Multiple Overhand Knot

The Multiple Overhand Knot can be used as a stopper knot, heaving line knot or decorative knot. The Multiple Overhand, tied over a needle, is referred to as the 'French Knot' in embroidery.

The Multiple Overhand Knot is a crucial component of the 'Quipu', a sophisticated counting and record-keeping system developed by the Inca Empire in the 13th century. Deriving its name from the Quechua word for 'knot', a quipu (also spelled khipu) is comprised of variously colored strings, each festooned with knots and attached to a main cord. The type and position of each knot, coupled with the string's color, conveyed specific information — a method essential for managing the empire's resources and population, especially given the absence of a conventional written language. Multiple overhand knots, ranging from a single overhand to a complex ten-turn knot, were employed to represent numerical values, likely following a base-ten system.

The Multiple Overhand Knot builds upon the Double and Triple Overhand Knots by adding extra turns. While the multiple variant can be tied in the same way as the double and triple versions, we have found that, past three turns, it becomes more and more difficult to dress the knot. Wrapping the cord around a finger or dowel, tying the Multiple Overhand as shown in the animation is much easier to get a neat and correctly dressed knot. In this manner you can easily add as many turns as desired, provided you can thread the working end back through the turns.