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Larks Head Designs

Description: These Larks Head designs are small Macrame projects that will help you gain experience with the Vertical Larks Head knot. Be sure to visit that page if you are not familiar with this knot (click on the link).

Each of these designs have additional elements, such as crossing and picots. They demonstrate the options you have in using this interesting knot.

Make sure you use a project board, since you will need pins to secure the cords.

Larks Head designs described below:

Flower -- making picots

Frame -- making angles

Bracelet -- crossed design and alternating colors

LARKS HEAD FLOWER

Description: The Larks Head Flower features picot loops to make the petals. The stem is also made with Vertical Larks Head knots.

Larks Head designs with picots can be made with fine material (1mm) to make earrings. Instead of a stem, attach the cords to a hook.

You can also make the design larger by using heavier material (6mm), creating an interesting frame or wall decoration.

Designer's Tip: Make sure you know the difference between holding and working cords:

Holding = Knots are attached to this cord (brown cord in images)

Working = Cord used to tie the knot (red cord in images)

Preparation: Cut one holding cord, at least 18 inches long. Cut one working cord, at least 72 inches long.

Secure both cords to your project board vertically. The holding cord should be placed to the left of the working cord, and should have tension. Place a pin at the center of the holding cord.

Designer's Tip: Larks Head designs are determined by the shape and arrangement of the holding cord.

Step 1: Make a clockwise loop with the working cord, passing over - under the holding cord.

As you pull the working end right, pass over to complete the loop.

Step 2: The second loop for the Larks Head knot is tied by passing the working cord under - over the holding cord.

As you pull it right, pass under the working cord.

Tighten the knot firmly.

Step 3: Move down 2.5 inches, then tie the next Vertical Larks Head knot.

The picots in Larks Head designs can be made any size, so the distance between knots can be changed.

Step 4: Slide the second knot so it rests against the first knot, forming the picot loop.

The picot will be approximately 1.25 inches in size.

Step 5: Repeat steps 2 - 4 three times, to make a total of four picots.

Make sure the distance between the knots is the same.

Step 6: Turn the design around, so you use the other half of the cords.

Repeat steps 2 - 5, making sure the knots have the same spacing as the first half.

The knots should be tied counter-clockwise.

Step 7: Make a circle by bringing the four ends together. Mentally number the cords 1 - 4.

Use cord 4 to make a clockwise Vertical Half Hitch around cords 1 - 3. Make sure it's tight, so the stem will be as narrow as possible.

Step 8: Use cord 1 to make a counter-clockwise Vertical Half Hitch around cords 2 - 4.

Designer's Tip: Larks Head designs can be combined with other knots.

You could make the stem with the Spiral Stitch.

Click on the image or link to view the instructions.

Step 9: Repeat steps 7 and 8 several times, until the stem is the size you want.

Finish the ends in whatever manner you prefer.

Larks Head Frame

Description: Larks Head designs are sometimes used as holiday decorations. This frame is diamond shaped. You can place an ornament inside so it dangles.

Another option is to cut a holiday card or photo into a diamond shape and secure it to the back of the frame with glue.

Step 1: You need two cords, at least 50 inches long. Arrange them vertically, and label them A and B.

Move down 10 inches from the end of the cords, leaving two tails. Use cord B to tie 5 Vertical Larks Head knots onto cord A.

Push the knots close together as you progress.

Step 2: Turn the sennit so it's horizontal.

Bring cord B forward vertically, passing over cord A.

It will now become the holding cord for the 2nd side of the frame.

Step 3: Tie 5 Vertical Larks Head knots with cord A onto cord B.

Push them close together so they are the same size as the other side of the frame.

Step 4: Turn the frame again. Bring cord A forward vertically. It will hold the knots for the 3rd side of the frame.

Tie five Vertical Larks Head knots with cord B onto cord A.

Step 5: Turn the frame one last time. Bring cord B forward, and use it as the holding cord for the 4th side of the frame.

Tie five Vertical Larks Head knots with cord A onto cord B.

Step 6: Secure the frame so the ends are at the bottom.

Tie a clockwise Vertical Larks Head with cord A, around both tails and cord B. Position cord B to the left of the tails.

Step 7 (optional): Tie a counter-clockwise Vertical Larks Head with cord B, passing around the tails and cord A.

Larks Head Bracelet

Description: Larks Head designs can be used to make jewelry items, like this bracelet. This Macrame project will help you learn to alternate colors and to form a crisscross pattern.

Be sure to use two colors, even if you are just practicing. Use 2mm material if you plan to make the bracelet so you can wear it.

What makes this design unique is the fact that the heads of the Larks Head knots are facing inward, which is different from the two projects previously described.

Please note that in the images only the first loop of the Larks Head knot is shown. Use the instructions for steps 1 and 2 of the FLOWER, if you need a reminder of how this knot is tied.

The Pendant Setting features this type of crossing technique. The knotted design wraps around the edge of a coin or cabochon to make a pendant.

Click on the link or image to view the page.

Preparation: Cut one working cord in each color, 72 inches long. Cut one holding cord in each color, 18 inches long. Increase these lengths if you plan to make the bracelet more than 7.5 inches long.

You will need one bead for the clasp, which should have a 5mm hole.

Secure the working cords between the two holding cords, alternating the colors as shown in the image below. Mentally number the cords 1 - 4.

Line up the centers and secure them at that point. The HOLDING CORDS should be secured at both ends. Make sure they are straight and have tension.

Important: The distance between the two holding cords should be 3/4-inch to 1-inch wide. Larks Head designs should be consistent, so measure in several areas to make sure the width is the same.

Step 1: Make a clockwise Vertical Larks Head knot with working cord 2 onto holding cord 1.

Tighten the knot so that it rests against the pin at the center.

Step 2: Tie a counter-clockwise Vertical Larks Head with working cord 3 onto holding cord 4.

It should rest against the pin, too.

Step 3: Cross working cord 2 over working cord 3.

Step 4: Tie a clockwise Vertical Larks Head knot with working cord 3, onto holding cord 1.

Designer's Tip: When you tighten in steps 4 and 5, make sure the holding cord remains straight and taut.

The crossed areas should have tension, too.

Step 5: Tie a counter-clockwise Vertical Larks Head knot with working cord 2, onto holding cord 4.

Step 6: Cross working cord 3 over 2.

Attach the working cords to the holding cords next to them, as you did in steps 1 and 2.

Step 7: Repeat steps 3 - 6 several times, until the bracelet is 1/2 the size you plan to make.

So for a 7-inch bracelet, this half should be 3.5 inches long.

Step 8: Turn the bracelet around. Mentally re-number the cords. Measure the distance between the two holding cords so the width remains the same.

Repeat steps 3 - 6 several times, using the other half of the cords.

Step 9: After the bracelet is the size you want, use the holding cords to tie a Square Knot at each end (first half shown in image).

Click on the link to view the instructions, if you don't know how to tie a Square knot.

Step 10: In the BACK of the bracelet, tie the holding cords together with some type of finishing knot.

Apply glue and cut off the excess material when it's dry.

Pass the working cords through the bead in opposite directions.

Step 11: Close the bracelet by pulling on the ends.

Tie an Overhand knot with each pair of working cords, tightening it so it rests 2 inches from the bead.

Change the placement of these knots if you need the bracelet to open wider for your hand to fit through.

Feel free to send me suggestions for other Larks Head designs you would like to see on the site.

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