Half Hitch Patterns
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| There are several
different Half Hitch Patterns used in Macrame, to make
various types of decorative chains. You should review the process of
making standard Alternating
Half Hitches, and Double
Half Hitches, before trying the different patterns
described below. These particular designs all use holding cords, also called knot bearers. Holding cords are not used to tie the knots at all. When practicing, it helps to use a different color for these holding cords. |
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Basic 3-strand Design
Obtain 3 cords to work with, and secure them to your work
surface. The center one will be the holding cord for all
the knots.
Tie a Half Hitch onto it, using the left strand.
Then make another Half Hitch, using the right one.
Leave
½ inch of space, and repeat the process.
Continue
to alternate back and forth between the strands as you continue
the chain.
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2-By-2
This chain starts out with 3 cords, the
middle one holding all the knots.
Use the left strand, and
tie 2 Half Hitches onto it. This is called a Double Half Hitch (DHH). Then do the same with
the right one.
Repeat the process over and over to form the rest of the
chain.
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Long AHH Chain
You’ll need 3 cords to work with for this pattern.
The center cord will hold all the knots.
Make 3 or more Half Hitches
with the right strand. Then do the same with the left one.
This pattern results in a section of unknotted cord along
the edge of the chain.
The Waved Basket Stitch is a similar technique.
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Other Patterns |
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| A very interesting design can be made by tying the Alternating Half Hitches in what is called a progressive pattern. |
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Progressive Design
You'll need 4 strands to make this interesting design. The 2 strands in the center are the holding cords.
Make a Half Hitch with the cord furthest to the right, around the holding cord next to it. Do the same with the cord furthest to the left.
Take the right working cord and make a Half Hitch around both holding cords. Repeat with the left working cord.
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| You could also use additional holding cords so that the progression is even more pronounced. See Basket Stitch for more details. The Plaited Chain Stitch is another variation you may wish to try. |
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Alternating Half Hitch with Picots |
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| Picots are a real favorite of mine. So I worked out a way to make an Alternating Half Hitch pattern that features them. |
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Start off with 4 strands. The strands on the outside are the working cords and the inner 2 are the holding cords.
Tie a Half Hitch with the right working cord around both holding cords. Do the same with the left working cord.
Tighten the knots so they are firmly wrapped around the holding cords. |
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Move down 1 to 1.5 inches and repeat the process you just completed.
Before tightening, slide the knots up so they rest just below the first two. The loops on the edges are the picots. |
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To secure the picot loops, you MUST tie 2 Alternating Half Hitches just below. Otherwise, the knots are too loose and will slide around. |
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To continue this Half Hitch Pattern, simply repeat the steps you just completed, at least 1 more time.
To end the sennit, tie some type of finishing knot, or a Square Knot, to hold the picots in place (not shown in image). |
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