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Commercial Yarns

    Commercial yarns can be converted to knotting yarns for any purpose. They can be used on a woven, knitted or crocheted garment for embellishment (sample COM8) or be functional (sample COM5). The knotting cords can also be used for matching accessories (sample COM1B)
    Most of the threads used for weaving are suitable for only fine knots that are not very distinct. To be used for accents these yarns need to be altered slightly (samples COM2). Either bulked up or made denser. First decide what diameter the finished yarn needs to be. check to see what the finish twist on the yarn is. If the yarns needs to be bulked up by double or triple it will be necessary to add twist to the original yarn first. If it is Z spun add more Z twist until the twist angle is 45 degrees if the fiber can tolerate that amount of twist, if not add as much as possible without breaking the yarn. Ply to an balanced yarn in a standard method if a two ply is desired. I prefer a three or more ply for knotting. I find a Navajo three ply is convenient but a standard three ply is every bit as acceptable. Just make sure the yarn is balanced or set the twist to be stable by some permanent means such as steam setting before knotting begins.
    If the yarn needs to be bulked up more that three times make samples and plan the ply of the final knotting yarn. For a four ply either: 1) add twist to the singles as for the two and three plies and ply in a strait four ply cord; or 2) add twist to two singles together and then fold but be sure to check the twist of the original yarn and add your first twist in that same direction. Many yarns will need to be bulked up considerably. the most effective way of bulking them up quickly and evenly is to Navajo ply either one or more strands of the original weaving yarn, giving a twist angle of about 45 degrees. Then either Navajo ply them again in the opposite direction on do a convention fold to balance the twist. Sometimes your might want to over spin the second ply and then ply a third time to achieve the desired diameter yarn.

COM1B
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SAMPLE COM1B (Sample Card Text)

Sliding Button Knots adjust this necklace to go over your head.   Make the necklace long or  short.  Could not be used with cord that will abrade.  Necklaces made with delicate yarns or cords should have metal findings or no closure.  Tassels were used historically.

    To convert knitting (sample COM3) and crochet yarns to knotting cords follow the same instructions as for weaving cords. But the finished cords should be softer and more flexible if they are going to be used to embellish the knitted or crochet garment. You would not want anything too harsh sewn onto your wearables (sample COM1). Another factor to keep in mind if the cord will be used as embellishment on the knitted or crocheted garment: the knotting cord should be large enough not to disappear in the sit pattern on the garment.
Some of the most important aspects to remember while spinning knotting cords from commercial yarns are:
    1) Add as much twist as possible on all but the last plies to achieve as hard a cord as possible.
    2) Always check the direction of the twist of the initial yarn and twist first in that direction.
    3) Try to plan as round a diameter yarn as possible for better defined knots.
    4) The yarn needs to be balanced when finished.
    5) A fuzzy or textured yarn will not show the knots off well but in some cases is
        suitable for a particular project (sample COM7).
    6) Variegated colored yarn do not show off most knots well and are difficult to keep
        track of the threads while tying the knots.
    7) Necessary strength is dependent on the intended use. A cord may be weak if no
        tension will be on the final knots.
    8) Generally, elasticity is not desirable.
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