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Asclepius Rod Bar

Description: The Asclepius Rod Bar is a unique decorative knot based on the Square Knot.

The filler cords form an S-shaped design, which looks like the Rod of Asclepius. This Greek symbol is shown as a serpent wrapped around a staff. It represents the healing arts.

You can use this design to make a Macrame belt, a Paracord bracelet, a pet collar, etc.

The knots are separated after construction so the curved portions are more obvious. This is optional if you prefer them to be close together as shown.

I found this design on the Fusion Knots website, under the name "Rod of Asclepius Bar".

Click on the image or link to visit the site.

The video gallery contains tutorials for a wide variety of combination knots and techniques.

Preparation and Loop

The best way to start the Asclepius Rod Bar is with a loop, but it can be made with four separate cords or by attaching the cords to a ring or dowel.

The fillers should be a lighter color than the working cord. In the example shown, the working cord is brown and the filler cord is light green.

To practice, cut the two cords to at least 60 inches long.

For a project, the working cord should be at least 7 x the finished length you plan to make. The filler cord should be at least 3 x the finished length. Make it longer if you intend to tie a button knot for a clasp.

Step 1: Make a loop at the center of the working cord, crossing right over left.

Fold the filler cord in half and arrange it so the right half passes over the crossing point of the loop.

The left half should be under the crossed area.

Step 2: Move the left half of the working cord to the left, passing it over both halves of the filler cord.

Bring it under the right half of the working cord.

Move the right half of the working cord to the right, passing it under both halves of the filler cord.

Pull it out on the right, passing it over the left half of the working cord where it curves.

This is a Half knot, or 1/2 of a Square knot.

Apply a piece of tape to the RIGHT half of the filler cord to mark it. Adjust the cord so the right half is a few inches longer than the left half.

Tighten the Half Knot and adjust the size of the loop so it's appropriate for your project.

Asclepius Rod Bar Instructions

The Half knot you tied in the previous step is the standard method you see in other designs.

The Half knots you will now tie for the rest of the Asclepius Rod Bar are altered slightly. Pay close attention to that part of the instructions.

Important: The right half of the filler cord is the segment that creates the serpentine design. It moves back and forth with each step, which is why it's longer.

The left half remains vertical, so you can secure it. That will ensure you don't accidentally switch it with the other half.

Step 3: Move the right half of the filler cord to the left, passing under the left half horizontally.

The left half should be vertical.

Curve the left half of the working cord to the right, passing under the right half of the filler cord and over the left half.

Place it under the right half of the working cord.

Designer's Tip: The Half Knot is altered because the two halves of the filler cord are separated as if they were different cords.

For the first part of the knot, the working cord always passes under - over the fillers, rather than over both.

The second part is tied like a regular Half Knot (described below).

Move the right half of the working cord to the left, passing it under both halves of the filler cord.

Pull it out on the left, passing it over the left half of the working cord where it curves.

Step 4: Tighten the Half Knot firmly by pulling on both halves of the working cord.

Do you recognize the shape? You've tied two Half Knots in opposite directions, so you now have one Square Knot with the head facing right.

Designer's Tip: The left half of the filler cord runs through the center of the knot vertically. The right half is resting over the lower portion of the knot and is free to move around.

After you complete each knot for the Asclepius Rod Bar, always check to make sure the right half is in this position.

Step 5: Move the right half of the filler cord to the right horizontally, passing under the left half.

Move the left half of the working cord to the left, passing it under the right half of the filler cord, and over left half.

Place it under the right half of the working cord.

Step 6: Repeat steps 3 - 5 several times if you are practicing the Asclepius Rod Bar.

When making a project with this technique, stop when the sennit is 2/3 the finished length you are making. Include the loop when you measure.

Step 7: Secure the area near the loop to your board.

While holding the left half of the filler cord, slide the knots toward you so they separate. This makes the curves more obvious.

Step 8: Tie a regular Half knot to finish the bar, in the opposite direction of the previous knot.

(Optional) Secure the ends of the working cord to the back of the sennit. Use both halves of the filler cord if you need to make a button knot for a clasp.

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