Friendship Knot

This knot is woven in friendship true

And interlaced with memories, too

Of friendship found and shared by two

The ties, time and miles can’t undo.

The friendship knot as we know it is known by other names, including the Japanese crown and the success knot. Knots are ageless, and this knot has been tied since ancient times by the Japanese for ornamental purposes. The ageless lore of knots has been a subject of devoted study by the Japanese, and since early times ornamental knotting has been employed for ceremonial purposes.

At first it might perhaps seem strange that this knot, the Japanese crown or success knot, has found its way across thousands of miles to us. In reality it isn’t so strange at all, for friendship knows no barriers. This knot is also aptly named, for is it not so that one’s crowning success is friendship?

— Courtesy of “The Sea Urchins,” Long Island, New York

This knot symbolizes the ties which bind the Girl Scouts and Adults who belong to the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and is a sign of the continuous friendship we share.

The four ends of the knot represent the Promise, the ten parts of the Law, the Motto and Service to others. The four squares stand for the four World Centers.

In the United States, the friendship knot is traditionally made of plaid material. The many lines and colors represent the many faces of friendship. Green, red, white, and blue represent hope, courage, purity, and the out-of-doors, respectively. For one tie and knot, use a strip of material that is 42 inches long by 4 inches wide.

The idea of a friendship knot is to have a friend tie it for you. The illustrations below give you the six magic steps. Go ahead and try it!