7. Cutting a knot:[1]

Cutting the sewing and knot of the tailor: Even if a collar had already been opened [after being made] but a professional [tailor] returned and sewed [the two sides of the collar] together in the way done by professionals, or if the professional tied it [in a way] that one is unable to untie it, then it is forbidden to cut the strings. However, this [prohibition to cut an undoable knot] only refers to a knot tied by the professional prior to having finished making the clothing, being that then the cutting of the strings of this knot involves the [prohibition of doing a] “Finishing touch.” As this finalizes the work needed to be done to the clothing being that through doing so the clothing is now fit to be worn, while until this was done it was never yet fit to be worn, [and it is thus forbidden as] any [action] done which is the finishing stroke [of the making of the vessel] contains [the prohibition of] “Finishing Touch” as was explained in chapter 302 [Halacha 5]

Cutting the knot of the launderer:[2] However other knots which were tied after the clothing had finished having its work done to it, such as the knots of the laundering or the strings of a cloak which have been tied and one is not able to undo, [then] it is permitted to cut them. Nevertheless, even so one may not be lenient [to cut it] in front of an ignoramus, and rather should do it privately.

By a knot made to last 7 days:[3] If one is accustomed to only cut the strings [of the collar knot] upon changing the cloak from Shabbos to Shabbos, then it is forbidden to cut [the strings of the knot] just like it is forbidden to undo it [as explained in Halacha 1]. [However, some Poskim[4] rule that this prohibition only applies if one plans to continue using the string for knots. If, however, one breaks it in a destructive manner to throw it in the garbage and not reuse, then it is permitted to break through the string even if it is made of a knot that is forbidden to be undone, just as we permit one to break through a wicker basket that contains figs.]

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[1] Admur 317:6; Michaber 317:3

[2] Admur ibid; M”A 317:11 in name of Rashal; M”B 317:23

[3] Admur ibid; M”B ibid; based on M”A ibid

[4] Chazon Ish 51:13; 52:17; Piskeiy Teshuvos 317:3

^[5] Admur 317:6

^[6] Admur 314:19