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Icelandic Dream Bar

Description: The Icelandic Dream Bar is a unique knotting technique that forms a wide band suitable for bracelets, belts, pet collars, and similar Macrame projects.

Two colors form a crisscross pattern (blue and purple in images). They are surrounded by a third color (turquoise) that is folded to create stitching along the edges.

The most challenging part of this design is tightening consistently, which is important if you want the bar to be even along the edges. I've provided you with some tips and extra photos for that phase of the design.

The loop at the top can be used as a clasp for a bracelet or belt. You just add a button, bead, or button knot at the other end.

550 Paracord was used in the example shown. It must be prepared by melting the tips. Read the bottom section of Cord Preparation if you plan to use this material.

This knot design is listed on the Fusion Knots website. Be sure visit the site by clicking on this image or link.

The video gallery contains tutorials for a variety of decorative knots and techniques.

Preparation:

To practice, cut 3 cords, each at least 60 inches long.

When using the Icelandic Dream Bar for a project, cut the cords as follows:

Cords B and C should be at least 7 x the finished length you plan to make.

Cord A should be at least 12 x the finished length.

Prepare the cords in the manner most appropriate for the type of material you are using.

Cord A is light blue, cord B is blue and cord C is purple in the example shown.

Step 1: Make a loop with cord A, crossing right over left.

This cord creates the stitching along the edges, and should be the longest of the three.

Measure from one end of cords B and C the finished length + 4 inches. Fold the cords at that point.

Place them through the loop vertically so the short segments are under the crossing point of the loop, with the remainder of the material over the crossed area.

Cord C should be on the right.

Designer's Tip: When practicing the Icelandic Dream Bar, the short segment can be around 10 inches, since you don't need to be precise.

Step 2: Curve the left half of cord A to the left, passing over both parts of cords B and C.

Bring it under the right half of cord A.

Curve the right half of cord A to the right, passing under both parts of cords B and C.

Pass over the left half of the cord.

Tighten the Half knot firmly, adjusting the loop so it's the appropriate size for your project.

Important: You must be able to recognize the short and long segments of cords B and C, even if their positions change.

Apply tape to the long segment of both cords so you can easily identify them.

In the images, the short segment is labeled as "S". The long segment is labeled as "L".

Step 3: Arrange the short segment of cord B so it's vertical. The long segment should be to the right of it.

Form a bight with cord A and place it on top of the short segment, arranged diagonally.

Move the long segment of cord B to the left, crossing it over the bight and the short segment.

Move the long segment of cord B to the right diagonally, passing it under the short segment and through the bight under - over (from below).

Step 4: Tighten the long segment of cord B (1), removing all the slack.

Then tighten both sides of the bight. Start with the right side (2), followed by the left side (3).

This image shows how the the first knot should look after tightening.

Cord A should be folded neatly without twisting.

Cord B should be flat.

Step 5: Arrange the short segment of cord C so it's vertical.

Form a bight with cord A and place it on top of the short segment, arranged diagonally.

Move the long segment of cord C to the right, crossing it over the bight as well as the short segment.

Move the long segment of cord C to the left diagonally, passing it under the short segment and through the bight under - over (from below).

Step 6: Tighten the long segment of cord C (1), removing all the slack.

Tighten the left side of the bight (2), followed by the right side (3).

Cord A should be folded neatly and cord C should be flat.

Cross the long segments so cord C is on the left and cord B is on the right.

Step 7: Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for the next knot on the left.

Make the bight with cord A.

The long segment is cord C.

The short segment is cord B.

Repeat steps 5 and 6 to make the next knot on the right.

Make the bight with cord A.

The long segment is cord B.

The short segment is cord C.

Step 8: Repeat steps 3 - 7 several more times if you are practicing the Icelandic Dream Bar.

When making a project, continue until the bar is the size you need.

Step 9: Finish the bar by tying a Square Knot with cord A around the other 4 segments.

Use the long segments of cords B and C if you need a button, bead, or button knot to make a clasp.

Finish off the remaining cords by adhering them to the back of the Icelandic Dream Bar with glue.

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Have any comments about the Icelandic Dream Bar? Contact Me.

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