Buckaroo Square Knot

We've all met someone new and just weren't sure whether they would become a friend or not. Sometimes it takes time before the "someone new" becomes a close comrade, someone you can't imagine ever losing touch with.

That's how the Buckaroo Square Knot and I met.

In the midst of COVID-19 restrictions I was pondering upon the need for a face mask, and thinking I'd try just a simple bandana. Being a knot-tying enthusiast, I felt sure there would be an interesting way to tie a handkerchief as a face mask, like the cowboys did, trailing behind the cattle in cloud of dust.

Sure enough, I found the Buckaroo Square Knot. The video instructions seemed convoluted, involving "holding your hand as a pistol", and wrapping under, and around and locking it with your thumb and poking through the loop.

I was leery of it all, but my knot-pride kept me going until I could tie it. It was handsome. Nicely symetrical.

But, it would not work for my plan. I didn't have a 30-inch cowboy scarf...I had a 21-inch paisley handkerchief. Just not enough tail to tie the Buckaroo Square Knot.

So I set it aside.

But the knot kept knocking on my mind's door, asking for a chance at being better acquainted.

It took me a few days, working out how to tie it easily and consistently. I used the string I kept in my pocket, and learned how the standing end made the bight and the working end made the loop. Didn't ever get how to work the "pistol method", though.

But after those days of practice and experimenting, tying it backwards, left-handed, in a chain, as a stop knot, and as a decorative knot for macramé, the Buckaroo and I became friends...real close friends.

I've got all kinds of admiration now for the Buckaroo Square Knot. It holds well, in all four directions. It's symmetrical. I can tie in in hand or around a stick. I can adjust the size of the loop. I can double and triple the bights. I could make a couple of Buckaroo knot chains with big loops, hook them to the ceiling and slide in dowels or boards, and it would support bookshelves, hangers for clothes, or tools.

Clifford W. Ashley classified it as a Two-Strand Lanyard Knot, "The Chinese Crown Knot", describing it as distinctive and decorative." He included two different diagrams: #808 and #1066.

The Buckaroo Square Knot and me are now fast friends!