Handcrafted by Elaine

macramé, jewelry, gifts and more
original designs by Elaine Lieberman

Half Knot and Square Knot

This page contains macramé instructions for making a half knot and a square knot. Additional pages show some of the many variations on this knot.

This site features macramé jewelry and wall hangings and sterling silver jewelry. Click on HOME to get to the introductory page or on INSTRUCTIONS-INTRODUCTION to start at the beginning of the instruction pages.

The links on the side of the page will take you to other parts of my macramé site including pictures of some of my work.

GETTING STARTED

Start with four cords (or two doubled cords).
I have used different colors to make it easier for you to follow.
The two inside (yellow) cords are your "core" cords and will remain stationary as you make your knot.
The outside cords (orange and brown) are your knotting cords.

HALF KNOT

Place the right hand (brown) cord over the two core (yellow) cords.
Place it under the left hand (orange) cord.

Bring the left hand (orange) cord under the two core cords and up through the loop formed by the core cord and the brown cord.

Tighten by pulling gently on the knotting cords.

Repeating this knot over and over will create a spiral.

SQUARE KNOT

Start by making a half knot as above.
The second half of the square knot is the reverse of the first half.

Bring the orange cord (which is now on the right hand side) behind the two core cords.
Bring it over the left hand (brown) cord.

Place the brown cord into the right hand loop by going over the core cords and under the orange cord.

Tighten by gently pulling on the knotting cord.

You can create a sennit of square knots by repeating the square knot over and over.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THESE INSTRUCTIONS
INSTRUCTIONS-INTRODUCTION
MACRAME CORD LENGTH TIPS
HALF KNOT & SQUARE KNOT
DOUBLE HALF HITCH
OVERHAND KNOT
LARK'S HEAD (TO MOUNT CORDS)
MOUNTING CORDS USING A DOUBLE HALF HITCH
VARIATIONS 1 - HALF AND SQUARE KNOT
VARIATIONS 2 - ALTERNATING SQUARE KNOTS
VARIATIONS 3 - SQUARE KNOT USING PICOTS
VARIATIONS 4 - SQUARE KNOTS VARYING YOUR CORE AND KNOTTING CORDS
VARIATIONS 5 - DOUBLE HALF HITCH DIAMOND
VARIATIONS 6 - DIAMOND FILLERS 1
VARIATIONS 7 - DIAMOND FILLERS 2
VARIATIONS 8 - USING COLOR WITH SQUARE KNOTS
VARIATIONS 9 - SQUARE KNOTS WITH BEADS
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FAQ
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FAQ

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I cannot provide detailed instructions by e-mail but I welcome your comments.
instructions@elainecraft.com.

This page updated December 18, 2004