The following explanations are intended to provide the beginner with the knowledge necessary to perform a few of the simple but neat tricks which can be done with no other apparatus than a handkerchief. For a short turn or “gag” these tricks are effective and useful, whilst their very simplicity renders a quick return for the little trouble required to learn them.
A good-sized silk handkerchief must be procured. Before making any of the knots it should be twisted like a rope ([Fig. 1]). Being of silk, the handkerchief will not untwine easily.
The One Hand Knot
This knot is very simple to make. Hold the handkerchief, bent double, across the right hand ([Fig. 2]). Now, suddenly drop the hand, letting the fingers pass over the end, A, and catch the end, B, at the point, C, between the first and second fingers. Let the remainder of the handkerchief slip off the hand, giving it a sharp flick, which will tighten the knot already loosely formed.
Practice constantly until the whole movement can be done very rapidly. To the spectators it will appear as if you have suddenly flicked the handkerchief into a knot, and the effect will be striking.
The Wrist Knot
Stretch the handkerchief between the finger and thumb in both hands, as in [Fig. 3]. Cast a loop towards the left hand, taking care that it is thrown outwards. As the loop is made, the left hand, still with the end of the handkerchief between finger and thumb, is passed smartly through the loop from the outside—shown by the dotted lines in the illustration.
This loop is now loosely round the left wrist, and the knot can be made taut by pulling the ends with both hands. The instant it is drawn tight let go of the ends of the handkerchief, and the result will be that a simple twitch of the right hand has seemed to tie a knot firmly round your left wrist.
The Double Bow
This very pretty trick can be accomplished by making a double bow with a rapid turn of the hands.