Alternating Half Hitch Chain

And, for the last of my "Basic Macrame Knots"...


Using the cord on the right as a holding cord, and the one on the left as the knotting cord: Take the end the knotting cord over and back under the holding cord; then up through the loop formed. Pull tight.


Now, reverse by using the cord on the left as holding cord and the one on the right as knotting cord. Take the end the knotting cord over and back under the holding cord; then up through the loop formed. Pull tight.

You can make a rope by repeating these steps as long as you like.

As always, I am happy to answer any questions you may have. Just leave them in comments or contact me.

Double Half-Hitch Knot

Double Half-Hitch Knot

(from left to right)
Using the horizontal cord as the holding cord (it should be pinned to work surface), make sure that the (vertical) knotting cord is under the holding cord. Bring the knotting cord up over the holding cord, then down and under the holding cord and over itself.








Repeat. Don't worry that the first Half-Hitch seems to have moved out of alignment somewhat.










Pull tight. You have just made a Double Half-Hitch knot.











(from right to left)
Same as for left to right, just in reverse.

Remember, if you have any questions, please post them under "comments" or you may contact me.

Overhand Knot

Overhand Knots are particularly good for tying off at the end of a tassel. Here's how:

Bring the end of strand(s) up and cross it over itself, back under and through the loop formed. Using a pin as shown in Photos, tighten and slide knot up where desired (usually up close to a previously strung bead). This takes a little practice - leave the pin in until you are satisfied. (Makes it easier to undo the knot and try again.)

Lark's Head Knot

Here is the next intallment of "Basic Macrame Knots". Remember, post questions in comments (find at bottom of post), or contact me.

(From the Right Side)

With holding cord(s) pinned to work surface, take knotting cord and bring it over the holding cord, then back under. Continue, bringing knotting cord over itself. Now bring it under holding cord, back over holding cord and under itself.











Pull tight.

(From the Left Side)

Just reverse the process.

Half Knots and Square Knots

Half Knot

(from the right side)

With holding cord(s) pinned to work surface, bring right knotting cord over holding cord and under left knotting cord Take left knotting cord under both right knotting cord and the holding cord. Pull end up through loop formed, passing over right knotting cord this time. Pull tight. Making several of these knots will result in a rope that spirals.

(from the left side)
Bring left knotting cord over holding cord and under right knotting cord. Bring right knotting cord under both left knotting cord and holding cord, then up through loop formed, and finally over left knotting cord. Pull tight. See "Square Knot" photo.

Square Knot

Consists of one half knot from the right and one from the left. See photos for Half Knots (from both right and left).

Slip Knot (for pinning cords to your work surface)

Previously published on 14 Sep 07.

This is the first chapter in a series on "Basic Macrame Knots". As I get time, I will be posting chapters on Square Knots, Lark's Head Knots, etc. Please feel free to leave a question or comment...

Slip Knot - Used to pin holding cords to down to work surface, make them as tight or as loose as you prefer.

Bring cord around pin...











then back over cord, and folding part of the cord, tuck this fold under cord and then up through loop formed.










Pull tight, leaving tail free...











to undo, just pull tail











Tip: If the tension in the holding cord is too loose, or becomes too loose; you can (carefully) pull the pin (with the slipknot still on it) up out of the work surface, and repin it tighter.