In Imperial China, cash coins weren’t just currency—they were also believed to have protective powers, used to predict the future and ward off evil spirits. These ancient coins were easily recognizable by the square hole in the middle, allowing them to be strung together for storage or carried as charms. The Double Coin Knot (双钱结) was inspired by these coins, with its interlocking loops symbolizing wealth, protection, and harmony.
The Double Coin Knot is a foundational knot in Chinese knotting, often used in more intricate designs like the Cloud Knot. Its symmetrical structure represents the intertwining of fortune and longevity, making it a popular decorative element in jewelry, clothing, and festive decorations, especially during celebrations like Chinese New Year when symbols of prosperity are particularly important.
Beyond its symbolic value, the Double Coin Knot is admired for its aesthetic simplicity. Despite being a basic knot, its overlapping loops create a visually striking design that can stand on its own or serve as the base for more complex knots such as the Cloud knot. Whether used to decorate clothing or as part of a hanging charm, this knot embodies the ancient Chinese belief in the interconnectedness of wealth, luck, and protection.
Read also: Chinese Knots how-to: The complete guide to Chinese New Year traditional craft
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Materials needed:
- Satin cord or Paracord
- Polymer clay slab or any soft board to pin the cord in place
- Sewing pins
- MINI SIZE: Measures 7.5 x 10 inches and made of a 0.5-inch-thick foam. It’s lightweight and small – excellent for travel…
- BOARD: The imprinted 6 x 9-inch grid makes measuring your project easy. It’s also self-healing so you can use pins witho…
- PATENTED CORD MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: There are specially designed notches on all sides of the board that hold cords securely…
- Round 2mm Nylon Cord: Unlike polyester rat tail cord, our soft red nylon cord removes stretchiness & retains shape. The …
- Nylon 2mm Cord for Beading & Jewelry Making: The red cords for jewelry making make perfect satin nylon strings for brace…
- Satin Rattail Cord for Crafts, Crochet, Scrapbooking, & Braiding: The thin nylon cord is great craft string for dream ca…
How to tie the Double Coin Knot (双钱结)
Step by Step Instructions:
Are you interested in Chinese culture?
Check out this post on how to teach Chinese calligraphy to kids, or this list of my favourite Mid-Autumn inspired books.
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