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Barrel Knot

Description: The Barrel Knot is similar to the Overhand Knot, and is used frequently in Macrame projects. I learned it when I was young, and was instructed to use it when sewing on buttons. In Vintage patterns it is sometimes called the Coil Knot. It’s used as a finishing knot at the ends of cords, to prevent them from unraveling, and to secure items such as Macrame beads.

Variations: There are several other similar designs listed below, including the Long Barrel Knot, the Strangle Knot, the Barrel Bead, the Triple Barrel, and the Knuckle knot.

Step 1: To practice, cut a single cord, at least 12 inches long. Hold it in both hands and make an Overhand Knot, so the crossing point is at the top. Using the right end, wrap the cord around the loop 2 or 3 more times. Keep the tension the same with each wrap, and make sure the end is on the inside of the circle when you are finished.

Step 1: To practice, cut a single cord, at least 12 inches long. Hold it in both hands and make an Overhand Knot, so the crossing point is at the top.

Step 2: Using the right end, wrap the cord around the upper part of the loop 2 or 3 times. Keep the tension the same with each wrap, and make sure the end is on the inside of the circle when you are finished.

Step 3: Pull both ends gently to tighten the knot. If you pull too hard, the knot will bunch up.

Long Barrel Knot

To make the long version of the Barrel knot, follow these steps:

Step 1: Obtain a cord that is at least 20 inches long. Make the Overhand knot in the center of the cord. Wrap both ends around the loop, in opposite directions. Make sure one end finishes by passing under the loop at the bottom, and one end finishes by passing over.

Click on the icon to see a larger image.

Step 2: Tighten the knot slowly and gradually, so the coils end up close together, as in the larger image above.

Strangle Knot

This variation of the Barrel Knot is very interesting, and provides a strong grip that can hold weight. It's round enough to pass as a button knot, too.

You can click on the icons to see larger images.

Step 1: Obtain a piece of cord material to practice, at least 24 inches long. Create the knot as described in the general instructions. Make sure the right end comes out of the circle passing over the bottom, and the left comes out from under it.

Step 2: Flip the bottom part of the circle over the top portion, forming a figure 8. Hold it in place as you tighten the knot by pulling on the ends.

The Barrel Bead

I found this type of Barrel Knot in a book called "Decorative Fusion Knots" by J.D. Lenzen, and I have seen it in other books as well. Click on the link or image to see his website, which has a knot gallery.

I call this knot the the Barrel Bead, since it looks like one. In fact, you can use it as decoration, instead of beads. It's a firm, tight knot that holds very well, so it works as a finishing knot, too.

Step 1: Wrap a 45-inch cord around your index and second finger 4 or 5 times. The left end should be in front, and the right end behind your fingers.

Step 2: Direct the right end through the center of the wrapped portions, moving right to left.

Step 3: Direct the left end through the center, moving left to right.

Step 4: Pull on both ends slowly and gradually to tighten the Barrel knot.

If the material is not smooth, you may need to help the loops along a little by pushing them towards each other.

Triple Barrel Knot

This type of Barrel Knot is unique in that three areas are wrapped. I found it in a book called "Decorative Fusion Knots" by J. D. Lenzen.

What's nice about this technique is that two loops are made, which other cords can be attached to. It's very stable, so you could direct the neck of a wine bottle through the central space, and have two carrying handles.

Step 1: Fold a cord in half and secure it at the center. Then make a clockwise loop with the left end, 1 to 2 inches lower down on the cord. Make sure the end passes under to form the crossing point. Make a counter-clockwise loop on the right, passing over at the crossing point.

Step 2: Cross the left END over the right. Bring it into the right loop, from the top (over - under).

Step 3: Wrap the left end around the right loop 3 to 4 times. Make sure you are passing over the crossing point as you do so.

The end should come out of the loop from below the curved area.

Step 4: Pass the right end through the left loop, from below (under - over).

Step 5: Wrap the right end around the loop 3 to 4 times, as you did in step 3. But you will rotate the opposite direction.

The end should pass out of the loop from above the curved area.

Step 6: At the top of the Barrel Knot design, take the curved area and twist it to form a loop that is counter-clockwise. The left portion should be on top of the right portion.

Step 7: Make a second counter-clockwise loop, so it rests on top of the first one.

Step 8: Direct the end that is on the right through the two loops you just made, from below.

Step 9: Direct the left end through the loops, from the top.

Step 10: Tighten the Triple Barrel Knot by pulling on the ends gently. Adust the loops on either side of the knot, to the size you need.

Knuckle Knot

I found this variation in "Decorative Fusion Knots" by J. D. Lenzen. He named it a Bloody Knuckle knot, and describes it as a fusion of Half Hitches with the Blood Knot. That's another name for the Barrel Knot, by the way.

It's a very attractive knot, and can be used as a small pendant. The loops along the lower edge can be used to hang charms or pendants.

Step 1: Make a counter-clockwise loop in the center of a 60-inch cord. The right segment should pass over the left. Secure it at the crossing point.

In JD's book, he has you holding the loops instead of placing them on a surface, which you can do if you prefer.

Step 2: Make another loop, in a counter-clockwise direction, to the right of the first loop.

Slide it under Loop 1 as shown. If you were holding the loops, the back of loop 1 would be touching the front of loop 2.

Step 3: Make a third counter-clockwise loop, and slide it under the second one.

Step 4: Make two more counter-clockwise loops. The fourth one should be under loop 3, and the fifth one should be under loop 4.

Notice in the image above that I put red X's on the right half of each loop. When you get to the next step, you will need to pass under those segments, so make sure you can locate them.

If you chose to hold the loops, they should be all lined up, with the first one on the left and the fifth one on the right. You would direct the ends through the middle of them.

Step 5: Direct the right end through the loops, moving right to left.

Make sure you are passing the end under the right half of each one.

Step 6: Pass the left end through the loops, moving in the opposite direction (left to right).

Follow the same path as the right end, passing under the right half of the loops.

Step 7: I found it easier to tighten the Knuckle knot if I worked the slack out of each loop before pulling on the ends.

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