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 |
| |
| |
 |
|
Step 1:
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. |
|
| |
| |
 |
|
Step 2: Wrap
the right end of the cord first over, then under, the item used as
a base. The left end will dangle freely. Cross over the first
part of the cord to make the next part of the knot. |
|
| |
| |
 |
|
Step 3: Direct
the same end to the back of the base piece, looping underneath
then up. Finish the knot by passing the end under the cord just
to the left of the crossed part. Pull both ends of the cord
to tighten. If tied correctly, the ends will head in opposite
directions. |
|
| |
| |
 |
| |
| |
 |
|
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. |
|
|
| |
| |
| |
 |
|
Step 1: Secure one end of the cord to your board, south of the dowel. Bring the cord up and around the dowel, from the front. Pass behind it, and as you bring it down, form a small loop that is tilted to the left. It will look like a Figure 8. Bring the end back up, slipping it under the portion of the cord resting on the front of the dowel. |
|
|
| |
| |
 |
|
Step 2: Slip the loop over the end of the left end of the dowel. The underside of the loop should be touching the dowel.
Step 3: Tighten the knot by pulling on the ends. |
|
|
| |
| |
|
| |
| |
 |
|
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.
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
 |
|
Step 1: Start the Clove Loop by securing one end to the board. Bring the cord around the dowel, from front to back. Cross over the portion in the front of the dowel, moving towards the right. Bring the end behind the dowel and back to the front. |
|
|
| |
| |
 |
|
Step 2: Note that there is a loop on your left. Bring the end under both portions of that loop, as you head to the area above the dowel. |
|
|
| |
| |
 |
|
Step 3: Make a clockwise loop at the top, any size you wish. Direct the end down, passing it under the crossed area. The two ends should rest side-by-side when you are finished.
Note: The loop can also be made counter-clockwise. |
|
|
| |
| Step 4: Tighten the knot by pulling on the ends, holding the loop steady. |
| |
| |
|
| |
| |
 |
|
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. |
|
|
| |
| |
| |
 |
|
Step 1: Secure one end of a cord to the board. Bring it down and around the dowel, from the front to the back. The crossing point should be in the front. |
|
|
| |
| |
 |
|
Step 2: Adjust the loop so the secured end of the cord is vertical. Bring the unsecured end around the dowel, to the left of the first loop. |
|
|
| |
| |
 |
|
Step 3: Bring the end you have been working with over the secured tail. Then direct it under the portions of the cord resting to the right of the cross.
Another way to look at it is to pass it under the coils making up the first loop. This will make a second loop, on the left. |
|
|
| |
| |
 |
|
Step 4: To double the knot, bring the working end around the dowel again, to the right of the Clove Hitch. Direct the end left, passing it around the dowel again. The crossing point should line up with the secured tail. |
|
|
| |
| |
 |
|
Step 5: You'll be heading diagonally, left to right at this point. Bring the end down, underneath ALL the other portions of the cord, in the center of the knot. |
|
|
| |
| Step 6: Tighten the knot gradually.The two ends should be lined up, and come out of the knot between the crossed areas. |
| |
| |
|
| |
| |
| |
 |
|
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 it's created. You can make as many loops as you wish, to thicken the knot further. |
|
|
| |
| |
| |
 |
|
Step 1: Secure one end of a 60-inch cord to your board. Make 2 counter-clockwise loops, heading left to right. Make sure you pass the end under the first part of the cord, to make the crossing points. |
|
|
| |
| |
 |
|
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.
The lower tail is the unsecured one. Move it next to the loops. |
|
|
| |
| |
 |
|
Step 3: Take the bottom half of both loops, as well as the unsecured tail, and flip it over the top half. This will form a figure 8. Make sure the tails come out of each circle as shown. |
|
|
| |
| |
 |
|
Step 4: Take the dowel, and pass it through the loops formed by the Figure 8. On the right, pass into it from below. The dowel then passes over the central section, and into the loop on the left. |
|
|
| |
| Step 5: Move the coils together and tighten the knot gradually, by pulling on the ends. |
| |
| |
| |
|
| |
Need Macrame Supplies? Come visit the "official" online store for Free Macrame Patterns. Just click on the banners like the one below to go to the store.
|
| |
|
