Buttonhole Scallops

Description: Using Buttonhole Scallops as part of the mounting process was very common in the early 1900’s. So this knot is considered a Vintage technique. Scallops form a very attractive, finished edge. They are used in combination with other mounting knots, such as the Double Half Hitch used in the directions here. The primary decorative knot used to make these unique scallops is the Vertical Larks Head.

This technique can be modified slightly to form a very attractive Buttonhole Clasp, used for jewelry or belts.

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Step 1: Obtain 3 cords to practice making Buttonhole Scallops. One should be at least 6 inches longer than the others. In an actual pattern, the length will be specified. Secure one of the shorter ones to your work surface horizontally. This will be a holding cord, which the knots will be attached to.

Find the center of another short one, and lay it down vertically, with the center directly underneath the holding cord.

Place the longest cord to the left of it, also underneath the holding cord. This one should be off center, with 2/3 of the strand north of the holding cord, with 1/3 south of it. The top portion can be secured temporarily.

Step 2: Use the bottom portion of the left working cord, which is sometimes called the "working end", to make a Double Half Hitch (pink). It's tied onto the horizontal holding cord (black).

Then do the same with the cord on the right.

Step 4: For the second half of the knot, pass under the holding cord first, then over, and through the space.

Both steps are necessary to make one Vertical Larks Head Knot.

Step 5: Repeat steps 3 and 4, tying a total of 5 knots. If you wish the scallops to be larger, tie additional Larks Head knots.

Form a curved loop, also called a scallop, with the knots you just tied.

In an actual pattern using Buttonhole Scallops, the four vertical strands would now be used to tie other Macrame knots.