Row Coding & Column Coding

A knot’s coding pattern is a sequence of overs and unders that is applied to either the grid’s columns or rows. This can be:

• A repeating pattern such as O3U3.
• A fully coded pattern where each row or column is defined.

The important thing to know is that the pattern is applied to the \ strands. If a crossing is over, then the \ strand is over and the / strand is under. This is true for both row and column coding.

Check out the Coding Guide to learn more about popular knots and custom coding.

The grid lines seen here can be toggled on at Options > Canvas & Image.

Column Coding

This is a column coded knot with a simple, repeating O3U3 pattern. The challenge with column coding cylindrical knots is that we can’t target the bight rows - at least not algorithmically.

Notice how there are no crossings locking these bights. This knot would need cord with good friction and careful dressing.

A common solution to this challenge is to use bight nests. While it creates a different edge, there are more crossings happening closer to the bights, making it more stable.

Row Coding

This is a row coded knot with the same O3U3 pattern. While the bights are better organized, this knot would also need cord with good friction and careful dressing.

As with column coding, one solution is to use bight nests.

Unlike column coding, row coding let’s us target the bight rows and makes it easier to introduce more complex patterns. This knot is using a repeating OUUUOUOO pattern with a bight-part combination that makes the pattern work.