In this tutorial video, I show you how to draw the "X" Celtic knot. I call it that because the finished design looks like the letter "X".
The first step to drawing this knot is to setup the 4x4 grid. I show this process in fast-forward at the beginning of this video, but if you would like a detailed, real-time tutorial, please see my video "Setting up the 4x4 Grid". You can find this video on my channel, or in the 4x4 knot playlist. I make this grid in 6H pencil so it will be very easy to erase later.
The second step is to draw in the break lines. Pause this video at 0:19 to see where the break lines go. This design is an intermediate-level knot because it has 8 break lines and 12 corners. Corners are difficult to make perfectly. Having to make 12 of them is certainly a fun challenge.
The third step is to connect all of the dots. I like to connect all the dots in one direction first, and then connect all the perpendicular dots. I find that this technique helps me to draw straighter lines. Next, I draw the inner, rounded borders and finally the corners. I do all of these lines with a 2H pencil.
The fourth step is my favorite part. I use a thin .05mm pen to outline the design. When the outline is done, I go in with a 1mm black pen and fill-in the empty spaces. That's my process from start to finish.
I first became interested in drawing Celtic knots after reading "Celtic Pattern: Visual Rhythms of the Ancient Mind". The book walks you through basic constructions and gives you the tools to explore more advanced designs on your own. I highly recommend it!
For me, the art of designing and creating Celtic knots is a meditative process and mental workout. Trying to visualize a complete design while you are adding break lines will really get your mind working!
Take your time and go even slower than you think you need to. I draw my best lines when I focus on the tip of my pen. I make mistakes if I look ahead of where I need to go. By going very slowly and focusing where my pen IS, I can achieve some great lines. It sounds weird but it really works for me.
I hope my videos inspire you to try making your own knots. Follow along with my tutorials or try creating your own. If you do make a knot, please share it with me I would love to see it!
Thank you for watching and reading ♫