[1] Its name is based on the mat's decorative-type carrick bend with the ends connected together, forming an endless knot.

A larger form, called the prolong knot, is made by expanding the basic carrick mat by extending, twisting, and overlapping its outer bights, then weaving the free ends through them.

This process may be repeated to produce an arbitrarily long mat.

[3] The basic carrick mat, made with two passes of rope, also forms the central motif in the logo of the International Guild of Knot Tyers.

[4] When tied to form a cylinder around the central opening, instead of lying flat, it can be used as a woggle.