Cross Knot
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Description: The Cross Knot is one of the easiest Chinese Macrame techniques.
On one side, it looks like a cross, on the other side, a diamond
shape. You can tie alternating rows of this decorative knot to make a really beautiful
pattern.
Variations: The Diamond Stitch is very similar, so I've included it in these instructions. The Winged Cross Knot is also described below. |
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Step 1: To practice, obtain a single length of cord at least 36 inches long. Find the center, fold the strand in half, and secure it at the crook (curved portion) to your work surface or Project Board.
Take the right portion of the cord and bring it under the left,
making a “P” shaped loop. Bring the cord over and
back towards the right. |
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Step 2: Take the
left end and bring it up through the loop. It will pass over the right in two areas. Bring it back down to
the bottom, going under both areas of the right portion. Secure the left end temporarily. |
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Step 4: Switch
to the right end again, directing it under the left end, which is secured. Pass it under - over the next two areas of the left portion, as you bring it to the left horizontally.
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Hold both ends in one hand, and the large loop (top) in the other.
Pull gently, and with equal force, to tighten the Cross knot. |
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Diamond Stitch |
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Description: The Diamond Stitch takes advantage of the design on the back of the Cross Knot. It’s tied a bit differently, though,
and does not have a loop. In some Vintage Macrame books,
it’s found under the name Square Stitch, which can get
a bit confusing, particularly if your pattern calls for Square
Knots as well as this technique. See the Vintage
Basket for a pattern that uses this unique decorative knot.
Step 1: To practice, secure one end of two strands to your project board, at the top. They should be vertical. |
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Step 2:
Use the left cord (blue)to make a vertical “S”
shape. Mentally label the first downward bight as fold 1, and
the second portion going upward as fold 2. |
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Step 3: Now take
the right cord (Purple), and direct the end through
fold 2 horizontally. Make sure you go into it from below (under - over).
Pass over the portion of the cord that is on the left. |
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Step 4: Bring the same end back towards the right, passing through the three segments of the left cord, under - over - under. |
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Step 5: Now
direct the same working end back to the left. Pass over the first segment of the other cord. Now bring through fold 1 from the top (over - under). You've now made a second "S" shape.
Step 6: Tighten the Diamond Stitch gradually, by pulling on the ends. It’s
best to leave it a little loose, so the design is seen more easily. |
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Winged Cross Knot |
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| Description: The Winged Cross Knot looks great either direction. One side has a cross shape, and the other a square. It's made a little bit differently, and there are two loops. |
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Step 1: Fold a 45-inch cord in half to form a bight. Lay it on your work surface horizontally. The working end will be the one on the bottom, so secure the other end. |
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Step 2: Bring the working end down and form a clockwise loop (A). Direct it upward, over the secured end.
Then bring it down under both segments of Bight 1. It should rest to the right of Loop A when you are finished. |
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Step 3: Bring the working end back up, passing through Bight 1 from the top (over - under).
This creates Bight 2, which is vertical. |
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Step 4: Direct the working end around in a clockwise circle, in the upper right area of the Winged Cross Knot.
Weave it through Bight 2 and Loop A by going under - over - under - over, as you bring it to the left. |
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Step 5: Bring the working end back to the right side of the knot, passing through Bight 2 from the top (over - under).
Secure only the loops to your board (A and B). |
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Tighten the Winged Cross Knot by pulling on the ends and loops gradually.
Adjust the size of the loops. |
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Have
any comments or suggestions about the Cross Knot? Contact
Me.
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