Basic Macrame Knots

Basic Macramé Knots

Macramé is a type of craft that uses various different knots to form beautiful textiles that could be hung, used as an object, or even worn.

Although there are probably hundreds of different techniques and knots that can be used, knowing the basic ones will give you everything you need to begin to create these stunning boho-looking décor.

For the tutorial below, I decided to use the 10mm Stenli Cord made from 100% recycled cotton. It is perfect for beginners as its thickness allows you to easily see what you’re doing, and fix something much quicker than with using thinner cords. I recommend using this cord for wall hangings, plant hangers and even baskets.

1. Lark’s head knot

The first knot that we’ll make is the Lark’s head knot. Nearly every macraméé project starts by this knot, therefore it is essential that you know how to do it.

1. 1. You will begin by measuring and cutting the cord for your project and folding the cord in half so you have two cords with even lengths.

   2. Take the front loop over and behind the dowel or wooden stick and leave it facing downwards, as in the photo.

1.3-1.4 Take the ends of the cord in one hand and put them through the created loop with your other hand.

1.5 Pull the ends of the cord downwards.

1.6 Tighten the cord so there is no space in between the dowel/stick and the loop.

2. Reverse Lark’s head knot

The reverse lark’s head knot uses the exact same methods as the lark’s head knot, without creating a ‘knot’ between the loop and the dowel/stick. It is ideal if you want your macrame project to look a little tidier.
 

1. 1. You begin by folding the cord in half so you have two cords with the same length. Put both hands at the back of your project so you’re working from the back.

   2. Pull the loop in front of your dowel facing downwards.
      
       

       

   3. Take the two cords from the back of the dowel and pull them in the loop with your other hand.

   4. Pull the two cords tightly so the loop of the cords is placed as close to the dowel as possible.
      
      

3. Square knot

The first real knot you’ll need for a lot of projects is the square knot. It’s really easy to make and serve multiple purposes.

1. 1. To begin this knot, you’ll measure, cut and create a Lark’s head knot using two cords.

   2. You will be working with the outer cords, that is cord number 1 and cord number 4. Cord 2 and 3 are your inner cords that won’t be touched.
      
       

   3. With the left hand, you take cord 1 and pull it under cord 4, creating the shape of the number ‘four’.

   4. You then take cord 4, and place it behind the three other cords.
       

   5. When cord 4 is behind your project, you put it through the loop created by cord 1 and pull tightly.

   6. In order to make the knot as esthetically pleasing as possible, you pull the two end cords as tight as possible.
      
       

   7. You then grab your right working cord and place it behind your first left working cord to form the number ‘four’.

   8. From here you grab your first left working cord and pull it through the loop of your right end working cord.
      
      
       

   9. You pull tightly and make sure the knot is as flat as possible.
      
      

4. Spiral square knot
   
   
    

   1. You begin this knot by making two Lark’s head knots (or reverse Lark’s head knots).

   2. You tie a half square knot
       

   3. Instead of working the right side to create a square knot, you will continue to work from the left side in order to create the spiral. You please the right working cord over the first left working cord and into the loop.
      
      
       

   4. – 4.5 Repeat the step above until you reach the desired length of the spiral.
      
      

5. Berry knot

The berry knot is the perfect knot to add when there’s a larger gap that you want to cover up, or just add a little bit more texture to your design.

 

1. 1. You begin by tying two Lark’s head knots.

   2. You then tie one square knot. Make sure you tie it a little lower than usual and leave a small space in between the beginning of the dowel and the upper part of the square knot.

   3. You then continue by tying 3 more square knots, for a total of 4 altogether.

   4. You take the two middle cords, that is cord two and cord three in your left hand.
       

   5. You put them through the space in between the dowel/stick and the first knot.

   6. You then pull tightly. You will see a berry knot forming.
       

   7. In order to keep the berry knot in place, you grab the two outer cords, cord one and four.

   8. You make a square knot below the berry knot. You’re all done 

6. Double Half Hitch knot

The double half hitch knot is often used to create lines and diagonals. It is a variation of the half hitch knot, just done twice.

 

1. 1. You begin by attaching four cords on the dowel and making four Lark’s head knots.

   2. You take the first cord to the left and place it across all cords in a diagonal shape. This indicates the direction you’re going.
      
       

   3. You then take the second cord, pull it under the cord you’re holding in the previous step.

   4. You place it over the diagonal cord.
       

   5. In this step, you put it through the loop created by the two cords.

   6. You pull it to the position that you want the knot to start. You have created a half hitch knot.

   7. You then continue and repeat steps 6.2-6.6

   8. This is your double half hitch knot.
      
      

   9. Continue this process until you reach the desired length of the diagonals.