This is a simple Celtic knot. It shows a simple continuous woven path.
I like the way the path of the knot goes over and under and round and round, right back to the beginning.
Um, er, look again . . .
This Celtic knot is a flat, two-dimensional drawing of an impossible object.
“Impossible?” you ask? I challenge you to recreate the Celtic knot shown, using a closed loop (like a rubber band) WITHOUT cutting and re-joining the ends.
Since the knot is only a drawing, there is no “over.”
There is no “under.”
“There is no spoon.” (A favorite line from The Matrix.)
As well as viewing a Celtic knot as a path, try looking at it as a series of shapes; in this case, four corners, two curves, and one straight bar.
Arrange them like the drawing to get this:
Well, that’s closer . . .
Look at the drawing again . . . What’s missing?
In the drawing, black lines separate the shapes. My fabric shapes are butted up against each other, with no separation.
What if I add a little space between the shapes ?
Now, that’s better!
I advocate using spaced shapes to create Celtic knots.
You wanna know the beauty of this method?
These shapes are scaleable . . . make them as large or as small as you want (or can manage).
Just make sure there’s sufficient space separating them.
Tell me your thoughts in the comments.
I think you’ve done the impossible 🙂
LOL!! How so, Diana??
well explained. and it makes me want to make celtic knots. I’ll add it to my list of things to do :). Or just wait till you sell yours haha. the shapes could be a stencil as well to use paint or dye.
Thank you, Marg!! (I’ll rummage around to see what’s for sale, lol!!)
Stencils are a great idea!! People besides quilters would have a use for them!!
You make that so easy! Now I want to try this. :o)
Lisa, believe me . . . It really IS as easy as it looks!!
Have you joined my mailing list for your free DIY Celtic Knots eBook?? C’mon and give it a try!!
I did (with my other email), and it is a great eBook! I’m looking forward to working with it. :o)
That is the best description of Celtic Knots I have read anywhere … thank you!
I love following the knot to check that all the unders and overs are in the right places!
Thank you very much!! And, you’re welcome!!
I’d be willing to bet that it would be pretty obvious if there were two “overs” or two “unders” in a row, lol!!