Introduction: Paracord Coaster - Yetter Mat
I will show how to make a paracord coaster with a knot that I created. I have not found this knot pattern anywhere, so I don't know if it has a name. I will call it the Yetter Mat until I can find a better name.
Update: A friend, Ilze Vainovska, found a reference to this knot in a Russian book by Майя Локшина (St.Petersburg, 2015) as the Prophecy knot. Google translated the name as the Divination Knot. The text seems to indicate that this knot is useful when seeking guidance about making changes in your life and the knot should be tied new for each change event in your life. There also seems to be a connection to the Roman Goddess Juno Moneta.
It appears that the knot can be sewn onto tarot card pouches, maybe to increase the accuracy of the card reading.
Update 2: Donald Allen a.k.a The Rope Doctor came up with this design in 2007 as well. He was making floor mats and has hundreds of patterns. This one is described as a 19" diameter.
Supplies
6 - 7 ft of 550 paracord, longer if you plan to triple it.
lacing needle, optional
scissors or knife
lighter
Step 1: Knot Pattern
This is the full pattern.
Update: My friend Ilze Vainovska made an easy to follow image to use as well using the red cord.
Step 2: Make a Loop
Starting from the middle of the cord, make a clockwise loop going over the standing end.
Step 3: Add Another Loop
Cross the working end over the first loop, going over, over O-O
Step 4: Add Another Loop
Cross the first two loops going under, over, under U-O-U
Step 5: Cross the Previous Loop
Cross the previous loop going over, over O-O.
Step 6: Add Another Loop
Add a loop through the middle of the knot, locking in the cord from the last step. This loop goes over, under, under, over, under O-U-U-O-U.
Step 7: Cross the Loop and Standing End
Cross over the last loop and under the standing end. O-O-U
Step 8: Finish the Knot
To finish the knot, follow the path of the pink cord through the center of the knot, alternating over and under. O-U-O-U-O-U-O-U
Step 9: Clean Up the Knot
Take your time and clean up the knot at this time. It will save you time later. Check the small square in the center for squareness. Check the 4 pretzel knots to make sure they are the same size and shape. You should be able to see a large square formed around the knot, just inside of the eight bights.
Step 10: Double the Knot (optional)
Switch the lacing needle to the standing end, which will now become the working end. Feed the needle to the outside of the cord where it exited the knot in Step 8. Carefully follow the cord backwards through the know until you have doubled the first knot. If you run out of cord, as I did, then work the gaps and slack out of the knot until it is properly doubled. Take your time working the knot into the shape and size that you want. When you are done, cut the ends and melt them with the lighter. I usually hide the ends behind the same crossing for a cleaner look.