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Celtic Cross

Description: This beautiful Celtic Cross pattern is very similar to one found in a book called “Celtic Knots for Beaded Jewelry”. The original design, shown above, called for the cords to be doubled. This Macrame pattern was written so you can use only 2 strands for the cross, desirable if you are using thicker material. Otherwise, the design is the same as the original pattern. To see a pattern where this Interlaced Cross was used, go to the Soft Rosary.

Supplies Needed:

Macramé Cord (any size) in 2 different colors
Project Board and pins or tape

Cutting and Preparing Cords

IMPORTANT: Secure all the loops with pins. If using Leather or Rattail cord, use tape or the Cross-Pin Technique. The pins damage the fibers.

Cut 1 strand of the Color A material, 30 inches long. Cut 1 strand of the Color B material, 75 inches or longer, depending on the size of the necklace you are making. Prepare the ends with glue or tape to prevent unraveling.

Note: The original Celtic Cross was designed so that 2 strands work together as if they were one cord. Care should be taken not to crisscross them as you make the loops. If you decide to double the cords, cut 2 strands of each color.

I wrote this pattern so you can make this design with only 2 cords, which will make it smaller and more dainty. I recommend this if using cord material more than 2mm thick. I used 6mm cord for the images below, so had no need to double the strands. In the image above, 2mm Rattail Cord was used, so I did use the doubled variation.

Click on the icons, and larger pictures will come up in a new window.

Loops for Top Section

Loop 1: Take the color A cord and make a loop in the center, so the right end crosses over the left.

Loop 2: For the left “arm” of the cross, make a loop in a clockwise direction. The crossing point should end up below and slightly to the left of loop #1. The end should pass over the first part of the loop at the crossing point.

Loop 3: The right “arm” is positioned across from loop #2, with the crossing point just below and slightly to the right of loop #1. This loop should be made in a counter-clockwise direction. The end should pass under the first part of the loop at the crossing point.

Cross the end of the right strand over the left, and secure them so the crossing point is lined up with loop #1.

Loops for Bottom Section

Loops 4 and 5: Move down ½ to 1 inch and cross the NEW right cord over the left. This forms loop #4.

Repeat the process to make loop #5, lower down.

Design Using Long Cord(s)

Take the Color B cord to make the interlacing of the Celtic Cross. Secure it in the center, so it rests just below the crossing point of loop #5. The left portion should cross over the left tail of the Color A cord. The right portion should pass under the right tail.

Take the right end and pass it across the middle portion of loop #5, heading right to left.

Direct the same end under the middle part of loop #4, heading left to right.

Bring the cord across the middle of loop #3, still heading towards the right upper portion of the Celtic Cross design.

Make a clockwise loop, weaving the end under, over and under the coils making up loop #3. The portion you go over is Color B. In other words, you pass under the color A coils and over the color B.

You’ll know you’ve done this step correctly if the 2 loops stay connected.

Cross the end over the middle portion of loop #1, heading right to left. Secure the cord to your board.

Now go back to the bottom of the Celtic Cross and use the left portion of the Color B cord. Weave through loop #5, heading left to right. Pass under the color A coils and over color B.

Direct the end through loop #4, heading right to left. Pass over the color A coils, and under the color B.

Pass the end under loop #2, still heading right to left.

Make a counter-clockwise loop, weaving the end over color A and under color B. This step is similar to what you did in the right "arm" of the Celtic Cross.

Bring the end up to loop #1, heading left to right. Weave through, while passing under color A and over color B.

Tighten the Celtic Cross gradually and evenly so it’s balanced.

Finish off the ends of the Color A Cords by directing them to the back of the design and applying glue to hold them in place. If you prefer, you can let them dangle and apply beads followed by a Barrel Knot. The Color B cord was cut longer than necessary so you can use it to make a necklace.

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Have any comments or suggestions about the Celtic Cross? Contact Me.

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