The Art of Knotting

I have always loved Chinese knotting: the intricate patterns, the symmetry and the beautiful red silk string. It is believed that Chinese knots originated for record keeping purposes, such as recording significant events, and exchanging messages before writing was commonplace. However, soon their purpose evolved to decoration. They were used in clothing, furniture and everyday objects such as pouches and satchels. The knots became increasingly intricate and more beautiful to increase the appeal of the item they graced. They also were used to express, blessings, best wishes, loving sentiments and acted as good luck charms. With all these symbolic connotations, I decided it would be fitting to use a Chinese knot in the packaging of the dish towels. While I would have loved to use an beautiful intricate knot, I settled on the cross knot which is also known as the friendship knot. So come get a dishtowel and let’s be friends!