#suzen millodot

Chinese Knots for Beaded Jewelry by Suzen Millodot

I picked up this little book at a used bookshop and was instantly charmed. While we most know Chinese knots from the frog closures on pajamas, this book shows so many different ways that you can use them with jewelry. It offers both sketches and clear photographs of 14 different kinds of knots made of rat tail in full color pages. See the last image of an amethyst chunk with directions. And the book then offers even more examples of finished projects. Your brain will start imagining your own projects as you leaf through.

I was especially taken with the pair of sliding button knots that allow you to lengthen or shorten a necklace. So practical. How often have I tried on a chain pendant and thought, “Nope, this is too long (or too short)” to wear with a particular neckline. Well, problem solved with sliding knots.

Using rat tail this way is also good for coping with large glass or stone beads that you love but that are too heavy to wear as a full beaded necklace. This way, you can use a handful of them and separate them with a light-weight cord. See the rough amethyst chunk again. (Also, you don’t need as many expensive gem beads this way). And the 3-color bracelets made of button knots in the next to last image are a lovely step up from friendship bracelets that had me pondering color harmonies.

You can find this book here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chinese-knots-for-beaded-jewellery-suzen-millodot/1005442696?ean=9780855329686