Checkerboard Rug

Description:  The Checkerboard Rug is named for the fact that the pattern is made from rows of Double Half Hitches that form contrasting squares.  Two colors are used, along with directional changes for the knots, to form this interesting Cavendoli Macrame design.  This pattern is rated Moderate, so is suitable for beginners who have some experience.  Be aware that it requires a large amount of cord and is time consuming.

The finished rectangular rug measures approximately 20 inches wide and 30 inches long. 

• 6mm Nylon Cord (Color A: 168 yards, Color B: 400 yards)
• Masking Tape
• Non-Skid Backing (optional)
• Fabric Glue that dries clear

• Reverse Larks Head knots
• Horizontal Double Half Hitch (HDHH)
• Vertical Double Half Hitch (VDHH)

Color A:  Cut 24 cords, each 7 yards long

Color B:  No cutting necessary

Prepare the ends of the Color A cords with tape, to prevent unraveling.  If you prefer, you can use glue or wax to coat the ends.  Make sure it dries completely before you start.

Step 2:  Bring the color B cord back towards the right, laying it down directly below the mounting knots.  It should be pulled straight and taut, and rest horizontally.  Secure it with tape.  Attach all the Color A cords to it with Double Half Hitches.  It’ll work out better if you start at the left, and move towards the right as you attach the cords.  Be sure to tighten the knots as much as you can, so there is little space above the row.

Repeat this process one more time, directing the color B cord to the left. This completes one edge of the Checkerboard Rug. Now it's time to work on the squares.

Step 3:  Mentally number the color A cords 1 thru 48, moving left to right. Direct the color B cord towards the right, and secure it, so it's horizontal.  Attach color A cords 1 thru 6 to it with DHH.  Again, make sure the knots are tight so the bar is next to the one above it.

Step 4:  Secure the vertical color A cords 7 thru 12 so they have tension.  Applying tape should be fine.  Use the color B strand to make 1 vertical DHH onto each of the six strands.  

Note: Because the working cord is now color B, the color of the knots will change, creating the alternating pattern for the Checkerboard Rug.

Step 5:  The color B cord will now be used as a holding cord again.  Attach the color A cords 13 thru 18 to it with DHH.

Step 8:  Repeat step 4, attaching the Vertical DHH onto the color A cords 31 thru 36.

Step 9:  Repeat step 5, attaching color A cords 37 thru 42 to the color B cord.

Step 10:  The final step for the first row is to repeat step 4.  Tie vertical DHH onto color A cords 43 thru 48.

Step 11:  Repeat steps 3 thru 10 to make 5 more rows in the same manner.  The even numbered rows need to be worked from right to left.  So you’ll start rows 2, 4, 6, etc., by tying vertical DHH onto cords 48 thru 43. The pattern needs to be the same, so the squares form properly. 

You'll know right away if you make a mistake, because the colors won't line up. Each square of the Checkerboard Rug is 6 cords wide and 6 rows tall.

Step 12:  To make the next six rows for the rug, simply repeat the steps above, but alternate the colors.  So the HDHH are made with cords 7 thru 12, 19 thru 24, 31 thru 36, and 43 thru 48.  The VDHH are made onto the remaining groups of cords. 

Step 14:  Continue making the Checkerboard Rug by repeating steps 12 and 13. Stop when the rug measures approximately 28 inches long.  Periodically you will run out of Color B material, and will need to switch rolls.  You need at least 65 inches of Color B material to complete the last 3 rows.

Step 16:  Direct the ends of all the cords to the back of the Checkerboard Rug.  Trim them to 1 to 2 inches, and weave them through the back of a few knots to hold them in place.  Your needle nose pliers or tweezers will help you with this step. Apply glue as needed. 

Step 17:  To apply the non-skid backing, simply cut it to the shape of the rug and apply glue to hold it in place.  This is a good way to cover the ends.