Figure Eight Patterns
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Description: Figure Eight Patterns form
some of the most interesting designs seen in Macrame.
The Celtic symbol 8 represents the concept of eternity, because they can literally go on forever. That's what makes these decorative knots so desirable, when used in chains. Single forms are used as finishing knots and for linking cords to one another. But only a chain of Figure Eights will have the interlaced weaving common to
all Celtic Knots.
To see a pattern where this Macrame knot is used, check out the Figure Eight Necklace.
Other Figure Eight Patterns described below: Figure Eight Tuck, Fisherman's Knot, and the Vertical and Horizontal
Chains.
You can click on the images and a large picture
will come up in a new window.
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Figure Eight Knot |
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| The single Figure Eight knot has to be tied so
it will hold its shape. It can be used as a finishing knot, near the ends of cords, simply by tightening it all the way. This Macrame knot can also be used to add cords, by passing a second one through the loops. When it's tightened, it grips quite nicely. |
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Step 1: Obtain
a piece of cord to practice, and secure the left end to your
work surface.
Make a counter-clockwise loop for the bottom
half of the Figure 8. Bring the working end over the secured end.
Start the
second loop a little further up, by passing the working end under the secured end, from left to right. |
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Step 2: Bring
the working end down, and direct it into the first loop
from the top (over - under).
Step 3: Tighten the knot by pulling on
both ends equally. |
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Figure Eight Tuck |
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| The name for this knot refers to the fact that the ends are tucked back into the Figure Eight knot after it is made. That's what makes the horizontal bar in the middle. Figure Eight Patterns like this can be used anywhere on a cord, but are often used near the tips, as finishing knots. |
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Step 1: Make a Figure Eight knot like the instructions above, but rotate in the opposite direction instead (clockwise). |
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Step 2: Take the working end and bring it up to the top loop of the Figure 8. Pass it into the loop from below (under - over). |
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Step 3: Take the pins off the secured end. Bring it down into the bottom loop. Enter into the loop from the top (over - under). |
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| Step 4: Tighten the knot gradually, by pulling on the ends. Try to hold the knot flat as you remove the slack. |
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Fisherman's Knot |
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| Some Figure Eight Patterns can be useful as well as decorative, and they sometimes have a variety of names. This one is called a Fisherman's knot. I've seen it named the Double Cross as well. It's a great way to connect two cords. |
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| Lay two cords on your work surface horizontally, securing the left ends. One will be a filler cord (Red), and the other will be the working cord (Blue). |
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Step 1: Make the first loop of the figure 8 with the working cord, in a clockwise direction. Pass it under the filler, over it, and over the working cord to make the first cross.
Bring the working cord under both of the secured ends. |
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| Next, bring the working end towards the left, rotating counter-clockwise. Pass under the filler cord as well as the opposite end of the same cord you are working with. |
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Step 2: Rotate the working end counter-clockwise now, passing under to make the second loop.
Bring the end through the first loop from below (under - over). It will pass over the filler cord. |
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| Step 3: Tighten the knot gradually to prevent it from bunching up. It should look like an X shape even when tightened completely. Figure Eight Patterns usually look best when loosely tied, but this one is an exception; it should be tight. |
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Vertical Chain |
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| Figure Eight Patterns can be used to create chains, also called sennits. This one is designed by linking the knots so they rest side by side. The knots themselves are vertical. This design makes great bracelets and necklaces, and are among my favorite Celtic knots. |
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| Step 1: Obtain
a long piece of cord at least 50 inches long. Secure the left end to a Project Board or table, which is called the "tail". |
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Step 2: Make the first clockwise loop for the bottom of the figure 8. Cross
the working end under the tail, and secure the crook of the loop (curved part). Make the second loop at the top, heading counter-clockwise.
Pass the working end under the cord, so the two crossing points are close together. The second loop should rest above and slightly
to the right of the first loop. |
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| Tip: When creating Figure Eight Patterns, it's important to make the loops the same size, so the design looks neat. |
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Step 3: Start
the third loop by directing the working end in a clockwise direction. Pass through the first loop you made (at the bottom), from below (under - over).
Make sure you pass under the cord as you direct the end back up to create the next loop at the top. I marked that area in red, in the image below. |
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Step 4: Make the fourth loop in a counter-clockwise direction, at the top. Link
the two top loops (2 and 4), by going into loop 2 from below (under - over).
Make sure you pass the end under as you bring it back to the bottom area for the next loop.
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Step 5: Figure Eight Patterns are usually repetitive, so complete steps 3 and 4 over and over. Stop when the sennit is the size you want. The ends should be secured at the back of the knot, with glue, or used to make other knots. |
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Horizontal Figure Eight Chain |
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| This Celtic Knot is designed by laying the loops horizontally, or length-wise, so they link at the curved part of the loop, which is called the "crook". Figure Eight Patterns like this are especially useful to make things like belts, plant hangers, and other Macrame designs that require long chains of knots. |
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| Step 1: Obtain
a long cord, at least 60 inches in length. Secure the left
end to your work surface or Project Board. In the images, it will be labeled the "secured end". |
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Step 2: Make
the first clockwise loop a few inches from the secured
end. Direct the working end under the secured end to form the loop. Secure the crossing point. |
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Step 3: Bring
the working end over the secured end, and make a second loop, heading counter-clockwise. |
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Step 3: Bring the working end under Loop 1, so it crosses the crook, which is the curved portion. |
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Step 4: Make
a large counter-clockwise loop on the right of the first Figure Eight. It should be the same size as both portions of the first knot. |
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Step 5: Direct the working end to loop 2. Weave it through by passing over, under, and
over as shown. Make sure you move north to south as you complete this important step. |
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Step 6: The large loop should remain in place after you complete step 5. You will have a tendency to make it too small, so adjust it as needed.
Mentally label the bottom and the top parts of it. |
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Flip the bottom portion of the loop over the top, to create the next Figure Eight design. Secure the crossing point. |
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Step 7: Repeat steps 3 thru 6, until the chain is as long as you want. Make sure you secure each crossing point.
If using delicate cord, make sure you use the Cross Pin Technique, as I did. |
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| Step 8: Tighten the knot a little bit, one section
at a time. Make sure all the loops are the same size. |
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Step 9: Use a second cord, and follow the path of the first one, throughout the design. Start at the secured end. Tighten and adjust the knots again, after you are through.
The ends can now be used to tie other knots, or to form a clasp. |
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| Figure Eight Patterns like this one look best when somewhat loose, so you can see the details better. |
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