Explanation of the five basic macrame knots

Macrame consists of a series of knots. In this article I will teach you all of the most commonly used knots in macrame.

The basic knots:

• Square knot > A knot that you alternate by starting on the left and right side so it creates a square
• Spiral knot > A half square knot you don’t alternate but repeat on either the left or right side so it spirals
• Half hitch > A knot where you loop one cord over the other
• Double half hitch > A half hitch knot you simply loop twice to get a double one
• Lark’s head knot > A simple knot used to attach your work to a dowel or hoop

How to do the square knot?

Square Knots are strong and one of the most common knots used in macramé. The square knot is done in 2 parts. Start out by bending the left working cord, cross it over the filler cords and then under the right working cord. Pass the right working cord behind the filler cords and pull it through the loop created by the left working cord. Gently pull on both cords. The knot is now half way done.

You finish the knot by doing the same, but in reverse. Bend the right working cord, cross it over the filler cords and then under the left working cord. Pass the left working cord behind the filler cords and pull it through the loop created by the left working cord. Now pull on both cords again. You are done!

How to do the (spiral) half knot?

A half knot is also called a half square knot, because it is exactly that: the first half of a square knot! Start out by bending the left working cord, cross it over the filler cords and then under the right working cord. Pass the right working cord behind the filler cords and pull it through the loop created by the left working cord. Gently pull on both cords.

The spiral knot is actually a half square knot, but tied repeatedly. The knot becomes offset, forming a spiral that twists down. It is especially well suited to use when creating plant hangers.

How to do the half hitch knot?

The half hitch is the most versatile knot used in macrame. The posibilities are endles with this knot. I will explain the most common used variations: the Half Hitch and the Double half hitch: horizontal, vertical or diagonal.

The half hitch knot is great to create wavy patterns in a macrame wall hanging. It is the most simple knot in macrame.

The working cord passes in front of and then loops around the filler cord. Pass it through the loop created by the working cord. That’s it. Couldn’t be easier!

How to do a double half hitch knot: horizontal, vertical and diagonal?

The double half hitch is the knot that can elevate your work to the next level. It is used to create different structures and shapes in macrame.

The knot can be tied horizontally, vertically, diagonally or in free form. Use 1 cord as your filler cord. You can use a cord in your work or use a new rope as your filler cord. Hold the filler cord at your desired angle: horizontal, vertical or diagonal. Use your first working cord to pass at the back of your filler cord and loop around. Now make another loop around your filler cord to create the double half hitch knot.

How to do Lark's head knot and Reverse Lark´s head knot?

To make this knot take one rope and fold it in half. Pull the folded end over the wood dowel and pull the the cord ends through the loop you just made. The reverse Lark´s head knot is tied in the reverse way as shown on the image above.