Cross Necklace

• 2mm Cord Material (8 yards)
• Project Board and Pins
• Needle Nose Pliers
• Glue

Cutting Instructions

Cut the cords as follows:

• 2 cords at least 72 inches in length (for the necklace)
• 4 cords, each 36 inches long (for the cross)

Creating the Horizontal “Arms” of the Cross

Step 1:  Take one of the 36-inch cords and place it diagonally on your project board.  Take another cord and place it on top, heading the opposite direction.  The cords should form an X shape.  Secure both cords in the center with a pin.

Step 2:  Tie a sennit of Lanyard knots measuring 2 inches.  The knots will be “stacked” on top of one another as you tie them.  At some point you will need to remove the pin in the center, and secure the knots by putting the pins through diagonally.

Step 3:  Direct the ends into the sennit, after trimming them to 1 inch.  Apply glue as needed to hold them in place.

Tip: You’ll need to use your needle nose pliers for this part of the Cross Necklace.  Direct the tips into the sennit on an angle, and out through the central space.  Grab the ends and pull them through, one at a time.

Designing the Vertical Portion of the Cross

Step 4:  Take one of the 36 inch cords, and place it diagonally on your board.  Place another one across it, forming an X.  Secure them at the center point.

Step 5:  Make a sennit of Lanyard knots, measuring 1½ inch.  Lay it down on your work surface vertically.

Step 6:  Take the other design you worked on (for the arms), and place it on top of the new sennit.  Make sure it is horizontal, and balanced.  Direct the 4 ends through the first design, using your pliers.

Continue by tying more Lanyard knots, measuring ½-inch. Try to place the first knot very close to the horizontal sennit, so there is no gap.

Step 7: Trim the ends to 1 inch.  Direct them into the sennit, applying glue as needed to hold them in place. 

Step 8: Use the two 72-inch cords to make the remainder of the Cross Necklace. Pass them through the vertical sennit and center them. Figure 8 knots and Oysterman Button Knots can be made, using the two strands as if they were one cord. The Celtic Button Knot, and the Chinese Button knot are a little more challenging, but look very nice, too.

See Learn Macrame for details on these different techniques. If you feel you need more cords, just add them onto the long strands.