The True Lover’s knot is a classic.
It’s made by tying two Overhand knots in opposite directions, which creates an eye-catching design.
It’s a decorative knot that is about love, unity, and loyalty.
In the Ashley Book of Knots (ABoK), several knots have been referred to as the True Lover’s knot.
We will learn ABoK #798. Let’s start!
How to Tie a True Lover’s Knot
- Tie an Overhand knot in the middle of the rope.
- Feed the working end through the loop.
- Tie a second Overhand loop which interlocks with the first from step 2.
- Tighten the first knot and then the second one.
To untie, just untie the Overhand knots and the knot will come apart easily.
True Lover’s Knot Details
Type: Decorative
Other Names: True Love Knot, Love Knot
ABoK Reference: #798
What True Lover’s Knot Symbolizes?
The True Lover’s knot is a symbol of love, friendship and affection.
Back in the days when sailors spent months and years at sea, they used this knot as a symbol of connection to loved ones at home.
It’s like a promise to stay loyal to their partner.
It’s regarded as the symbol of luck, prosperity and good fortune in Hindu religion.
In fact, the symmetrical design is an indication of harmonious and strong relationships.
It’s also known as the Buddha knot in Chinese culture which is a symbol of unity and spiritual connection.
Other Similar Knots
Matthew Walker Knot
The Two Strand Matthew Walker (ABoK #2421) is one of the many variations of the True Lover’s knot.
It is used for making decorative Lanyards.
Water Knot
The Water knot (ABoK #1414) is one of the common bend knots used by Anglers. It’s commonly known as the Fisherman’s knot.
Don’t confuse this one with the Water Knot used to tie webbings together.
It is also known as Waterman’s, Englishman’s, or Angler’s knot.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to tie, so anyone can learn this knot and express their love without investing in specific tools and skills.
- Its appealing design can be used to make jewelry and decorative works.
- Difficult to untie this knot once it’s tightened.
- Not as strong as knots like the Bowline and Figure 8 knot, so it’s rarely used in sailing, fishing and climbing.
Applications and Uses
In Hindu tradition, this knot is used in wedding ceremonies as a symbol of the couple’s union.
It signifies the start of the new journey as a couple together.
The interlocked loops of this knot are used to make jewelry like rings, bracelets, necklaces, and other accessories.
Historically, it was used for creating gold wire wedding rings for sailors. It served as a token of love for their partners after a long voyage.
It is used to make a zipper pull, a paracord survival bracelet, and a decorative loop for a lanyard, whistle, and car keys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is True Lover’s Knot a Bend?
NO. The True Lover’s knot is not a bend knot.
It should be used for decorative purposes only and NEVER be used for joining two ropes together.
If you need a bend knot, go through our complete list of bend knots like the Sheet Bend, Double Fisherman’s Knot, Zeppelin Bend, and many more.
That’s it for this article.
Tie a True lover’s knot TODAY and express your love to your beloved one!
