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Lanyard Knots

 
Description: Lanyard Knots are often seen in Macramé patterns, particularly Plant Hangers. They're considered Vintage Knots, since they were very popular in the early 1900's. They are sometimes referred to as Crown Knots. They make beautiful patterns, and are fairly easy to tie. Try making a chain of these decorative knots to use as a purse handle, or a jump rope for your kids. To see a pattern where a spiral chain is used, see the Round Bracelet.

Variations: Single Knot, Multiple Strands, Spiral Chain, Flat Chain, Star Pattern

Note: Some combination knots require you to start off with a Wall Knot, placing the Lanyard Knot above it. So be sure to review that page, too.

 
 
 
Single Knot
 

Single Knot

 
  Lanyard Knot 1   Step 1: To practice a single Lanyard Knot, obtain two cords. Lay them across each other with the centers crossed in an “X”. Secure the crossing point to the table. Mentally label them A thru D, starting on the lower left and moving counter-clockwise.  
 
Many Macrame Patterns require you to form Lanyard knots from strands that have already been in use. In that case, you wouldn't need to worry about forming the X shape at all. Just follow the steps below, moving in a counter-clockwise direction. You will need at least 4 strands to make the knot, but they can come from different areas of whatever design you are working on.
 
  Lanyard Knot 2   Step 2: Take the left lower strand (A) and fold the end so it’s horizontal, and over the right lower cord (B). It should rest just below the secured area, or crossing point.  
 
  Lanyard Knot 3   Step 3: Now use segment B, which is at the lower right. Fold it so it crosses over the right upper strand, which is segment C. It will automatically pass over segment A. Make sure it rests to the right of the secured area.  
 
  Lanyard Knot 4   Step 4: Bring segment C (upper right) across segment D, heading horizontally. You will be moving from right to left. You should automatically pass over segment B.  
 
  Lanyard Knot 5  

Step 5: Take segment D (upper left) and make the fourth fold, heading vertically and down. Direct the end into the loop formed when segment A was folded (lower left).

Tighten the knot by removing the slack gradually.

 
 
Now that you know how to tie a single Lanyard Knot, it's time to practice making the different variations and chains.
 
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Multiple Strands
 

Multiple Strands

 

You can make Lanyard Knots using more than two strands. Be sure you start out with 2 groups of cords having the same number of strands. Fold them the same way you did the single knot, but with the individual strands working together as a group. Make sure you arrange the strands so the knot looks neat. Multiple strand Lanyard Knots usually work out better if there is only one or two of them in a pattern, since they are thick.

You can use this technique to gather a large number of cords to make a Tassel. For more details, see Creating Tassels.

 
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Spiral Chain
 

Spiral Chain

 
To make a Spiral Chain of these knots, tie a number of them stacked on top of one another. Be sure to tie them exactly the same way, as described in the instructions for the single knot. See the Christmas Candle for an example of the use of this attractive sennit.
 
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Flat Chain
 

Flat Chain

 
To make a stacked, Flat Chain, reverse the direction you tie them, every other knot. In the directions for the single knot, you folded the cords one by one, moving in a clockwise direction. If you tie the second, fourth, sixth, etc. heading counter-clockwise, the chain will be flat along the edges.
 
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Star Pattern
 

Star Pattern

 
I call this the Star Pattern, because Lanyard Knots can be made with many strands that start out with the strands spread out. You can use as many cords as you like to create this interesting design.
 
  Secure the Centers to the Board   Step 1: Obtain 4 cords to practice. Locate the centers of all of them. Lay the strands in front of you, so the centers meet, as follows: One vertical, the next horizontal, and the third and fourth diagonal, forming an “X”. Mentally number the strands 1 through 8, in a clockwise direction, beginning with the cord on the lower right (it runs diagonally). Pin or tape the center point to your work surface.  
 
  First Loop   Step 2: Make small loops, rather than folds, with each strand. To begin, pass cord #1 over #2. For each of the cords 2 through 7, go over both the strand previously folded, as well as the one next in line to be used. For example, #3 will pass over both #2 and #4 as it curves  
 
  Passing the End Through the First Loop   Step 3: Direct cord #8 so it goes over #7 and into the loop formed by #1. Tighten the knot by pulling on each end, in order, until snug.  
 
 
 
 
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