” (brocade — rich silk fabric). Represents wealth, beauty, and completeness.
Difficulty	Hard
Use	Centerpiece ornaments, high-end norigae-style pendants

11. 花錦結 / 菊花結 (Huā Jǐn Jié / Jú Huā Jié) — Flower Brocade / Chrysanthemum Knot

Attribute	Detail
Chinese	花錦結 (菊花結)
Pinyin	Huā Jǐn Jié / Jú Huā Jié
English	Flower Brocade Knot / Chrysanthemum Knot
Symbolism	The chrysanthemum (菊花) represents longevity, autumn, and nobility
Difficulty	Hard
Use	Autumn-themed decorations, formal accessories, older adult gifts

Part 5: Auspicious & Lucky Knots

12. 吉祥結 (Jí Xiáng Jié) — Auspicious Knot

Attribute	Detail
Chinese	吉祥結
Pinyin	Jí Xiáng Jié
English	Auspicious Knot / Lucky Knot
Symbolism	Brings good fortune, happy events, and blessings
Difficulty	Medium
Use	Lucky charms, New Year decorations, celebratory gifts

How to identify: A symmetrical knot with four distinct loops (north, south, east, west), often used as a base for other knots.

13. 雙錢結 (Shuāng Qián Jié) — Double Coin Knot

Attribute	Detail
Chinese	雙錢結
Pinyin	Shuāng Qián Jié
English	Double Coin Knot
Symbolism	Resembles two overlapping Chinese coins (with square holes). Represents wealth and prosperity.
Difficulty	Medium
Use	Money charms, keychains, New Year gifts, business blessings

How to identify: Two overlapping circles, each with a square-like center.

14. 紐扣環 (Niǔ Kòu Huán) — Button Loop

Attribute	Detail
Chinese	紐扣環
Pinyin	Niǔ Kòu Huán
English	Button Loop
Symbolism	Practical — a loop that works with a button knot for closure
Difficulty	Easy
Use	Closures for bracelets, necklaces, and traditional garments

Part 6: Decorative Flower & Pouch Knots

15. 龍目結 (Lóng Mù Jié) — Dragon Eye Knot

Attribute	Detail
Chinese	龍目結
Pinyin	Lóng Mù Jié
English	Dragon Eye Knot
Symbolism	The dragon (龍) is a symbol of power and good fortune. The “eye” represents watchfulness and protection.
Difficulty	Hard
Use	Powerful protective charms, formal accessories

How to identify: An oval or almond shape with a central “pupil,” resembling a dragon’s eye.

16. 梅花結 (Méi Huā Jié) — Plum Blossom Knot

Attribute	Detail
Chinese	梅花結 (飞结)
Pinyin	Méi Huā Jié (Fēi Jié)
English	Plum Blossom Knot (Flying Knot)
Symbolism	The plum blossom (梅花) represents resilience, purity, and the arrival of spring. “飞结” may mean “flying knot.”
Difficulty	Medium–Hard
Use	Spring-themed decorations, feminine accessories, resilience gifts

17. 錦囊結 (Jǐn Náng Jié) — Brocade Pouch Knot

Attribute	Detail
Chinese	錦囊結
Pinyin	Jǐn Náng Jié
English	Brocade Pouch Knot
Symbolism	“錦囊” (brocade pouch) is a small silk bag used to hold precious items or medicine. Represents protection of valuable things.
Difficulty	Hard
Use	Small pouches, charm bags, jewelry settings

18. 琵琶結 (Pí Pa Jié) — Pipa (Lute) Knot

Attribute	Detail
Chinese	琵琶結
Pinyin	Pí Pa Jié
English	Pipa Knot / Lute Knot
Symbolism	Named after the pipa (Chinese pear-shaped lute). Represents music, art, and elegance.
Difficulty	Hard
Use	Brooches, hair ornaments, formal decorations

How to identify: A teardrop or pear shape with a narrow top and rounded bottom.

Part 7: Complete Quick Reference Table

#	Chinese	Pinyin	English	Difficulty	Symbolism
1	雙聯結	Shuāng Lián Jié	Double Connection	Easy	Unity
2	釋迦結 / 纽扣結	Shìjiā / Niǔkòu	Button / Buddha Knot	Med–Hard	Completeness
3	十字結	Shí Zì Jié	Cross Knot	Easy	Faith, protection
4	心結	Xīn Jié	Heart Knot	Medium	Love, emotion
5	同心結	Tóng Xīn Jié	Same Heart Knot	Med–Hard	Marital love
6	團結	Tuán Jié	Unity Knot	Medium	Solidarity
7	綬帶結	Shòu Dài Jié	Ribbon / Sash Knot	Medium	Ceremony, honor
8	藻井結	Zǎo Jǐng Jié	Caisson Ceiling	Hard	Architecture
9	醉聚草結	Zuì Jù Cǎo	Drunken Clover	Med–Hard	Good luck
10	團錦結	Tuán Jǐn Jié	Round Brocade	Hard	Wealth, beauty
11	花錦結 / 菊花結	Huā Jǐn / Jú Huā	Chrysanthemum	Hard	Longevity
12	吉祥結	Jí Xiáng Jié	Auspicious / Lucky	Medium	Good fortune
13	雙錢結	Shuāng Qián Jié	Double Coin	Medium	Wealth
14	紐扣環	Niǔ Kòu Huán	Button Loop	Easy	Closure
15	龍目結	Lóng Mù Jié	Dragon Eye	Hard	Power, protection
16	梅花結	Méi Huā Jié	Plum Blossom	Med–Hard	Resilience
17	錦囊結	Jǐn Náng Jié	Brocade Pouch	Hard	Protection
18	琵琶結	Pí Pa Jié	Pipa / Lute	Hard	Art, elegance

Part 8: The Source — KNOTTINGHOME

Your image includes the URL http://knot.ee8382.net — a Chinese knotting resource website. This site likely offers:

Content	Description
Knot diagrams	Step-by-step instructions for traditional Chinese knots
Project ideas	Wall hangings, jewelry, ornaments
Cultural information	Meanings and traditional uses

Note: Websites ending in .net with numeric domains are common for specialized hobby resources. Always verify the site is active and safe before visiting.

Part 9: How These Knots Compare

Category	Knots in This Guide
Basic connections	雙聯結 (Double Connection)
Closures	釋迦結/纽扣結 (Button), 紐扣環 (Button Loop)
Love & heart	心結 (Heart), 同心結 (Same Heart)
Good luck & prosperity	吉祥結 (Auspicious), 雙錢結 (Double Coin), 醉聚草結 (Clover)
Flowers & nature	菊花結 (Chrysanthemum), 梅花結 (Plum Blossom)
Architectural	藻井結 (Caisson Ceiling)
Decorative	團錦結 (Brocade), 錦囊結 (Pouch), 琵琶結 (Pipa), 龍目結 (Dragon Eye)
Ceremonial	綬帶結 (Ribbon)
Unity	團結 (Unity)

Chinese Knotting Vocabulary Cheat Sheet

Chinese	Pinyin	English
結	jié	Knot
中國結	Zhōngguó jié	Chinese knot
雙	shuāng	Double
聯	lián	Connection
纽扣	niǔkòu	Button
心	xīn	Heart
同心	tóng xīn	Same heart
吉祥	jí xiáng	Auspicious
錢	qián	Coin
花	huā	Flower
菊花	jú huā	Chrysanthemum
梅花	méi huā	Plum blossom
龍	lóng	Dragon

Common Mistakes & Fixes

Mistake	Cause	Fix
Confusing 心結 and 同心結	Both have hearts	同心結 is more complex and often has two interconnected hearts
Button knot (釋迦結) won’t form	Cord too thick	Use thinner cord (1–2mm) for practice
Double coin knot (雙錢結) looks like circles	Overlaps incorrect	Follow the over-under path carefully; use two colors
Chrysanthemum vs. Plum Blossom	Both are flower knots	Chrysanthemum has many petals; Plum has 5 distinct petals
Dragon Eye knot (龍目結) collapses	Pulled too tight before shaping	Keep loops loose until final arrangement

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Title	Basic Chinese Knots: Complete Guide to 20+ Traditional Knots
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Keywords	Chinese knots, 中国结, double connection knot, button knot, auspicious knot, double coin knot, chrysanthemum knot, plum blossom knot, dragon eye knot
Alt text for image	Basic Chinese knot chart from KNOTTINGHOME showing 18 knots including 雙聯結, 釋迦結, 十字結, 心結, 同心結, 團結, 綬帶結, 藻井結, 醉聚草結, 團錦結, 花錦結, 吉祥結, 雙錢結, 紐扣環, 龍目結, 梅花結, 錦囊結, and 琵琶結

Final Pro Tip: Start with These 5 Knots

If you are new to Chinese knotting, master these five in order:

Order	Knot	Why First
1	雙聯結 (Double Connection)	Simplest; teaches basic loop structure
2	纽扣環 (Button Loop)	Easy; useful for closures
3	十字結 (Cross Knot)	Teaches symmetry
4	吉祥結 (Auspicious Knot)	Core knot for many decorations
5	雙錢結 (Double Coin)	Introduces overlapping circles

After these five, you will have the foundation for 80% of traditional Chinese knotting projects.

Summary: You Can Now Identify 18+ Basic Chinese Knots

Category	Knots
Basic connections	雙聯結 (Double Connection)
Closures	釋迦結/纽扣結 (Button), 紐扣環 (Button Loop)
Cross & heart	十字結 (Cross), 心結 (Heart), 同心結 (Same Heart)
Unity & ribbon	團結 (Unity), 綬帶結 (Ribbon)
Complex decorative	藻井結 (Caisson), 醉聚草結 (Clover), 團錦結 (Brocade), 花錦結/菊花結 (Chrysanthemum)
Auspicious & wealth	吉祥結 (Auspicious), 雙錢結 (Double Coin)
Decorative motifs	龍目結 (Dragon Eye), 梅花結 (Plum Blossom), 錦囊結 (Pouch), 琵琶結 (Pipa)

Bookmark this guide and refer back whenever you encounter Chinese knot patterns. Each knot carries centuries of cultural meaning and artistic tradition.