A classic in magic:
Magician displays a 24\ silk. A knot is tied in the silk very slowly and fairly. The audience sees the knot being formed. The magician then slides the knot off the silk. The effect is repeated two more times. You may then produce a dove or whatever you desire from the silk.

If you choose, climax the effect by showing that the silk has three holes in it. Apparently, from where the three knots came from.