Linked Overhand Knots
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Description:
Linked Overhand Knots can be used for a variety of purposes
in Macrame. The 6 decorative knots described
here are very useful to know, so are definitely worth the time to learn. Their primary use is to connect two cords. 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
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| 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. |
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| Step 1:
Obtain 2 cords to practice with, preferably 2 different colors.
Make a counter-clockwise circle with one of the strands, with
the end crossing over itself at the top. Lay it down in front
of you, to the right. |
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Step 2:
Use the other cord, and make a clockwise circle, passing the
end through the first one, from below. The cord should cross
under itself at the top. It should rest to
the left of the other one, with a small space where the loops
connect. |
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Step 3: Finish
the right Overhand knot by directing the end over the same
cord (towards the back), then down and into the space in the
center, pulling it through to the front. The end will pass
over the other loop towards the left. |
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Step 4: Complete
the left Overhand knot by directing the end over the cord
(back to front). Go into the central space (from the front),
and through the right loop, as you finish heading right. Tug
on the ends gently to tighten these linked Overhand knots. |
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True Lover's Knot
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| There are several
names for this technique, including the Shamrock Knot. It seems
fairly simple to tie at first, but is a bit of a challenge
to tighten properly. |
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| Step 1:
Cut 2 strands of cord each at least 12 inches long to practice
this technique for linking cords together. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Step 4: Tighten
these linked Overhand knots slowly and gradually, turning
the second knot sideways to the first one.
If you did it right, the design of the finished knot will
form an “X” shape on one side. |
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Rosendahl's Bend
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| 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. |
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| Step 1:
Obtain 2 cords, each at least 20 inches long, to practice
this technique. Secure the left end of one cord to your work
surface, to your left. Make a clockwise loop, and place it
on the left. The end needs to head upwards. |
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Step 2: Secure
the right end of the other cord, to your right. Make another
clockwise loop, but pass the end under the secured “tail”.
It should rest to the right of the first loop, with the end
directed downward. |
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Step 3: Carefully
move the left loop over the right one, so that the curve rests
to the inside of the curve on the right loop.
The crossing points should be directly opposite one another. |
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Step 4: To complete
the left Overhand knot, pass the end of the left cord behind
both loops and out through the center. The end should be heading
in a downward direction when finished. |
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Step 5: To complete
the right Overhand knot, direct the right end up through the
center of the design. Pass underneath the loops, and out at
the top of the design. The end should be heading upward. |
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| 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. |
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Fisherman's Knot |
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| This knot is very similar to the True Lover's knot, but is tightened a bit differently. Linked Overhand knots often look very much alike, and all provide strong holds. |
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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. |
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Step 2: Tie an Overhand Knot with the second cord, so the crossing point is at the bottom. Direct the end of the first cord through the center. |
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| Step 3: Tighten the knots as they lie, taking care not to twist or rotate them. If you used two colors, you can see how the knots lie side-by-side. |
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Overhand Bend |
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| 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. |
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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 over the left, resting above the Half Knot, and forming a circle. Secure the crossing point with a pin. |
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Step 2: Use the segment of cord on the left (Red), and bring it down towards the bottom, rotating counter-clockwise. Pass under the left tail (Red). Direct it through the central circle, from the top, heading diagonally towards the upper right. |
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Step 3: Take the section of cord on the right (Blue), and pass over the end of the other cord on the right (Red). Make a clockwise loop, going over the tail at the bottom right (Blue). Bring it into the central circle from under the Half Knot, which is the crossed area at the bottom. |
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| Step 4: Tighten the knot gradually, so you can clearly see the crossed design. |
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Sheet Bend |
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| I consider this to be one of the most unique 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. |
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Step 1: Fold one cord in half, so it rests horizontally, with the ends on your left (Red). Direct the second cord into the folded area from below (Blue). |
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Step 2: Make a counter-clockwise circle with the second cord (blue). You need to pass under both portions of the first cord (red), to the left of the fold. Next, direct the end over the first cord close the fold (red), under the second cord (blue), and over the first again (red).. |
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Step 3: Take the same end (blue) and rotate it clockwise, nestling it inside the first fold. Pass 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 on the right. |
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| 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. |
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