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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 of DHH. Always use the strand furthest to the left as the newest 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 see 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. Bring the first holding cord down so it rests next to the other strands.

Step 4: Direct the next cord, at the right, across the others, just like the first one.

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 second half of the Angle Design, with the holding cords heading left to right.

Z Design

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

You will need 3 or 4 cords to make this type of Double Half Hitch Pattern.

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 will be the holding cord throughout the design (blue).

Step 2: Direct the holding cord towards the left, on a diagonal slant. Attach the other strands to the holding cord with DHH.

Step 3: Direct the holding cord the opposite direction, and attach the remaining strands to it with DHH.

Remember that most Double Half Hitch Patterns are based on what direction the holding cord is taking. As you continue, simply direct it back and forth to form the zig-zag shape.

X Shape

Here's another 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, and secure it so it's taut.

Step 3: Attach cords 11 thru 7 to the first holding cord, with DHH.

If you always start with the cord closest to the holding cord (11), it's easier to make diagonal rows of DHH like this.

Cord 1 on the left is the next holding cord. Direct it on the same angle, towards the center of the design. Attach cords 2 thru 6 to it with DHH. This forms the top of the X Shape, which is essentially a V, one of the most common Double Half Hitch Patterns.

Step 4: To close the V shape, attach holding cord 1 to holding cord 2, with a DHH. This will cause the cords to crisscross, which is what you want.

Step 5: Use the same holding cords, and try to direct them on the same angle. Cord 12 should head left, and cord 1 should go right. Secure them so they are taut.

Step 6: Attach the 5 strands on the left, to the left holding cord. If you mentally re-number them, the ones to use are cords 2 thru 6.

Step 7: Repeat step 6 on the right, attaching cords 7 thru 11 to the right holding cord.

If you were to keep repeating step 2 thru 6 over and over, this interesting pattern could be used as a wall hanging, since it's flat and wide.

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. Mentally number the cords 1 thru 16. The first two holding cords will be 1 and 16. They should curve slightly as shown.

Step 2: Attach all the other strands to the holding cords with DHH. Attach cords 2 thru 8 to holding cord 1, and 15 thru 9 to holding cord 16.

Oops, the holding cords got crossed! If that happens, straighten them out.

Step 3: Use the strand furthest to the left (#2) as the next holding cord. Curve it towards the center as shown. This will make the bottom of the first leaf shape. Attach cords 3 thru 8 to the new holding cord (#2) with DHH. Try to maintain the curve.

Step 4: To close the leaf shape, attach the first holding cord (#1) to the second one (#2), with a DHH.

Step 5: Use cord 15 as the new holding cord on the right, and attach cords 14 thru 9 to it with DHH.

Close the leaf design by attaching holding cord 16 to holding cord 15.

Step 6: Cross the newest holding cords (2 and 15), directing them right and left. The first set of holding cords (1 and 16), become working cords.

Attach cord 1, along with 8 - 3 to holding cord 15. Attach cord 16, along with 9 - 14, to holding cord 2.

Step 7: Now you will use cords 1 and 16 again, as the next holding cords for the bottom of the leaves. Attach cords 8 - 3 to holding cord 1, and 9 - 14 to holding cord 16.

To close the leaves, be sure to attach one holding cord to another, at each edge of the design.

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 (close to the curve).

Here is what the holding cord will be doing to make the remainder of the number 3. The holding cord is doubled in the center , 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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