Knotting Techniques
Anyone can learn macrame. And to make it easier for you, we have created this page with all the common knotting techniques for you. It’s designed to help you so that you can look it up while you’re knotting if you need help with certain knots.
You will learn the basics here – from the terms to the most common knotting techniques.
If you click on the pictures of the following macrame knots, you will be taken to a very detailed explanation with lots of pictures so that you can easily tie the knots yourself.
Working and Filler Cord
The instructions always refer to working cord and filler cord. I also use these terms, so here is a brief explanation:
The working cord is the active cord. This means that you knot with it and it forms the knots. So as not to confuse it with the filler knot, you can simply remember that this is the cord you are working with.
The filler cord, on the other hand, is the passive strand. It just lies around and the knots are tied on or around it.
Basic Knots
In principle, all macrame knots consist of two basic knots. The half hitch and the half-square knot. All other knots are based on these two knots and are only slightly more complex to tie.
And this is what they look like:
Half Hitch Knot
Half-Square Knot
Lark's Head Knot
You usually start a macrame project with the Lark’s Head knot. However, as you can see, there are many other variations of the Lark’s Head that you can use to easily knot longer sections.
Square Knot
The square knot is very often used for macrame projects. It also comes in different variations. Its popularity is probably due to the fact that it is so versatile. You can use it to knot strands, but also to create entire surfaces.
Spiral Stitch
The Spiral Stitch is a series of half square knot. Because it is only half a square knot, the Spiral Stitch starts to rotate on its own axis. The strand then becomes spiral-shaped. Looks nice and adds variety.
Double Half Hitch
The Double Half Hitch knot is a good way of “framing” areas. This is why this knot is also very popular and frequently used.
Finishing Knots
Every macrame project comes to an end at some point. You can choose whether to leave the ends of the threads hanging loose or use finishing knots like the two knots below.
