Chinese frog closures are decorative buttons and loops used in traditional Chinese shirts and dresses and modern Asian-inspired fashions. Made from corded fabric, Chinese frogs consist of a knotted ball and an elaborate, continuous loop resembling two horizontal clover shapes connected by a double horizontal line. To close a Chinese Frog, insert the ball button into the portion of the loop overhanging the edge of the fabric.

Cut 8 to 10 inches of corded fabric tubing. Pin one edge of the cord close to the edge of the fabric where you want the frog to go.

Run the cord 1 or 2 inches across the fabric, perpendicular to the edge. Make a loop facing down and pin the curve of the loop in place. Cross the cord over itself, make another loop facing horizontally and pin the curve in place. Cross the cord under itself and make a third loop facing up. Pin the curve in place. The three loops should resemble a clover or fleur-de-lis.

Cross the cord under itself and run the cord 1 or 2 inches across the fabric, directly above the line you made earlier. Stop when you meet the starting point.

Cross the cord under itself and run the cord 1 or 2 inches across the fabric, directly above the line you made earlier. Stop when you meet the starting point.

Sew the non-visible side of the cord in place, using a slipstitch.

Cut 8 to 10 inches of corded fabric to make the ball button.

Pin the free end of the cord in place on the opposite side of the fabric, where you want the button to go. The button should match up exactly with the loop made earlier.

Make an upward-facing loop with the cord and cross it over itself. Make a horizontal loop with the curve facing away from the pinned end and cross the cord over itself. Cross the cord under the pinned end and make a downward facing loop with the other end going over the right side of the horizontal loop, under the right side of the upward facing loop, over the left side of the horizontal loop and under the left side of the horizontal loop.

Pull the loops together to make a ball shape. Cut off the other end and sew it to the pinned end.

Stitch the button to the fabric.