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Clove Hitch

 
Clove Hitch
 

Description: The Clove Hitch has several variations which can be used in Macrame. They are particularly useful as mounting knots, and to attach cords to rings or dowels. These decorative knots are used in other crafts, as well as boating and fishing. In books devoted to decorative knotting, they are usually listed together, and called "constriction knots". That's because they hold on very tight, and have snake-like twists and coils.

Variations: Constrictor Knot, Clove Loop, Double Constrictor, The Python

 
 
 
To practice the basic Clove Hitch, obtain a single cord. You will also need a ring, handle, or any other object to attach the knot to (base).
 
 
  Secure one End   Step 1: Secure one end of the cord to your work surface or project board. Direct the working end over the base, then bring it under, heading slightly towards the right.  
 
 
  Cross Over   Step 2: Cross the working end of the cord over the left portion (secured end), as you bring it towards the left.  
 
 
  Working End Heads Upward  

Step 3: Direct the working end to the back of the base, looping underneath then upward. Pass the end under the portion of the cord that's to the left of the crossed area.

 
 
 
Pull both ends of the cord to tighten the Clove Hitch. If tied correctly, the ends will head in opposite directions.
 
 
Macrame Cord Divider
 
  Constrictor Knot  

Constrictor Knot

The Constrictor Knot is another way of making the Clove Hitch.

This process works better when you are attaching the cord to a dowel. The regular method outlined above, works better for rings and handles that don't have free ends.

Click on the small images and larger ones will show up.

 
 
 
  Loop   Step 1: Secure one end of a cord to your board, south of the dowel. Bring the cord up and around the dowel, front to back. Pass behind it, and as you bring it down, form a small loop that is tilted to the left. Bring the end back up, slipping it under the portion of the cord resting on the front of the dowel.  
 
 
  Slip Loop Over End of Dowel  

Step 2: Slip the loop over the left end of the dowel. The underside of the loop should be touching it, so it's not rotated.

Step 3: Tighten the knot by pulling on both ends.

 
 
 
Macrame Cord Divider
 
  Clove Hitch with Loop  

Clove Loop

 

This interesting variation of the Clove Hitch provides you with a sturdy loop attached to a dowel, ring, or other item. The loop can slide out, so this knot is best used in combination with other decorative knots.

 

Click on the small images and larger ones will come up.

 

 

 
 
 
  First Loop and Cross   Step 1: Start the Clove Loop by securing one end to your work surface, south of the dowel. Bring the working end over, then under the dowel, from front to back. Cross over the portion in the front of the dowel, heading towards the right. Bring the end over the dowel, under it, bringing the working end back to the front.  
 
 
  Bring End Up to Form Loop   Step 2: You just created a loop on the left. Bring the working end under both portions of that loop, as you head to the area above (north) of the dowel.  
 
 
  Bring End Down Under Cross  

Step 3: Make a clockwise loop at the top, any size you wish. Direct the working end down, passing it under the crossed area, as well as the rest of the coils.

The two ends should rest side-by-side at the bottom when you are finished.

 

 
 
 
Step 4: Tighten the knot by pulling on the ends, holding the top loop steady.
 
 
Macrame Cord Divider
 
  Double Clove Hitch  

Double Constrictor

This variation of the Clove Hitch provides a very sturdy knot around thick dowels and heavy items.

I found reference to this very useful knot listed under the name Boa Knot. Since it twists and curves in a snake-like manner, this name is definitely appropriate.

Don't forget to click on the icons to see larger images.

 
 
 
  First Loop and Cross  

Step 1: Secure one end of a cord to the board, north of the dowel. Bring it around the dowel on an angle, passing under and over, from the front to the back.

Cross the working end over the portion of the cord in the front of the dowel.

 
 
 
  Second Pass   Step 2: Adjust the coils so the secured end of the cord is vertical. Bring the working end around the dowel, passing under and over, to the left of the crossing point.  
 
 
  Second Loop  

Step 3: Bring the working end over the secured portion, heading towards the right.Then direct it under both portions of the first loop, which rests to the right of the cross.

This will make a second loop, on the left.

 
 
 
  Doubling the Knot  

Step 4: To double the knot, bring the working end around the dowel again, to the right of the first Clove Hitch. Direct the end left, passing it under and over the dowel again.

The crossing point should line up with the secured end.

 
 
 
  End Passes Under All Coils   Step 5: Bring the end down diagonally, moving left to right. Pass underneath ALL the other coils, pulling end end down and ending in the center of the knot. You may need to use tweezers or needle nose pliers.  
 
 
Step 6: Tighten the knot gradually, removing the slack from the loops.The two ends should be lined up, heading in opposite directions.
 
 
Macrame Cord Divider
 
 
  The Python  

The Python

 

Needless to say, this variation of the Clove Hitch is also very thick and provides a sturdy hold. Use it in projects where the knot needs to grip hold of something heavy.

This decorative knot is made differently than the others, since it's constructed on a surface. The dowel is added once the knot is made. You can make as many loops as you wish, to thicken the knot further.

 
 
 
  Counter-Clockwise Loops   Step 1: Secure one end of a 60-inch cord to your board, on the left. Make 2 counter-clockwise loops, moving left to right. Make sure you pass the end under the bottom part of the loops, so the crossing points are at the bottom.  
 
 
  Loops Turned Sideways  

Step 2: Slide the left loop on top of the right one. Then turn both of them sideways, so the crossing areas are on the left. Be very careful not to distort the loops as you move them.

The working end should now be at the bottom.

 
 
 
  Flip to Form Figure 8   Step 3: Remove the tape or pins from the secured end. Take the bottom half of both loops,and flip them over the top half. This will form a figure 8. Adjust the ends so they come out of each circle from the inside.  
 
 
  Insert the Dowel   Step 4: Take the dowel, and pass it through the loops formed by the Figure 8. On the right, pass under both loops. The dowel should then pass over the central section, and under the loops on the left.  
 
 
Step 5: Move the coils together and tighten the knot gradually, by pulling on the ends.
 
 
 
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