Diamonds
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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. |
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Empty Diamond |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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Step 1: Mentally number the strands 1 thru 12. The holding cords will be strands 6 and 7. Direct them diagonally and secure them to your project board.
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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. Cords 2 and 11 will be used next. |
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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. |
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| Now for the bottom half. You will be reversing the process, and dropping cords with each new knot. |
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Step 6: Use cord 1 on the left and 12 on the right, tying DHH around all the others. These were the last cords used in step 5. These strands will be dropped, and no longer used. |
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| Step 7: Take one strand from the bundle of holding cords, and tie it around the others. Do the same at the opposite side of the design. |
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| Step 8: Repeat the previous step until there are only 2 strands left, one on each half. To close the diamond, attach the cord on the right to the left strand (or vice-versa). |
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Standard Designs |
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| 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. |
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| These patterns all start out the same way. The next 2 steps show you how to make the TOP of the diamonds. |
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| Step 1: Mount 6 strands to a holding cord with Larks Head Knots to practice these interesting variations. |
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Step 2: Direct cords 6 and 7 diagonally and secure them to your project board. They should be taut. |
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Step 3: Attach the other strands to the holding cords. For the left, attach 5 thru 1, in that order. At the right, attach 7 thru 12. |
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The vertical cords are now used to make a variety of designs, forming the center section (see below). The 2 holding cords are not used until the center is complete. At that time, they are directed towards the center, and the other cords are attached again. Half of the strands will be hitched to each one.
To close the diamond, one holding cord is attached to the other. |
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Cords Folded in Center |
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| 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. |
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| Step 1: Make the top of the diamond as described above. Mentally number the strands running through the center 1 thru 10, moving left to right. |
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Step 2: Direct the holding cords towards the center. On the right half of the design, attach cord 6 to the right holding cord with a DHH, folding it across the others. In other words, the cords furthest away from the holding cords are attached first. |
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| Step 3: Attach cords 7 thru 10 to the right holding cord next (in that order). |
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Step 4: On the left, attach cord 5 first, then 4 thru 1. To close the shape, attach one holding cord to the other.
Another variation I have seen includes giving the center cords a twist, then completing the bottom portion. |
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Single Knot in Center |
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| Here's a different variation, where the middle cords have 1 knot resting in the center of them. |
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| Step 1: Make the top of the diamond as described above. Mentally number the strands running through the center 1 thru 10 (don't include holding cords). |
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Step 2: Use strands 1 and 10 as the working cords. The rest are fillers. Tie a Square Knot. The key is to place it so it rests directly in the center of the diamond, and is balanced. |
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Step 3: Direct the holding cords to the center, and attach the other strands to them with DHH. Close the shape by attaching one holding cord to the other.
I've seen many other decorative knots used like this, such as Sailor Knots, Button Knot, Lanyard Knot, and many others. The key is to make sure they are small and compact, so the shape is not distorted. |
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Sennit in Center |
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| Here's another interesting variation for the center of the DHH diamond. You basically form one or more small sennits of knots, rather than just one. |
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| Step 1: Make the top of the diamond as described above. Mentally number the strands running through the center 1 thru 10 (don't include holding cords). |
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Step 2: Use cords 4 thru 7 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. |
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Step 3: Direct the holding cords towards the center, and attach the other strands to them with DHH. Half of the strands should be attached to each holding cord. 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. |
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Cords Woven in Center |
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| The final variation that is commonly seen is where the middle of the diamond forms a woven design. |
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| Step 1: Make the top of the diamond as described above. Mentally number the strands running through the center 1 thru 10. |
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Step 2: Direct cords 1 thru 5 to the right, securing them so they are taut. Weave cords 6 thru 10 through them, heading left. |
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Step 3: Direct the holding cords to the center, and attach the working cords as they sit. Five should be attached to each holding cord.
To complete the shape, attach one holding cord to the other. |
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Free Macrame Patterns has an online store. It's called Acajou Crafts, and to go there, all you need to do is click on any of the banners like the one below.They ae located on every page. Be sure to check out the specials!
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