animation question

Hi,
I have been making some knot tutorials (how to make various knots) using motion.
To make it short, basically I trace a knot with the pen tool, then set write on to animate.
I then use reverse stacking and mattes so the knots are correct where the rope needs to go over or under.

The look is less than desired because i can not create a good looking rope in the paint brush, but thats secondary.. the main question I have is this...
I want to be able to "tighten" the knot after making all its loops.
I tried selecting and moving points, but it takes forever and isn't really looking good.

Is there some behavior that I could use for this?
Maybe select various areas of the rope drawn, and then be able to move it so it looks like it is tightening with respect to the rest of the drawing?

thanks
Kurt

I dare to say, 'tighten a knot' is the most difficult and complex 3D-simulation imaginable! :ohmy:

... because, each 'point' of the curve has an effect on any other...
Reminds me a bit on this fluid- and cloth-simualtions, avail in Blender ...



google spits out this, far from perfect, but perhaps more what you're looking for




It not only asks for 3D, but friction, and inverse kinetics, and ... whatever! ...
Very beyond Motion's skills.