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Linked Overhand Knots

Description: Linked Overhand Knots can be used for a variety of purposes in Macrame. The 6 decorative knots described here are very useful, and are definitely worth the time to learn. They are sometimes used to add more length to cords that are too short. These Macrame knots are very strong and sturdy, and I have seen them used in nets, hammocks, and other items that hold weight.

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The Shake Hands Bend

Linked Overhand knots like this one often have interesting names. When you shake hands, you make a connection. So this name is very appropriate for this type of Macrame knot.

Step 1: Obtain 2 cords to practice with, preferably 2 different colors. Make a counter-clockwise loop with one of the strands, so the working end crosses over the standing end, and the crossing point is at the top. Lay it down in front of you, to the left.

Step 2: Lay the second cord down so the standing ends are close together. Make a clockwise loop, passing the working end through loop 1, from below. Make sure it goes under the standing end. The second loop should rest to the right of the other one, and there should be a small space between the loops (indicated by and X).

Step 3: Finish the right Overhand knot by directing the STANDING end down and into the space between the two loops (marked with X), from below.

Step 4: Complete the left Overhand knot by directing the STANDING end over the working end. Pass into the space from the top (marked with X). Exit from under both knots, bringing the end towards the right.

Tug on the ends gently, and tighten the linked Overhand knots gradually.

Shamrock Knot

There are several names for this type of Linked OH knot, including the Shamrock Knot. It seems fairly simple to tie at first, but is a bit of a challenge to tighten properly.

Step 1: Cut 2 strands of cord each at least 12 inches long to practice this unusual decorative knot.

Step 2: Make an Overhand Knot in the middle of one cord. The crossing point needs to be at the top. Don’t tighten it.

Step 3: With the other cord, make another Overhand Knot, passing the end through the first knot from below. The crossing point needs to be at the bottom, and rest inside the circle of the first knot.

Step 4: Tighten these linked Overhand knots slowly and gradually, turning the second knot so the ends are vertical. The ends of the first OH knot should be horizontal.

This is one of the few Linked Overhand Knots that is tricky to tighten. But if you did it right, the design of the finished knot will form an “X” shape on one side.

Rosendahl's Bend

This knot, also called the Zeppelin Bend, is a great way to tie linked Overhand knots. It’s particularly useful if you want the cords to end up heading in 4 different directions.

Step 1: Obtain 2 cords, each at least 20 inches long, to practice this technique.

Secure one end of a cord (blue) to your work surface, on your left. Make a clockwise loop, so the working end passes over the secured end. The working end should be headed upward (vertical) when you are through.

Step 2: Secure the end of the other cord (purple), to the right of the other strand.

Make a counter-clockwise loop, so the working end passes over the secured end.

Step 3: Carefully move the left loop on top of the right one. The crook of the right loop should be near the crossing point of the left loop, and vice-versa.

Make sure the secured ends are horizontal and the working ends are vertical, as shown.

Step 4: To complete the left Overhand knot (blue), pass the working end into the central space from below. It will go under the 2 coils at the top. At the bottom, the working end will pass over the two coils.

Step 5: To complete the right Overhand knot (purple), direct the SECURED end through the central space (after you remove the tape or pins). It will pass over the coils at the bottom and under the two at the top.

Step 6: To tighten this linked Overhand knot, gradually work out the slack by pulling on all 4 ends. When finished, the ends should be heading in 4 different directions.

Fisherman's Knot

This knot is related to the Shamrock knot, but is constructed a bit differently. Linked Overhand knots often look very much alike, and all provide strong holds.

Step 1: Make an Overhand Knot in one cord, so the crossing point is at the top. Don't tighten it yet. Slide a second cord through the center of it.

Step 2: Tie an Overhand Knot with the second cord, to the right of the first, so the crossing point is at the bottom. Direct the end of the first cord through the center of it.

Step 3: Tighten the knots as they lie, taking care not to twist or rotate them. If you used two colors, you can clearly see the two knots.

Overhand Bend

Like all of the Linked Overhand knots, this variation is a simple way to connect two cords. If you were to run out of material as you are making something, you can add more length by using this knot.

Step 1: Take two cords and tie the first half of a Square Knot, also called a Half Knot. It should rest at the bottom. Cross the right cord (red) over the left (blue), forming a circle. The two working ends have now switched positions. Secure the crossing point, as well as the tails at the bottom.

Step 2: Use the left working end (Red), and bring it down towards the bottom, rotating counter-clockwise. Pass under the left tail (Red). Direct it through the center of the circle, from the top, heading diagonally towards the upper right.

Step 3: Take the working end on the right (Blue), and pass over the working end of the other cord (top right). Rotate clockwise, going over the secured tail of the same strand you are using (bottom right). Bring the end into the central space from under the Half Knot. Pass over the coils at the top left part of the knot.

Step 4: Tighten the knot gradually, so you can clearly see the crossed design.

Sheet Bend

I consider this to be one of the most unique of the Linked Overhand knots. This technique produces a flatter knot than the others, and I use it whenever I need to add more length to a cord that was cut too short.

Step 1: Fold one cord in half, so it is horizontal, with the crook on your right. That's the red cord in the image. Place the second cord vertically, so it passes over the top portion of the first cord, and under the bottom portion. Secure the end of the second cord that rests at the bottom.

Step 2: Make a counter-clockwise circle with the working end of the second cord (blue). On your right, pas it under both portions of the first cord. Next, direct the end over the first cord close the fold, and under itself inside the fold. Pass over the first cord again, at the upper right area of the knot.

Step 3: Take the same working end (blue) and rotate it clockwise, creating a loop that nestles inside the first one. The crooks of both loops will match up. Pass the end through the circle that was made by the same cord, in the previous step. You should end up with three ends on the left and one that is secured on the right.

Step 4: Tighten the knot slowly, without twisting or turning the loops. I like to hold it steady on a surface as I tighten it, so it remains flat.

Alpine Bend

The Alpine Bend is one of those Linked Overhand Knots that is largely forgotten nowadays. But it's been in existence a long time. It's one of the easiest to tie, and provides a good strong hold.

Step 1: Obtain 2 cords at least 20 inches long to practice this decorative knot. Secure the left end of one cord to your left.

Make a clockwise loop, placing it in front of you, and slightly to the left. (Blue Cord)

Step 2: Secure one end of the other cord. Make the second loop in a counter-clockwise direction. Pass it through the first loop from below as you do so. It should rest to the right of the other one, creating three spaces.

I labeled the spaces in red for you -- left, middle, and right.

Step 3: Pick up both working ends and direct them behind the secured portions, and through the middle space.

Pull on both working ends to tighten the knot.

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