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Aztec Sun Bar

Description: The Aztec Sun Bar is made by combining the Vertical Larks Head with extra loops.

It's an excellent design for Macrame bracelets, key rings and belts. You could also use it for the long posts in a Macrame Plant Hanger or Table.

Paracord was used in the example shown. It requires special treatment, so please read Cord Preparation if you plan to use this material.

The Sun Bracelet has been updated, so it's now made like the instructions on this page.

Click on the image or link if you wish to make this easy Micro-Macrame project after you practice.

Preparation and Mounting

To practice, cut 2 holding cords at least 18 inches long. Cut one working cord at least 60 inches long.

Prepare the tips of the cords in the most suitable method for the material you are using.

When using the Aztec Sun Bar in a Macrame project, the working cord should be at least 13 x the finished size you want to make.

The holding cords should be at least 3 x the finished size.

Step 1: Fold the holding cords in half and slide them through the opening in a clip. This is optional if you are just practicing.

Match the ends to balance the cords. Mentally number the four segments as shown. Place a piece of tape onto segments 1 and 4 to mark them.

Arrange the working cord over segments 1 and 4 and under segments 2 and 3.

Balance the cord and secure it at the center.

Cross marked segments 1 and 4 right over left, resting on top of the other half of the holding cords.

These are the only two segments you will cross as you make the Aztec Sun Bar, which is why you marked them.

Step 2: Move the right half of the working cord under segments 1 and 3 (on the right), then bring it over the crossed area of the holding cords.

Move it under segments 3 and 4 heading right. Pass over the working cord to complete the loop.

Designer's Tip: Whenever you make this portion of the Aztec Sun Bar, there is only one place where the working cord passes OVER the holding cords -- at the crossing point of segments 1 and 4 in the center of the design.

Make sure you pass it under the other portions of the holding cords.

Move the left half of the working cord under segments 4 and 2 (on the left), then over the crossed area of cords 1 and 4.

Move it under segments 1 and 2 heading left. Pass it over the working cord to complete the loop.

Pull segments 1 and 4 first, then tighten the loops made with the working cord.

Arrange the holding cords so that segments 1 and 4 are on the outside, with 2 and 3 between them.

Mentally re-number the cords.

Aztec Sun Bar Design

Step 3: Start a Larks Head knot by making a clockwise loop with the right half of the working cord, passing over - under segments 3 and 4.

As you pull it right, pass over the working cord to complete the loop. Tighten firmly.

Complete the Larks Head knot by making a second loop, passing the working cord under - over segments 3 and 4.

As you pull it right, pass under the working cord to complete the loop. Tighten firmly.

Step 4: Start another Larks Head knot by making a counter-clockwise loop with the left half of the working cord, passing over - under segments 1 and 2.

As you pull it left, pass over the working cord to complete the loop. Tighten firmly.

Complete the Larks Head knot by making the second loop, passing the working cord under - over segments 1 and 2.

As you pull it left, pass under the working cord to complete the loop. Tighten firmly.

Cross segments 1 and 4 right over left.

Segments 2 and 3 should remain straight.

Step 5: Repeat step 2, making the right loop with the working cord.

Remember the only place the working cord passes over the holding cords is in the center where cords 1 and 4 are crossed.

Step 5, continued: Make the left loop with the working cord.

To complete the first "sun", pull segments 1 and 4, then tighten the loops made with the working cord.

Arrange the holding cords so that segments 1 and 4 are on the outside, with 2 and 3 between them.

Mentally re-number the cords.

Step 6: Repeat steps 3 - 4, tying the next pair of Larks Head Knots.

Repeat step 2, making the two loops with the working cord.

Step 7: Repeat step 6 several times, until the Aztec Sun Bar is the size you need.

Stop with the Larks Head knots, since you need to add the clip before you make the last two loops (next step).

Finishing the Bar

Step 8: Pass segments 2 and 3 through the opening in the other half of the clip. Bend them back towards the knotted area.

Make sure the clip is in the correct position (not upside down).

Cross segments 1 and 4 as you did in the other areas of the Aztec Sun Bar.

Make sure there is space between the clip and the crossed area. The working cords will pass through this space in the next step.

Step 9: Move the right half of the working cord through the space, passing under segment 1 and both parts of segment 3.

Bring it over the crossed area, then under the 3 holding cords heading right. Pass over the working cord to complete the loop.

Move the left half of the working cord through the space, passing under segment 4 and both parts of segment 2.

Bring it over the crossed area, then under the 3 holding cords heading left. Pass over the working cord to complete the loop.

Pull segments 1 and 4 and tighten the two loops. Pull on segments 2 and 3 to bring the clip close to the end of the bar.

Slide the ENDS of the cords under loops is the BACK of the bar, then finish them off in the manner most appropriate for the material you are using.

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