What do you think?
Rate this book
The Year of Knots: Modern Projects, Inspiration, and Creative Reinvention
“Knots symbolize many things, from tension, to energy, to love. The Year of Knots explores all of those things, as Windy Chien brings her gift for storytelling, her passion for her craft, and her straightforward teaching style to this gorgeous knot-making guide.” ―Lisa Congdon, artist, author, illustrator
Here are instructions and projects that celebrate the diverse beauty and creative possibilities of macrame and knots. Whether you are an expert at knot tying, have experience with macrame, or are new to knots, projects abound: a necklace, a dog leash, along with wall hangings and a hanging light. At the heart of the story is the simple, empowering idea that a single year is all the time you need to make a life-changing creative leap. Contents feature: Every day for a year, artist Windy Chien learned to tie a new kind of knot and then shared the results on Instagram—revolutionizing knot art and reinventing her life and career in the process. In The Year of Knots , Chien describes how her knot-making project led her on a path of discovery.
The book combines projects, tutorials, and transformative personal stories, all aimed at inspiring readers to make knotting—and creativity in general—part of a meditative daily practice. The knots in the book are gorgeously documented step-by-step for the many knot- and macramé-obsessed readers out there wanting to try it themselves.
Windy says in her introduction that “knots are little miracles of science.” Readers will feel the same way because of Windy’s incredible enthusiasm, knowledge, and talent.
Here are instructions and projects that celebrate the diverse beauty and creative possibilities of macrame and knots. Whether you are an expert at knot tying, have experience with macrame, or are new to knots, projects abound: a necklace, a dog leash, along with wall hangings and a hanging light. At the heart of the story is the simple, empowering idea that a single year is all the time you need to make a life-changing creative leap. Contents feature: Every day for a year, artist Windy Chien learned to tie a new kind of knot and then shared the results on Instagram—revolutionizing knot art and reinventing her life and career in the process. In The Year of Knots , Chien describes how her knot-making project led her on a path of discovery.
The book combines projects, tutorials, and transformative personal stories, all aimed at inspiring readers to make knotting—and creativity in general—part of a meditative daily practice. The knots in the book are gorgeously documented step-by-step for the many knot- and macramé-obsessed readers out there wanting to try it themselves.
Windy says in her introduction that “knots are little miracles of science.” Readers will feel the same way because of Windy’s incredible enthusiasm, knowledge, and talent.
192 pages, Hardcover
Published September 17, 2019
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 15, 2025
Instructive, charming and useful
October 31, 2020
More memoir and advice on quitting your job than projects. Plenty of how-to on tying knots, but not a lot of ideas on how to use them, so not super useful to me right now. I may revisit if I need some more decorative ideas for individual knots for macrame.
April 14, 2021
Bought. Practical how-to with great pictures, but also inspiration for moving towards a more creative life from former San Francisco music store owner & Apple employee turned full-time fiber artist.
April 29, 2024
Great instruction of Knots
The illustrations in this book are top notch! Very clear pictures with the use of the knot as part of the pattern. I didn’t find projects like I’d hoped but due to the quality of the knots instructions (and this IS the title of the book), I had to give it 5 stars.
The illustrations in this book are top notch! Very clear pictures with the use of the knot as part of the pattern. I didn’t find projects like I’d hoped but due to the quality of the knots instructions (and this IS the title of the book), I had to give it 5 stars.
May 2, 2023
"The Year of Knots: Modern Projects, Inspiration, and Creative Reinvention" by Windy Chien is a beautiful and inspiring book that showcases the art of knotting in a modern and innovative way. The book chronicles the author's year-long project to create a new knot every day and features a collection of stunning photographs and detailed instructions for each knot.
One of the things I appreciated about this book was the way it encourages creativity and experimentation. The author's passion for knots is infectious, and she encourages readers to explore the possibilities of this ancient art form and make it their own. The projects featured in the book range from simple and elegant to complex and intricate, and there is something for everyone, regardless of skill level.
The writing in the book is engaging and informative, and the author's enthusiasm for her subject is evident on every page. The photographs are breathtaking, and they do an excellent job of showcasing the beauty and versatility of knotting. The instructions for each project are clear and easy to follow, and there are helpful tips and tricks sprinkled throughout the book to help readers achieve the best results.
One of the things I appreciated most about this book was its focus on mindfulness and the meditative qualities of knotting. The author emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of working with one's hands and the calming effects of focusing on a single task. This approach makes the book feel like more than just a collection of knotting projects; it's a guide to finding peace and creativity through the art of knotting.
Overall, "The Year of Knots" is a beautiful and inspiring book that is perfect for anyone interested in exploring the art of knotting. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a beginner looking to try something new, this book is a valuable resource that will inspire you to experiment, create, and find beauty in the simple act of tying knots.
One of the things I appreciated about this book was the way it encourages creativity and experimentation. The author's passion for knots is infectious, and she encourages readers to explore the possibilities of this ancient art form and make it their own. The projects featured in the book range from simple and elegant to complex and intricate, and there is something for everyone, regardless of skill level.
The writing in the book is engaging and informative, and the author's enthusiasm for her subject is evident on every page. The photographs are breathtaking, and they do an excellent job of showcasing the beauty and versatility of knotting. The instructions for each project are clear and easy to follow, and there are helpful tips and tricks sprinkled throughout the book to help readers achieve the best results.
One of the things I appreciated most about this book was its focus on mindfulness and the meditative qualities of knotting. The author emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of working with one's hands and the calming effects of focusing on a single task. This approach makes the book feel like more than just a collection of knotting projects; it's a guide to finding peace and creativity through the art of knotting.
Overall, "The Year of Knots" is a beautiful and inspiring book that is perfect for anyone interested in exploring the art of knotting. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a beginner looking to try something new, this book is a valuable resource that will inspire you to experiment, create, and find beauty in the simple act of tying knots.
February 4, 2022
Outstanding! Chien has created a new macramé bible! Whether you are merely interested in trying to tie a few knots or you're a seasoned professional, this is a fabulous book to own. Usually with craft/art instructional books like this I mostly ignore the written narrative and focus just on the practical information, but not this time - her personal and inspiring story drew me right in. I love the book as much for her narrative as for the knot instructions. Year of Knots contains a wealth of information with images of hundreds of knots (some newly created by her) and clearly illustrated, detailed instructions on creating about 2 dozen complicated knots/projects.
February 13, 2021
This is really not macrame that you remember from the 60's. Modern and classic. Chien provides a photo of her installation on the Facebook Campus. This is not tapestry or plant hangers. Knot tying for decor of personal clothing: shoes, purses, hat bands or table sculptures. Also wall displays for the individual knots. Wrapped pieces for decoration even lighting. Maybe a leash for your pet and even jewelry. I'm ready to update a pair of sandals.
April 18, 2023
Adequate for reference
I wish they had a picture table of contents at the front of the book to look up knots. Also, the white rope on a white background is not ideal. There is a ton of text to read with ask sorts of information, but if you're looking for a quick correction of know reference book, this is not really the one you're looking for.
I wish they had a picture table of contents at the front of the book to look up knots. Also, the white rope on a white background is not ideal. There is a ton of text to read with ask sorts of information, but if you're looking for a quick correction of know reference book, this is not really the one you're looking for.
Read
December 31, 2020I am not sure that I am going to learn a knot a day - but since reading this, I've figured out the Mandate, the Cloverleaf, and the Gift knot - and I put the Ashley Book of Knots on hold at the library.
August 3, 2021
It's beautiful, inspiring and teaches you something. But, it won't teach you "365 knots". There are about 30 of them and that's why I was kinda disappointed. But it gave me a direction where to look. So, I guess there is value anyway
June 2, 2024
Definitely would need to own this to truly be able to conquer these knots. some are more difficult than they look.
Nice section on macrame if that's your main focus.
She tries to be a bit motivational, maybe it'll help you start a new journey
Nice section on macrame if that's your main focus.
She tries to be a bit motivational, maybe it'll help you start a new journey
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2020
Great selection of knots for macrame. Definitely recommend.
June 24, 2020
More decorative uses than practical. Lovely work. Also some bio of her live and careers.
Read
May 27, 2022This was more about decorative knots than functional knots, so DNF.
May 13, 2023
Loved this for pure artistic appreciation and inspiration!
December 25, 2023
Great fun
August 26, 2022
This title is more of a memoir about Windy Chien's art journey.
There are guides for making some practical knots; don't expect 365 how-to-dos.
There are pictures of 365 notes; Clifford Ashley's "Ashley Book of Knots" was widely referenced.
There are guides for making some practical knots; don't expect 365 how-to-dos.
There are pictures of 365 notes; Clifford Ashley's "Ashley Book of Knots" was widely referenced.
February 15, 2024
A book I will reread and refer to again when I need a dose of determination and/or creativity.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews