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Alternating Half Hitch

 
Alternating Half Hitch Chain
 
Description: The Alternating Half Hitch (AHH) forms a chain, also called a sennit. In some Vintage patterns, the name of this knot is the Chain Stitch. It can be used to make a simple bracelet or necklace. It can also be used within the body of Macrame patterns.
 
  First Half Hitch   Step 1: To practice, take two lengths of cord and tie an Overhand Knot using both. Secure them to your work surface. Use one strand to make a half hitch around the other .To do this, bring the working cord (Blue) over, then under the holding cord (Purple), and through the space.  
 
  Second Half Hitch   Step 2: To form the alternating pattern, switch the cords. If you started tying with the strand on the right, you will now use the left to tie the next knot, or vice-versa.  
 
  Alternating Cords   Step 3: Continue to alternate back and forth between the two strands as you tie additional knots to form the chain.  
 
You can tie this decorative knot with four strands as well. You would simply follow the steps above using two cords on the right and the same on the left. The resulting sennit would then be called the Double Chain Stitch.
 
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Patterns

 
 
You can use the Alternating Half Hitch to create a variety of interesting designs and patterns. Below are 2 examples of how the technique above can be modified.
 
 

Alternating HH and DHH Sennits

 
  Alternating HH Chain with Space  

You’ll need 2 strands of cord to practice this variation.

Secure one end of them to your work surface. Make a single half hitch with the left strand, onto the right. Leave about ½ inch of space, and tie another knot, using the right strand, onto the left.

Continue this pattern to make the rest of the chain. Don't tighten this design; it's supposed to have lots of space between the knots.

 
 
  Double Half Hitch Chain  

This sennit is essentially the same as the one above, other than the fact that you use vertical Double Half Hitches instead.

Start with 2 cords. Use the one on the left, and make a DHH onto the right strand. Leave ½ inch of space, and switch cords. The left strand holds the knot, and the right one ties it.

Continue alternating in this fashion to complete the chain. Remember not to tighten the knots too much.

 
 
There are other similar variations listed under Half Hitch Patterns. Each of the designs on that page feature the use of separate holding cords, so they are grouped together. This next variation, however, is so unique, I decided to place it here.
 
 
Alternating HH Button
 

Alternating HH Button

 
 
  First Half of Square Knot  

You can combine knots to form interesting shapes. This Button Knot starts with the first half of a Square Knot, made with 4 strands (2 fillers).

Click on the icons and larger images will come up.

 
 
  Tie Alternating Half Hitches   Just below, tie 2 to 4 Alternating Half Hitches with the filler cords only.  
 
  Tie the Second Half of the Square Knot   Then you tie the second half of the Square Knot. Slide it up so it rests beside the first half. The AHH will roll into a neat button shape (shown above).  
 
 
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