Half Hitch Spiral
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Description:
The Half Hitch Spiral design is used often in Macrame patterns,
and is particularly nice for Micro-Macrame jewelry. The
process is simple, and the design is quite artistic. Spirals
of any type are used in plant hangers, belts, wall
decorations, and anywhere you need a long, uniform chain of decorative knots. This spiral design is a bit easier than other similar
patterns.
Two variations are also described here: One is a HH Spiral with Picots, and the other is called the Shell Spiral. Both are Vintage techniques, popular in the late 1800's.
Step 1: Obtain 2 lengths of whatever material
you are using to practice. Secure them to your working surface.
Step 2: Choose 1 strand to hold the knots (holding cord). In the images, that's the blue strand. The other strand will be the working cord. It doesn’t
matter which strand you use in this practice, but the actual
pattern may specify. Also, the working cord will usually be longer than the one holding the knots. |
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Step
3: Direct the working cord over the filler cord. Then
bring it under and through the space between the holding cord and the one you are working with, on the right. Pull firmly to tighten. This knot is called a Half Hitch. |
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Step
4: Repeat this same process over and over. The
resulting chain of knots will spiral naturally, but you can help it along by giving the design a twist now and then.
To see another common type of Spiral design, go to the page for the Spiral Stitch.
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Half Hitch Spiral w/Picots |
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| This interesting Vintage technique adds a unique touch to the standard spiral design. You will need 3 cords to practice this variation. You can click on the icons to see larger images. |
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Step 1: Mentally number the cords 1 - 3, moving left to right. Use the cord furthest to the right (#3) to tie a Half Hitch around the other strands (1 and 2). |
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Step 2: After tying several more Half Hitches the same way, make an Overhand knot in the working cord. |
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| Step 3: Continue the sennit by making additional Half Hitches, removing the slack from around the Overhand Knot so it rests tight against the fillers. |
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| Step 4: Repeat steps 1 thru 3 until the sennit is as long as you want it to be. |
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Shell Spiral |
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| This unusual Half Hitch Spiral technique was found in a book written in the late 1800's. I've never seen it in more modern books. It forms a beautiful rippling chain of knots that are suitable for purse handles, bracelets, and more. |
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You'll need 3 cords to make this unique Spiral design. Mounting them to something is helpful. Make sure they are at least 36 inches long. It helps if the cords are different colors when you are practicing.
Click on the icons to see larger images. |
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Step 1: Mentally number the cords 1 thru 3, moving left to right. Use cord 3 to tie a total of five Half Hitches around the other strands (1 and 2). |
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Step 2: Make sure the working cord is resting on the left.
Use cord 1 as the working cord, tying 5 Half Hitches around both the other cords (2 and 3). |
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| Step 3: To complete the sennit, repeat steps 1 and 2 several more times. |
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