Alternating Square Knots
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| Description: Alternating Square Knots (ASK) create a net-like pattern commonly
seen in Macrame. All you are essentially doing is tying horizontal
rows of Square knots, using alternating cords to tie them,
in every other row. Many Macrame patterns require you to know
this important technique. Be sure you know how to
tie single Square
Knots before you get started.
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Step 1:
To practice, obtain 4 cords, and mount them with Larks Head Knots to a holding cord, folding them in half in the process. You can tape them to your work surface, or to a dowel, if you prefer.
Mentally number the strands 1 thru 8, moving left to right.
Tie the knots as follows: |
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Row 1: Tie a Square Knot (SK) with cords
1 thru 4. Strands 2 and 3 will act as fillers.
Tie another SK, using strands 5 thru 8.
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Row
2: Omit the first and last two cords completely, and tie
one knot, using cords 3 thru 6. Note that the new
knot is made up of 2 strands from each of the knots above
it.
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Row 3: To continue the alternating pattern, simply repeat steps 1 and 2 as many times as necessary.
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Creating Symmetry |
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Note that in the image at the top of the page, all the knots are tied in the same direction, so the edges are different. Many Macrame patterns require you to form a symmetrical, or identical design on both edges.
To create symmetry, you simply reverse the process of making half of the Square knots. I call these reversed ones Mirror Square Knots. Some books name them Right SK, or Reverse SK. To form the design you simply tie regular SK on one half, and the Mirror SK on the other half.
Click on the icons to see larger images. |
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The regular SK are on the left, and the MSK on the right are made in reverse. The "heads" of the knots will point towards the outside edges. |
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Symmetrical Loops form along the edges, between the rows, when the knots are tied in this manner. |
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Alternating Square Knot Patterns |
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| Below are 2 very common patterns seen in both old and modern Macrame designs. You can click on the medium images and large ones will come up so you can see the details better. |
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Double ASK |
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Mount 8 cords to a holding cord or dowel, folding them in half. Number the strands 1 thru 16.
Rows 1, 3, 5, etc. consist of Double SK using all the cords. In other words, instead of tying 1 knot, tie 2.
Rows 2, 4, 6, etc. are made using cords 3 thru 14 only.
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| This pattern creates more space within the overall design. If you want both edges to be the same, the knots on the left should be tied in the regular direction. The knots on the right should be reversed, so they face right. |
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ASK Netting |
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Sometimes you want a large amount of space between the rows to make "netting". Believe it or not, this is exactly how nets are constructed. The process for making the Alternating Square Knots is no different, you are simply adding more space.
Again, to create symmetry, simply reverse the direction you make the knots on one half of the design. |
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