Knotwork

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1M+2M set and link while 1L+2L reverse set and link (1s end facing out), 1s+3s set and ½ turn on sides (Men LH and Ladies RH)
9-16 2s+3s+1s dance reflection reels on own sides (1s dance up between 3s who dance out and down to start)
17-24 1s set, cross RH, cast up to 2nd place and turn LH to face 1st corners
25-32 1s dance ½ diagonal reel of 4 with 1st corners, pass RSh and dance ½ reel with 2nd corners ending in 2nd place opposite sides
33-40 3s+1s+2s turn partners RH and chase clockwise ½ way to own sides

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

Keith Rose's Crib Diagrams

Knotwork - Full Size And Key To Symbols

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In practical applications, knots are categorised based on their function: hitches secure a rope to another object; bends join two rope ends; loop knots create fixed loops; and splices involve interweaving strands to form a continuous rope. These knots are integral in activities such as sailing, climbing, and rescue operations.​

Beyond their utilitarian uses, knots hold significance in mathematics, particularly in knot theory, which studies the properties of knots as closed loops in three-dimensional space. This field explores how knots can be transformed or classified without cutting the loop, contributing to areas like topology and molecular biology.​

Knots of ancient origin include the bottle sling, bowline, cat's paw, clove hitch, cow hitch, double fisherman's knot, eskimo bowline, figure-eight knot, fisherman's knot, half hitch, kalmyk loop, one-sided overhand bend, overhand knot, overhand loop, reef knot, running bowline, single hitch, thief knot, Turk's head knot, and two half-hitches.

Knots also feature prominently in cultural and symbolic contexts. For instance, the endless knot is a symbol in various spiritual traditions, representing concepts like eternity and interconnectedness. In decorative arts, intricate knotwork designs appear in textiles, jewellery, and architecture, reflecting aesthetic values and craftsmanship.​

The study and application of knots encompass a diverse range of disciplines, from practical problem-solving in physical tasks to abstract theoretical research and cultural expression.

Knot Board On Ship, Elbe 1, c. 1965

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