Fun with Chinese Knotting: Making Your Own Fashion Accessories and Accents [Hardcover]

Lydia Chen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 2007

The art of knotting is an old and revered part of Chinese life. Used for a variety of practical and decorative purposes over the centuries, Chinese knotwork is intricate and full of magnificent color combinations that lend elegance to everyday objects.

In Fun with Chinese Knotting, author Lydia Chen focuses on Chinese knots as fashion accessoriesùhair ornaments, earrings, necklaces, pendants, brooches, belts, bracelets and ankletsùand as accents on clothing. Detailed instructions, clear diagrams, and beautiful color photographs illustrating the creative use of Chinese knots and the variety of materials used make this book attractive, useful and a source of inspiration for craftspeople everywhere.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Lydia Chen is a leading authority on traditional Chinese decorative knotting. She has taught knotting at colleges, held several exhibitions of her work, and authored several books on the subject.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing (June 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804836787
• ISBN-13: 978-0804836784
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #688,879 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Lovely pictures, nice diagrams, but how do I hold the thread????, August 12, 2009

By 

Suzanne R. Arnholt (Boone, NC) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fun with Chinese Knotting: Making Your Own Fashion Accessories and Accents (Hardcover)

The ideas for how to use Chinese knots are quite well presented and documented. Unfortunately, you must own the book Chinese Knotting to complete many of the designs (as several of the knots used are NOT in Fun with Chinese Knotting). The thread paths for the knots are quite clear. My biggest complaint is that there is no instruction on how to HOLD THE THREAD! Pinning these super complicated knots to cork board is just not feasible every time you want to tie the same knot. I doubt the originators of the knots pinned them out according to diagrams...there must be a way to hold the thread and have "under/over" patterns around fingers for most of the weaving patterns. It is a shame those were not shared. It was especially disappointing that the truly Giant Pan Chang knots weren't diagrammed, just shown and then we are told "tie a pan chang knot." A 4X4 thread square is diagrammed, but some of the pictures clearly show 8X8 knots.

This book has neat ideas, good diagrams, and nice exposition. It requires Chinese Knotting to complete patterns and an ability to expand on an ordinary pan chang knot.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book, great skill builder, November 4, 2010

By 

sewinglady - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fun with Chinese Knotting: Making Your Own Fashion Accessories and Accents (Hardcover)

This book is lots of fun! Lydia Chen presents Chinese tradition and helps you explore the endless possibilities of creating your own unique designs! I bought the book to gain insight on the button knot and was very pleased to find such a wonderful resource. I will definitely look to this book for inspiration again and again! This book was used, but looked brand new, thank you for a great experience!

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent pick., February 6, 2008

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fun with Chinese Knotting: Making Your Own Fashion Accessories and Accents (Hardcover)

Chinese knotting or macrame is an old art form in China, with many patterns having been used for practical and decorative purposes for years. FUN WITH CHINESE KNOTTING: MAKING YOUR OWN FASHION ACCESSORIES AND ACCENTS focuses on the use and applications of Chinese knots as fashion accessories, clothing accepts, and home additions. Nine basic knots, nineteen compound knots and five tassel designs are featured in step-by-step instructions, diagrams and tips on typing and using materials. Collections strong in crafter's guides will find it an excellent pick.

Diane C. Donovan

California Bookwatch