Solution

Equipment

A large linen or silk handkerchief.

Preparation

The twist of the wrist as the knot is tied needs to be practiced as a smooth movement that conceals the trickery.

Performing

• Diagonally roll up the handkerchief and present it to your audience, holding it at the ends.

• Hold end (a) between the first and second fingers of your left hand, with the third and fourth fingers curled around the handkerchief (1).

• Hold end (b) between the first and second fingers of your right hand.

• Your palms should face upwards and both ends of the handkerchief should extend about 8 cm (3 in) beyond the hands.

• Place end (b) in your left hand, so that it is held between the base of your left first finger and thumb (2).

• Reach through the loop from above and. using your right thumb and first finger, take hold of end (a) (3).

• Bring end (a) through the loop, turning your left hand so that your fingertips point downwards as you do so, allowing your left second finger to catch in the knot and form a smaller loop in the handkerchief (4). Don't let the audience know that you've sabotaged your knot in this way.

• Tighten the knot and slip your finger out of it as you do so.

• Hold the handkerchief in your left hand, showing the knot to the audience, and then press down on the knot with your right hand, so loosening it (5).

• Keep holding the knot in your right hand and place the topmost corner of the handkerchief over your right first finger.

• Release your right hand's pressure on the knot as you blow on it (6). It will look as though you have blown that knot away!