A twisted cobra knot (also know as a "twisted sennit") makes a fine bit of decorative rope work to use to finish the edges of a curtain, turn into a lanyard for a boat's horn or serve as a fob for a favorite boating knife. The twisted cobra knot's form--and name--results from the twist of the simple overhand knots that are all made in the same direction, turning around the central strands like a writhing snake.
Instructions
1. Cut two pieces of rope to equal lengths. Fold one of the pieces in half and pass the loop end, or "bend," over the center of the other piece of rope. Pass the ends of the bent piece of rope through the loop formed by the bend and pull closed to form a "lark's head" knot.
2. Grasp the two pieces of rope in the center so that four strands hang down, with a single loop at the top. Hang the loop on a coat hanger.
3. Hold the far-right strand in hand; bring the far-left strand across the front of the two center strands. Loop the far-right strand under the far-left strand, bring the far-right strand across the front of the two center strands and tuck it into the loop formed by the far-left strand. Pull the far-left and right strands tight to form an overhand knot that traps the two center strands. Repeat, continuing to form overhand knots that trap the two center strands.
4. Continue to repeat the overhand knots until far-left and right strands are completely used in the knot. Secure the strands with a square knot, formed by crossing the strand on the right over the strand on the left. Bring both strands downward and cross the strand on the right over the strand on the left; then tuck the right strand behind the left strand and tuck it through the loop formed by the two strands.
