Lanyard Knots

Description: Lanyard Knots are frequently found in Macramé patterns, particularly plant hangers. They're considered vintage knots, since they were very popular in the early 1900's. These decorative knots are sometimes referred to as Crown Knots. They make beautiful woven patterns, and are fairly easy to tie.

Kids will often learn this knot in youth activities, so they can make bracelets and necklaces.

Try making a chain of these decorative knots to use as a purse handle, or to make a collar for your pet.

Here are some patterns that feature this interesting knotting technique:

• Cross Necklace
• Candy Cane Decoration
• Round Bracelet

Variations Shown: The Single Knot, Multiple Strands, Spiral Sennit, Striped Sennit, and the Star Pattern are all described below.

You can click on the small images to see a larger view.

Step 1: To practice a single Lanyard Knot, you need two cords at least 24 inches long. Lay the cords on your board and cross them to form an X shape. Mentally number the cords as shown.

Step 1: To practice a single Lanyard Knot, you need two cords at least 24 inches long. Lay the cords on your board and cross them to form an X shape.

Mentally number the four segments in a counter-clockwise direction, starting with the one on the bottom.

Step 2: Direct segment 1 to the right, positioning it over segment 2. You can secure it if you wish.

Make sure you leave a space for the fourth end to pass through.

Step 3: Fold segment 2, moving it to the left. Position it over segment 3.

Make sure it passes over segment 1 as you move it. It should do so naturally, but it's a good idea to double check.

Step 4: Direct cord 3 down, over cord 4. Make sure it passes over cord 2 as you move it.

Step 5: Direct cord 4 to the right, bringing into the space made by cord 1 (step 2).

Make sure the end passes through the space from the top (over - under).

Step 6: Tighten the knot by removing the slack gradually, pulling on each end.

This decorative knot has a square shape and is usually tightened completely in most Macrame designs.

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.

The individual strands work together as a group.

Move the ends progressing in the same direction you did the single knot, but CURVE the ends instead of folding them.

It's important that Multi-Strand Lanyard Knots look neat. Be sure the cords in each group are side-by-side as you work with them.

You can make a striped sennit with two colors. This Candy Cane shows how the colors are separated. One color is on the front and back, and the second color is on each side.

To make this design, all you need to do is alternate the direction you tie the Lanyard knots. So every other knot is tied in a clockwise direction.

The first knot is folded as in the single knot described above. For the second knot, direct the first segment left, over cord 4. Then 4 passes over 3 and so on.

Make sure the sennit is secured well and does not twist as you tie additonal Lanyard knots.

Step 1: Arrange the cords as follows: One vertical, the next horizontal, and the third and fourth diagonal, forming an “X”.

Mentally number the strands 1 through 8.

Step 2: Curve each strand instead of folding it. To begin, pass cord 1 over cord 2. Don't forget to leave a space for cord 8.

Pass cord 2 over 3, and so on. It's the same process, only you are working with more than 4 segments.

Each segment should automatically go over the previous one used, but it's a good idea to double check.

When you tighten the Lanyard knot, be sure you go slowly, so you don't accidently disturb the pattern.