Wikipedia explains Chinese knots:
The Chinese knot or Chinese traditional decorative knot is a kind of characteristic folk decoration of handicraft arts. It appeared in ancient times, developed in the Tang and Song Dynasty (960-1229 A.D.) and was popularized in Ming and Qing Dynasty (1368-1911 A.D.). The Chinese knot has now become a type of elegant and colorful craft, removed from its original practical use.
The Chinese knotting site has photos of a flower knot, a treasure knot, a Chinese button knot, and a connection knot. Some directions, too.
Other knotty things on Mirabilis.ca:
The Why Knot? tie-tying machine
A better shoelace knot
Incan Counting System Decoded?
Inca used knots to record information