How to Tie a Cloverleaf Knot | The Chinese Knots Encyclopedia
The cloverleaf is often seen as a symbol of luck and good fortune in many cultures, but in Chinese tradition, the Cloverleaf Knot (酢漿草結) holds a special meaning all its own. Beyond its association with luck, this knot has been used for centuries in China to represent unity and connection.
The Cloverleaf Knot is a simple yet elegant design, made from a single cord intricately woven to create three interlocking loops. These loops are often thought to symbolize the harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity—a core belief in Chinese philosophy.
It’s no surprise, then, that this knot is a popular choice for Chinese New Year, weddings, and other celebrations where people wish for good fortune and happiness.
Interestingly, the Cloverleaf Knot is also connected to feng shui, the practice of creating balance in one’s surroundings. The knot’s flowing, continuous design is believed to help create harmony and attract positive energy when used in decorations or jewelry.
In addition to its symbolic meaning, the Cloverleaf Knot is practical—it often serves as the foundation for more complex and decorative knots, such as the Ruyi Knot (如意). This versatility makes it a beloved staple in Chinese knotting, appearing in everything from clothing accessories to home decor.
Whether you’re making the Cloverleaf Knot as a fun craft or to celebrate a special occasion, it’s a beautiful way to connect with Chinese tradition and share in the wishes for luck, unity, and balance.
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 Cloverleaf Knot
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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