Cockscomb Knot
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Description:
The Cockscomb knot, also know as Ringbolt Hitching, is an
interesting decorative knot seldom used in Macrame. It’s
not very well known, but is a very useful technique to know. Since it has to be tied to something,
you could use it to decorate bottles, to cover
a handle, or to wrap a thick bundle of cords together.
Variations: In January 2010, I added a new variation of this knot, below the first set of instructions. It's constructed differently, but is still considered a type of Cockscomb knot.
You can click on the images and a large picture
will come up in a new window. |
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| Step 1: Obtain
3 cords, each at least 36 inches long. You will also need
a cardboard tube or dowel to practice this knot. If you can,
try to use three different colors to practice this interesting
knotting technique. |
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| Secure the cords at the bottom of the tube or dowel, so they
rest side-by-side. You can use another piece of cord or tape. Mentally number the cords, moving left to right. |
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Step 2:
Take cord 1 and wrap it around the tube in a clockwise direction. It will pass under on the left, and over at the right. Direct the end under the secured portion of the same strand, in the front of the design. The end will be resting on the left when you are finished. |
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Step 3: Use cord 2 next, make another loop,
heading counter-clockwise. It should be placed above the first knot. The vertical portion of the cord should rest to the right of the crossing point in the first cord. The end will come to rest on the right this time. |
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Step 4: Do the
same with third strand, heading clockwise again. This knot will rest above the other two knots. The crossing points of all three cords should be close together at this point.
Slide
the wraps down, so you have room for several more. |
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Step 5: Repeat steps 2 - 4, using the cords in the very same order. The next strand (#1), will be wrapped counter-clockwise, since you have to alternate directions with each new knot. Otherwise the Cockscomb knot will not work out. |
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| Step 6:
Depending on the project you are working on, you can finish
off the design by adding other knots, then
push the ends inside. This decorative knot will come apart if removed from the item it surrounds. |
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Loop Ringbolt |
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Alternating Loop Ringbolt |
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| Here's the other type of Cockscomb knot I recently found. I left the coils separated so you could see the loops more closely. In an actual Macrame pattern, you would push them together. The photo on the left shows the basic Loop Ringbolt design. The one on the right shows the same type of knot, but the direction of the loops alternate. The instructions for both are below. |
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Step 1: Secure one end of a 60-inch cord to the back of whatever you are wrapping, like this dowel.
Wrap the working end around it, rotating counter-clockwise. Cross the working end over the tail, in the front of the dowel. |
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Step 2: Secure the crossing point with tape. Bring the working end down slightly and make a clockwise loop. Cross the end under as you bring the end to the right. This loop should rest just below the secured crossing point. |
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Step 3: Bring the working end around the dowel from right to left, and pass it through the loop from below.
Pull on the end to tighten it, and push it up towards the secured area above. Make adjustments as necessary, so it lays snugly against the dowel. |
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Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 several more times.
To finish, direct the end to the back of the Cockscomb knot, securing it under the coils to hold it in place. Remove the tape and tuck the tail into the knot as well. |
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To make the alternating variation, make every other loop in a counter-clockwise direction. You'll still be passing the end through the loop from below, but you will be directing the cord around the dowel in the opposite direction. |
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Ready to use this knot in a Macrame Project? If you need supplies, they're available in the store that was set up for Free Macrame Patterns. Simply click on the Acajou banners all over this site to check out the materials that are available.
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