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Diamonds

Description: Diamonds made with Double Half Hitches are among the most commonly seen patterns in existence. Most Macrame Books will have instructions and projects that use them in one form or another. The basic concept for each design is the same.

I've put together several types of designs for you to practice this important technique. You can click on the icons and larger pictures will come up so you can see the details better.

Empty Diamond

Let's start with the one in the image above. This design is called an Empty diamond, because there are no knots inside it. This is the most unique of all the different patterns possible, and is constructed somewhat differently than the others described below.

Start by mounting 6 strands of material to a holding cord with Larks Head Knots. This makes it easier to practice. The cords should be at least 45 inches in length.

Step 1: Mentally number the strands 1 thru 12. The first holding cords will be strands 6 and 7. Direct them diagonally and secure them to your project board.

Note: Some Macrame patterns will have you crisscross the first set of holding cords, but when practicing, that's optional.

Step 2: Attach cord 5 to the left holding cord (6) with a DHH. Attach cord 8 to holding cord 7 on the right half of the design.

Step 3: Cord 5 will now act as an additional holding cord, and combined with the first one (cord 6). Attach cord 4 to both of them with a DHH.

Do the same on the left. Cord 9 should be tied to both cords 7 and 8.

Tip: I like to work on both halves at the same time, rather than completing one side, then working on the other. The design ends up more balanced that way.

Step 4: The holding cords will now be strands 4, 5, and 6 (on the right). Attach cord 3 to all three of them with a DHH.

On the left side of the design, the holding cords will be 7, 8, and 9. Tie cord 10 to them with DHH.

Step 5: Continue this process of increasing the number of holding cords when each knot is tied. Cord 2 on the left, should be attached to 3 - 6. Cord 11 on the right, should be attached to 7 - 10.

The cords at each edge (1 and 12) will be attached to all the others in the final step.The top half of the diamond is now complete.

Now for the bottom half. You will be reversing the process, and dropping cords with each new knot.

Step 6: Use cord 1 on the left and 12 on the right, tying DHH around all the others. These were the same cords used in step 5.

These two strands will now be dropped, and no longer used.

Step 7: Take one strand from the left bundle of holding cords, and tie it around the others, with a DHH. Do the same at the right side of the diamond. At this point, it doesn't matter which one you choose to make the knot.

Drop the working cords you were just working with, and do not use them again.

Step 8: Repeat the previous step until there are only 2 strands left, one on each half. Remember to drop the working cords after using them once.

To close the diamond, attach the cord on the right to the left strand (or vice-versa).

Standard Designs

The most common method of making DHH Diamonds are the ones I like to call "Filled" designs. The center of them has cords running through. These strands can be manipulated to form some interesting variations.

These patterns all start out the same way. The next 2 steps show you how to make the TOP of the diamonds.

Step 1: Mount 6 strands to a holding cord with Larks Head Knots to practice these interesting variations. They will be folded in half, resulting in 12 strands. Mentally number them 1 - 12.

Step 2: Direct cords 6 and 7 diagonally and secure them to your project board. They should be taut, since they are the holding cords.

Step 3: On the left, attach working cords 5 thru 1, to holding cord 6, with DHH. At the right, attach cords 8 thru 12 to holding cord 7.

The vertical working cords are now used to make a variety of designs, forming the center section (see below). The 2 holding cords are not used again until the center is completed.

At that time, they are directed towards the center, and the other cords are attached again. The same strands indicated above will be attached to each one, but in reverse order.

To close the design, one holding cord is attached to the other.

Cords Folded in Center

The larger image above shows the cords in the center are folded on an angle. This is a common Vintage pattern seen in many Macrame books.

Step 1: Make the top of the diamond as described above. Remember that cords 6 and 7 are the strands holding the knots.

Step 2: Direct the holding cords towards each other, meeting in the center of the diamond.

On the right half of the design, attach cord 8 to holding cord 7 with a DHH, folding it across the others.

Step 3: Attach cords 9 thru 12 to the right holding cord next (in that order).

Step 4: On the left, attach cord 5 to holding cord 6, then do the same with 4 thru 1. To close the design, attach one holding cord to the other.

Single Knot in Center

Here's a different variation, where the cords in the middle have 1 knot, which can be varied.

Step 1: Mentally number the 12 cords. The holding cords are 6 and 7. Attach cords 5 - 1 to holding cord 6. Attach 8 - 12 to holding cord 7.

Keep the holding cords secured to your board when you are done with the top half of the diamond, and don't use them in the next step.

Step 2: Use cords 1 and 12 to tie a Square Knot around all the others, which are fillers.The key is to place it so it rests directly in the center of the diamond, and is balanced.

Step 3: Direct the holding cords towards the center. Attach strand 1 - 5 to holding cord 6, with DHH. Attach cords 12 - 8 to holding cord 7. Close the design by attaching one holding cord to the other.

I've seen many other decorative knots used like this, such as Sailor Knots, Button Knots, and Lanyard Knots. The key is to make sure they are small and compact, so the shape is not distorted.

Sennit in Center

Here's another interesting variation for the center of the DHH diamond. You basically form one or more small sennits, rather than just a single knot.

Step 1: Make the top of the diamond as described above. The holding cords should be 6 and 7 throughout the design.

Step 2: Use cords 4, 5, 8, and 9 to make a short Spiral Stitch sennit. The length will be determined by the size of the diamonds you are making, and usually specified in the pattern. If you wish, you can make other sennits, using the remaining working cords.

Step 3: Direct the holding cords towards the center, so they meet. Attach cords 1 - 5 to holding cord 6. Attach cords 12 - 8 to holding cord 7. Close the shape by attaching one holding cord to the other.

You can also try the Half Hitch Spiral, or even a sennit of Square Knots, which will form a flat design.

Cords Woven in Center

The final variation that is commonly seen is where the middle of the diamond forms a woven design.

Step 1: Make the top of the diamond so that cords 6 and 7 are the holding cords. Attach cords 5 - 1 to holding cord 6, and 8 - 12 to holding cord 7.

Leave both holding cords attached to the board when you are finished.

Step 2: Direct cords 1 thru 5 to the right, securing them so they are taut. Weave cords 8 thru 12 through them, heading left.

Step 3: Direct the holding cords to the center, so they meet. Attach cords 8 - 12 to holding cord 6, with DHH. Attach cords 5 - 1 to holding cord 7.

To complete the diamond, attach one holding cord to the other.

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