Today I completed a knotwork piece that was custom designed to frame and enhance the Knight's Cross, and be integrated with it into a full half sleeve. Using a black background in the cross draws the eye to that central focus, and a dotted texture behind the weaves is a way to add the feel of a stone carving. Bringing part of the knots into and through the ring around the cross makes it clear that the central element was not there first, that it was all one idea, now made manifest in skin.
Dark Knight Celtic Half Sleeve Tattoo by Pat Fish
And here is a view of the inside of the arm, showing how the piece connects completely around and has a secret. The initials of his two beloved daughters are enclosed within the band.
inside view of Dark Knight Celtic Half Sleeve Tattoo by Pat Fish