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Double Half Hitch Patterns




There are various Double Half Hitch Patterns you will see used in many Macrame projects. From triangles to flowers, the possible variations are endless, once you understand the process. I have listed several designs to show you some examples of how this versatile knot can be used to make different shapes. Be sure you know how to make the Double Half Hitch before you get started. Click on any of the small icons and large pictures will show up in a new window.

Shaping a Triangle

One of the most common Double Half Hitch patterns is the triangular shape, and is seen in many of the older Macrame books. Shaping can take many forms, but angles are a challenge for some people, so we will start with those.

Mount 3 strands to a holding cord with Larks Head Knots, so you have 6 strands to work with.

Step 1: Use the strand furthest to the left as the holding cord. Direct it horizontally, to the right. Make a row of DHH onto it, using the other strands to tie the knots. Move from left to right as you tie the knots.

Step 2: Repeat step 1 to make more rows. Always use the left strand as the holding cord.

Step 3: The final step will result in 1 knot. Adjust the rows so the right edge is straight. This is called a decreasing pattern, which means that the number of knots per row gets less and less. So you might find Macrame patterns that use the term Decreasing DHH.

Making Angles

Double Half Hitch Patterns come in all shapes and sizes. This angled design is very interesting. The horizontal rows look diagonal, but they are really straight. The entire design is angled, which is deceptive to the eye.

Step 1: Start by mounting 3 strands of material to a holding cord with Larks Head Knots. You need 6 cords to make this design.

Step 2: Direct the cord furthest to the right horizontally, as shown. This is the first holding cord.

Step 3: Attach all the remaining strands to the holding cord with DHH.

Step 4: Direct the next cord, at the right, across the others, just like the first one. Bring the first holding cord down so it rests next to the other strands.

Step 5: Attach all the strands to the second holding cord with DHH. Be sure to include the first holding cord.

Step 6: Continue this process until you have 5 or 6 horizontal rows.

The final holding cord, seen at the left lower corner of the design, will be used twice.

Step 7: Use the same holding cord, and direct it to the right, over the other strands.

Attach the other cords to it with DHH.

The remainder of the process is the same as in steps 1 thru 6, except for the direction. You can continue this process over and over to form a zig-zag sennit that looks great as a belt.

DHH Angle Variation

Double Half Hitch patterns are often combined with other knots.

This sennit is a combination of DHH and Square Knots. Other decorative knots can be used in the same manner. Try the Spiral Stitch or Alternating Half Hitch instead.

Follow steps 1 thru 6 above to make the Angled Double Half Hitch Pattern shown. The holding cords will head right to left.

Use 3 strands to make 2 Square Knot sennits consisting of 3 to 5 knots.

Complete the design by making the second half of the Angle Design, with the holding cords heading left to right.

S Design

This is one of the most simple Double Half Hitch patterns. This design would make a great belt or bracelet.

You will need 3 or 4 cords to make this variation.

Step 1: Mount the strands to a holding cord with DHH or Larks Head knots. I used different colors for instruction purposes.

The strand furthest to the right is the holding cord (blue).

Step 2: Attach the other strands to the holding cord with DHH.

Step 3: Direct the holding cord the opposite direction, and repeat step 2.

Remember that the design is based on what direction the holding cord is taking. As you continue, simply direct it back and forth to form the S shape.

X Shape

Since we just practiced one letter of the alphabet, we might as well do this one next.

This is a very common design seen in older Macrame patterns. Using 2 colors is not necessary, but adds an interesting touch.

Step 1: Mount 6 strands of material to a holding cord with Larks Head Knots to practice this Double Half Hitch Pattern.

Step 2: Mentally number the strands 1 thru 12. The first holding cord is the one furthest to the right (12). Direct it diagonally, as shown.

Step 3: Attach 5 of the strands closest to it (7 thru 11), with DHH.

Leaf Shaped Design

This is also among the most common Double Half Hitch Patterns seen, primarily in older designs.

You can change the shape of the leaves by adjusting the holding cords.

Step 1: You will need 8 strands of material mounted to a holding cord with Larks Head knots. The strands at the edges will be the holding cords. They should curve slightly as shown.

Step 2: Attach all the other strands to the holding cords with DHH. Half should be tied to one holding cord, and the remainder to the other one.

Step 3: Use the strand furthest to the left as a new holding cord. Curve it to the center as shown. This will make the bottom of the first leaf shape.

Step 4: Attach half of the strands to the new holding cord with DHH. Try to maintain the curve. To close the leaf shape, attach the first holding cord to the second one with a DHH.

Step 5: Repeat steps 3 and 4 on the right half of the design.

Step 6: Cross the holding cords, so the left one heads right, and vice-versa.

To make the second set of leaves, repeat steps 1 thru 5. The holding cords will head in the opposite directions, from the center to the edges. Otherwise, the process is the same.

Free Form Design

To emphasize the point I've made about the holding cord determining the overall design, I came up with this pattern. I used different colors to help you see the shape better.

Step 1: Mount 6 strands to a holding cord with Larks Head knots.

Step 2: Direct the holding cord, at the left edge, to the right, resting on the other strands. The end should dip down slightly. Attach the other strands to it with DHH, starting with the ones on the left.

Step 3: Direct the holding cord to the left, making a curved design. Attach the cords to it with DHH, starting with the ones on the far right (at the curve).

Here is what the holding cord will be doing to make the remainder of the number 3. The holding cord is folded in the center bar, and the knots are tied around both halves.

The lower portion is then made like steps 2 and 3, except in the opposite direction.

Double Half Hitch Patterns can form many shapes, simply by using a little imagination and a lot of practice runs. Numbers, letters, flowers, insects, and many more designs are among the possibilities.

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