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Owl Pouch

Description: The Owl Pouch is a Macrame Owl with a small pouch that can be used to hold small house plants or artificial flowers.

The design features several types of Half Hitch patterns, including a woven diamond.

This is a complex pattern. Don't try this design until you have made other Macrame projects successfully.

The total length of the Owl, pouch, and hanger is around 32 inches.

Supplies Needed:

4mm cord material

One 32mm long bead for beak

Two 25mm (1-inch) beads for eyes

Two 1.5 to 2-inch rings for eye feathers

One 2-inch ring for hanger

One 12-inch dowel (plus end caps)

Project board, pins

Rubber bands (optional)

Flexible Measuring tape

Fabric glue that dries clear

Knots Used in Pattern:

Alternating Square Knots (ASK)

Alternating Half Hitch

Double Half Hitches (DHH)

Spiral Stitch

Larks Head knot (Regular and Reverse)

Square Knot (Right and Left)

Wrapped Knot

Overhand knot

Hanger for Owl Pouch

Step 1: Cut 2 cords, each 9.5 yards long. Prepare the ends to prevent unraveling.

Mount them to a 2-inch ring with Larks Head knots.

(Optional) Roll up each cord for the Owl Pouch by wrapping them around your hand several times.

Remove it, and place a rubber band around the middle to secure the bundle.

Step 2:

Tie a chain of Alternating Half Hitches with one cord.

Stop when the sennit measures 8 inches long.

Step 3: Repeat step 2 with the other cord.

Step 4: Cut one holding cord, 2.5 yards long.

Apply tape to each end to mark it, since you will need to locate it several times as you make the Owl Pouch.

Secure it to your board horizontally. Mark the center with a pin. Place the ends of the hanger cords underneath it.

Arrange the hanger so the center of the holding cord lines up with the center of the ring.

Attach the 2 cords from each half of the hanger to the holding cord with Double Half Hitches.

Leave at least 8 inches of space between the two sennits (similar to the image above).

Tighten the knots firmly, so the hanger rests against the holding cord.

Mounting Process for Owl Pouch

Step 5: Cut 16 working cords, each 7.5 yards long. Prepare them to prevent unraveling.

Mount the first 10 between the two halves of the hanger with Reverse Larks Head Knots (see below).

<< Fold one cord in half, and place it on top of the holding cord with the ends heading upward.

Bring the ends down and under the holding cord. Pass them over the folded area. >>

Tie a Half Hitch with each end. Move the cord to the left, and then mount the next cord.

After you have mounted 5 cords, move them, along with the left hanger cords, to the center of the holding cord.

Mount 5 more cords to the right of the others.

Push the hanger cords towards those on the left, so they are all close together.

Mount 3 more working cords to the left and right of the hanger cords.

Head of Owl Pouch

Step 6: Mentally number the 20 cords between the two parts of the hanger.

These are for the V pattern at the top of the Owl Pouch.

Important: Do not include the cords from the hanger or the 6 cords at each end.

Row 1: Tie Alternating Square Knots in the following groups:

1 - 4, 5 - 8, 9 - 12, 13 - 15, 16 - 20

Row 2: Tie the ASK with cords:

3 - 6, 7 - 10, 11 - 14, 15 - 18

Row 3: Tie the ASK with 5 - 8, 9 - 12, 13 - 16.

Row 4: Tie the ASK with 7 - 10 and 11 - 14.

Row 5: Tie the final knot with cords 9 - 12.

Step 7: Divide the 18 cords on the right side of the Owl Pouch design into 3 groups:

Six cords to the right of the hanger cords

Two Hanger Cords

Ten cords along the right side of the V design

Locate the marked holding cord. Move it left and secure it horizontally.

Attach the first 6 cords to it with DHH, moving right to left.

Tighten them firmly, so they rest against the mounting knots.

Change the angle of the holding cord so it follows the right edge of the ASK V Pattern.

Attach the 2 cords from the Hanger and the 10 cords from the V design, with DHH.

Step 8: Repeat step 7 on the left side of the Owl Pouch, moving left to right.

Do not include the holding cord from the right.

Step 9: Mentally number the 18 cords on the left side of the Owl Pouch (left to right).

Move cord 1 to the right, along the row tied in the last step. Secure it with tension. Attach cords 2 - 18 to it with DHH.

Do not attach the previous holding cords.

Cord 2 is the next holding cord. Attach cords 3 - 18 to it with DHH.

Cord 3 is the final holding cord. Attach cords 4 - 18 to it with DHH.

Do not attach the previous holding cords.

Step 10: Repeat step 9 on the right side of the Owl Pouch.

Mentally number from right to left, and follow the same instructions.

Step 11: Locate the 6 holding cords from the first three rows of DHH.

Slide the bead for the beak onto the marked holding cords from the first row of DHH.

Tie Alternating Half Hitches with the cords from rows 2 and 3, on each side of the beak.

Stop when the sennits line up with the bottom of the beak.

Mentally number the same six cords, which includes the two sennits you just made, and those running through the beak.

Tie a Square Knot with cords 1 and 6 around the other four (fillers).

Step 12: Mentally number the 16 cords to the left of the SK you just tied below the beak (left to right).

Move the left working cord from the Square Knot under the beak, towards the left.

Secure it horizontally, since it's a holding cord.

Use cords 7 and 8 to tie four Alternating Half Hitches.

Slide the bead for the left eye onto the two cords.

Tie at least 4 - 6 more Alternating Half Hitches, so the sennit reaches the horizontal holding cord.

Step 13: Tie four sennits of Alternating Half Hitches with these groups of 2 cords:

9 - 10 , 11 - 12, 13 - 14, 15 - 16

Stop when each sennit reaches the holding cord.

Step 14: Attach cords 16 - 7 to the holding cord with DHH.

Do not attach cords 1 - 6.

Step 15: Repeat steps 12 - 14 on the right side of the Owl Pouch.

Mentally number the cords from right to left, and follow the same instructions.

Use the right working cord from the SK under the beak as the holding cord.

Step 16: Go back to the left side of the Owl Pouch.

Move cord 1 to the right, on the same angle as the rows of DHH above it.

Attach cords 2 - 6 to it with DHH.

Step 17: Move cord 1 to the left. The angle should be roughly 1/3 of the way from the top and bottom of the eye.

Attach cords 6 - 2 to it with DHH.

Move cord 1 to the right. The angle should bring it just below the bottom of the bead. Attach cords 2 - 6 to it with DHH.

Move cord 1 to the left again. Line it up with the horizontal holding cord from the SK (step 12).

Attach cords 6 - 2 to cord 1 with DHH.

Attach cords 6 - 2 to the horizontal holding cord (from the SK).

Mentally number the two holding cords. Cord 2 is from the SK (step 12), and cord 1 is from the design you just made.

Move cord 1 under cord 2, and then attach it with a DHH.

Step 18: Move to the right side of the Owl Pouch. Mentally number the 6 cords right to left.

Repeat step 16.

Read the information below, and then repeat step 17.

Measure the angles you made on the left.

Arrange the holding cord that same distance on the right, so the Owl Pouch is balanced.

Body of Owl Pouch

Locate the two marked holding cords, which are below the beak in the middle of the
Owl Pouch. They are used for the diamond only.

Do not include them when you tie the next rows of ASK described below:

Step 19: Mentally number the first 18 cords on the left side of the Owl Pouch (left to right).

Do not use cords 1 - 6.

Row 1: Tie left ASK with 7 - 10, 11 - 14, and 15 - 18.

Row 2: Tie left ASK with 9 - 12 and 13 - 16.

Row 3: Tie left ASK with 7 - 10 and 11 - 14.

Row 4: Tie left ASK with cords 9 - 12.

Row 5: Tie left ASK with cords 7 - 10.

Step 20: On the right side of the Owl Pouch, mentally number the 18 cords from right to left.

Repeat step 19, tying RIGHT ASK.

Step 21: Place the marked holding cords along the diagonal edges of the V designs you just made.

Secure them with tension. Attach 12 cords to each of them with DHH.

Start near the center and move towards the edges.

Tie an Overhand knot with each holding cord, so it rests next to the DHH.

Measure the width between one Overhand knot and the other.

Measure the same distance from the top of the diamond heading downward.

Move the left holding cord to the right, so it rests at the measured spot. Secure it to your board.

Move the 12 working cords from the right, across to the left.

Slide them under the left holding cord, and secure them with tension.

Step 22: Locate the first two cords on the left side of the diamond, closest to the top point.

Weave both of them through the cords coming from the right, in groups of 2.

To do this, pass them over the first two cords, then under the next two, and so on.

Use the next two cords on the left. Pass under the first two cords, so the pattern alternates.

Continue on in the same manner, for 4 more rows.

Alternate the over - under pattern each time.

Step 23: Organize the 12 cords on the left so they are straight.

Attach them to the left holding cord with DHH.

Move left to right as you progress.

Organize the remaining 12 cords, so they are equally spaced.

Attach them to the right holding cord, moving right to left.

Also attach the left holding cord, to close the diamond.

Step 24: Move the two marked holding cords out of the way.

They will no longer be used for the rest of the Owl Pouch.

Mentally number the 12 cords on the left side of the diamond (left to right).

Make sure the following knots along the edge of the diamond are as close to it as possible.

Row 1: Tie left ASK with cords 1 - 4.

Row 2: Tie left ASK with cords 3 - 6.

Row 3: Tie left ASK with 1 - 4 and 5 - 8.

Row 4: Tie left ASK with 3 - 6 and 7 - 10.

Row 5: Tie left ASK with 1 - 4, 5 - 8, and 9 - 12.

Step 25: Mentally number the 12 cords on the right, moving right to left.

Repeat step 24, tying right ASK.

Lower Body, Wings, Claws, Tail

Step 26: Mentally number the 24 cords you have been using for the upper body.

Make sure you do not include the marked holding cords, which should be secured out of the way.

Row 1: Tie left ASK with 3 - 6, 7 - 10, 11 - 14.

Tie right ASK with 15 - 18 and 19 -22.

Row 2: Tie left ASK with 5 - 8, 9 - 12.

Tie right ASK with 13 - 16, and 17 - 20.

Row 3: Tie left ASK with 7 - 10, 11 - 14.

Tie right ASK with 15 - 18.

Step 27: Mentally number the first 6 cords (furthest to the left), for the left wing. Cord 6 is the first holding cord.

Measure from the horizontal bar downward, to 1-inch. Move the holding cord to that point, so it's resting diagonally.

Attach cords 5 - 1 to it with DHH.

For the remaining 5 diagonal rows in this area of the Owl Pouch design, attach the cords in the order described below, which includes previous holding cords.

Tighten each knot firmly, so the bars are close together.

Row 2: Holding cord = 5. Attach cords 4 - 1 + 6.

Row 3: Holding cord = 4. Attach 3 - 1 + 6 and 5.

Row 4: Holding cord = 3. Attach 2 -1 + 6 - 4.

Row 5: Holding cord = 2. Attach cord 1 + 6 - 3.

Row 6: Holding cord = 1. Attach cords 6 - 2.

Step 28: Mentally re-number the cords 1 - 6 (left to right).

Move holding cord 1 to the right, horizontally.

Attach cords 2 - 5 to it with DHH.

Row 2: Holding cord = 2. Attach 3 - 6 + cord 1

Row 3: Holding cord = 3. Attach 4 - 6 + 1 and 2

Row 4: Holding cord = 4. Attach 5 - 6 + cords 1 - 3

Row 5: Holding cord = 5. Attach cord 6 + cords 1 - 4

Row 6: Holding cord = 6. Attach cords 1 - 5

Step 29: Repeat step 27, using the 6 cords on the right side of the Owl Pouch.

Mentally number them right to left.

Repeat step 28.

Before tying each row, move the holding cord to the left side of the Owl Pouch.

Line up each one with the DHH on the left, so the wing designs are balanced.

Step 30: Mentally number the 12 cords for the body, on the left side of the Owl Pouch.

Move cord 2 along the left diagonal edge of the ASK.

Attach cords 3 - 6 to it with DHH.

Change the angle of holding cord 2, so it's horizontal.

Attach cords 7 - 12 to it with DHH.

Step 31: Move cord 1 next, following the curve of the previous holding cord.

Attach cords 3 - 12 to it with DHH.

Do not attach holding cord 1.

Step 32: Mentally number the 6 cords from the left wing.

Holding cord 6 is from the last row of DHH.

Step 33: To make the first claw for the Owl Pouch, tie two Square knots with cords 1 - 4.

Make sure the knots are tilted to the left, so they follow the diagonal row of DHH.

Fold the fillers (cords 2 and 3) back towards the left wing. Move them under the wing.

Tie the next Square Knot, making sure you pass the working cords around both parts of the fillers, forming two loops.

Tie two more SK (total of 5 knots).

Adjust the size of the loops to 1/2 inch, by pulling on the ends of the filler cords.

Step 34: Move holding cord 6 from the left wing to the right, just below the DHH in the lower body of the Owl Pouch.

Attach 10 cords to it with DHH.

Do not include the previous holding cords (2 - 1).

Cord 5 from the wing is the next holding cord.

Attach 10 cords to it with DHH.

Do not include the previous holding cords.

Step 35: Repeat steps 30 -34 on the right side of the Owl Pouch.

Mentally number right to left.

Step 36: Mentally number all the cords 1 - 36.

Organize the cords into two groups of 4 on each side, and the remainder in the center.

Repeat step 33 with cords 5 - 8, tying a total of seven knots.

Be sure to tie two knots, bend the fillers and tie the remaining five.

Repeat step 33 with cords 9 - 12. Tie a total of five knots.

Repeat step 33 to make the two claws on the right.

Use cords 25 - 28 to tie five knots.

Do the same with cords 29 - 32, tying seven knots.

Step 37: Stand up the claws on the right, to expose the bottom of them. Locate the filler cords that were bent back to form the loops.

Slide the two fillers from claw 2 (longest) under those from claws 1 and 3. Use them to tie a Square Knot around the other four.

Tie an Overhand knot with each pair of working cords (near the loops on each claw).

Make sure they rest at the back of the sennits.

Step 38: Repeat step 37 to make the remaining three claws, on the left side of the Owl Pouch.

Organize the filler cords for the claws (six from each side), along with the 12 cords in the center of the Owl Pouch (total of 24).

Step 39: Attach the 24 cords to the dowel with DHH.

Progress from left to right, and hold the dowel close to the lower body, so there are no gaps.

Step 40: Locate the six working cords near the top of the claws, on the right side of the Owl Pouch.

Place them over the dowel.

Move the last two cords from the dowel under them, on each side.

Tie a Half Knot (first half of Square Knot) with the cords coming from the dowel, around the six claw cords. Tighten it firmly.

Tie six more Half Knots to create the first section of the Spiral Stitch.

Twist the sennit so the working cords switch places, and then tie the next seven knots.

Repeat until the sennit measures 10 inches.

Step 41: Repeat step 40 with the claws on the left side of the Owl Pouch.

The knots are tied with the first two cords on the dowel.

Step 42: Mentally number the remaining 20 cords, between the two spirals.

The tail will be made with cords 7 - 14.

Measure the cords from the dowel down 8 inches, and then cut off the remaining material.

Save any scraps 45 inches or more. They will be used for the pouch.

Secure a new 24-inch cord to the left of the cords for the tail.

Bring the cord down 3 inches, fold it, and bring it back up to the top. Secure it at the fold.

Wrap the long end firmly around the bundle of cords, for two inches.

Pass the end through the folded area as shown.

Pull on the secured end (at the top), to complete the Wrapped Knot.

Pull down on the 8 cords running through the knot, to eliminate any space above the knot.

Apply glue to the top and bottom edges of the knot. When it's dry, cut off the extra material (short cord only).

Trim the tail cords to 3 - 5 inches below the wrapped portion. Apply glue or knots to the tips, or unravel and brush the fibers.

The Pouch

Step 43: Locate the remaining six cords on each side of the tail. Mentally number the cords in the left group.

You'll be making eyelets, which are small diamond shaped designs.

Cords 3 and 4 are the holding cords for the strap, and should be crossed.

Place them on top of the other 4 cords, diagonally.

Attach cords 2 and 1 to holding cord 4 with DHH.

Attach cords 5 and 6 to holding cord 3.

Step 44: Move cords 5 and 6 to the left, diagonally.

Weave cord 2 to the right, passing it over - under cords 5 and 6.

Weave cord 1 under - over cords 5 and 6.

Move holding cord 4 on top of cords 5 - 6.

Attach cords 5 - 6 to it with DHH.

Move holding cord 3 on top of cords 1 and 2.

Attach cords 1, 2, and holding cord 4 to it with DHH.

Step 45: To start the top of the next eyelet, move cord 5 (left upper), under cord 6 and holding cord 3.

Attach it to holding cord 3 with a DHH.

Attach cord 6 (left lower) as well.

Move cord 2 (right upper) under cord 1 and holding cord 4. Attach it to holding cord 4 with a DHH.

Attach cord 1 (right lower) as well.

Repeat step 44 to complete the bottom. You can mentally re-number the working cords if necessary, since they have switched places.

Step 46: Repeat step 45 four more times, for a total of 6 eyelets.

The cords will change positions, so remember that the cord closest to the top of the design is attached first when you make the bottom half.

Step 47: Repeat steps 43 - 46 with the 6 cords to the right of the tail.

Mentally number right to left.

Step 48: The final eyelet connects the two straps for the Owl Pouch. Mentally number the cords in each strap 1 - 6 (both left to right).

Use cords 4 - 6 from the left strap and cords 1 - 3 from the right. The holding cords are 6 and 1.

Cross cord 1 over cord 6, and secure them with tension.

Attach cords 5 and 4 to holding cord 1. Attach cords 2 and 3 to holding cord 6.

Pull the cords firmly so the two bars rest next to the eyelets made previously.

Weave the working cords as you did in step 44 (see image below).

Move holding cord 1 to the right, and attach cords 2 - 3 to it.

Move holding cord 6 to the left, and attach cords 4 - 5 to it.

Do not attach holding cord 1.

Cut 18 cords, at least 45 inches long. The scraps from the tail can be used, if they are long enough.

The pouch measures 6 inches from the highest area at the sides, to the bottom.

You an increase the length by cutting the new cords at least 7.5 times the length you want.

Step 49: Select one cord from the right spiral sennit, to be used as a holding cord.

Mount three new cords to it with a reverse Larks Head knot plus a Half Hitch with each end.

This is the same as step 5.

Secure the holding cord so it follows the angle of the last eyelet in the strap (lower edge).

Attach 6 cords coming from the straps with DHH.

Step 50: Repeat step 49 on the left, selecting 1 cord from the left spiral as the holding cord.

Do not attach the holding cord from the right.

Step 51: Select another holding cord from the right spiral sennit. Attach only 12 cords to it with DHH, not the previous holding cords.

Make sure you pull the knots tightly, so the bars rest next to each other.

Repeat this process on the left.

Tie a SK with the four holding cords.

The two from the first row are fillers. Those from the 2nd row are the working cords.

Step 52: Repeat steps 49 - 51 to create the front edges of the pouch.

There are no straps, so add six new cords to each half instead of three.

In the steps below, the first 7 rows of ASK follow the angle of the diagonal edges you just completed.

Tie all knots firmly, so there is very little space between them and the edges.

You will find it easier to make this area of the Owl Pouch with it hanging.

Important: Do not use the cords at the point of the V shaped edges, which are the four holding cords tied together in step 51.

Temporarily separate them from the other cords, or mark them somehow.

Step 53: Arrange the design so one spiral sennit is directly in front of you.

Row 1: Tie a tight Square Knot with the remaining four cords from the spiral sennit (not the edges).

Row 2: Mentally number the cords 1 - 4.

Combine cords 3 - 4 with two from the edge on the right. Tie a Square knot.

Combine cords 1 - 2 with two from the edge on the left. Tie a Square Knot.

Row 3: Mentally number the 8 cords.

Combine cords 1 - 2 with two from the left edge, and tie a Square Knot.

Tie a SK with cords 3 - 6.

Combine cords 7 - 8 with two from the right edge, and tie the third SK for this row.

Row 4: You now have 12 cords. Combine 1 - 2 with two from the left edge. Combine 11 - 12 with two from the right.

The remaining knots are tied with 3 - 6 and 7 - 10.

Row 5: You now have 16 cords. Combine 1 - 2 with two from the left edge. Combine 15 -16 with two from the right.

Tie the remaining knots with 3 - 6, 7 - 10, and 11 - 14.

Row 6: You now have 20 cords. Combine 1 - 2 with two from the left edge. Combine 19 - 20 with two from the right.

Tie the remaining knots with 3 - 6, 7 - 10, 11 - 14, and 15 - 18.

Row 7: The final row is tied with 24 cords. Combine 1 - 2 with two from the left edge. Combine 23 - 24 with two from the right.

Tie the remaining knots with 3 - 6, 7 - 10, 11 - 14, 15 - 18, and 19 - 22.

Step 54: Tie at least 10 more rows of ASK, all the way around the pouch.

Start at the center front area, and work in opposite directions, so you finish in the back each time.

Use ALL the cords, including the ones separated in step 52.

You can tie additional rows in this area of the Owl Pouch, if you cut the new cords longer than 45 inches.

The shortest cords need to be at least 10 inches long for the final steps, so measure as you progress.

Step 55: Cut one holding cord, at least 20 inches long.

Place the center of it over the knots in the center front, and arrange it horizontally. Secure it with tension.

It helps if you place this part of the Owl Pouch on your board while working.

Attach each cord to it with a Double Half Hitch working in two directions, ending in the back.

Tie the ends of the holding cord together with an Overhand knot. Apply glue while tightening. Trim the ends to 1-inch.

Step 56: Hold the pouch between your knees to close the bottom. Match the front and back diagonal edges first, so it's folded properly.

Start at one side and select one cord from the front as well as the back. Tie an Overhand knot. Apply glue and tie a second knot on top of the first.

Cut the ends to 1-inch, and push them to the inside of the pouch. Then tie tie off the next two cords.

Work from one edge to the center. Turn the pouch around and repeat, so the last knot tied is near the center.

Save the longest pieces of scrap material.

Finishing Touches for Owl Pouch

Step 57: Locate the two holding cords you pushed aside, at the bottom of the large diamond (body of the Owl Pouch).

Pass both cords through the space below them, to the back. Tie them together with an Overhand knot. Apply glue and tie a second knot. Cut off the excess material when the glue is dry.

Step 58: Use a piece of scrap material at least 25 inches long.

Tie an Overhand knot at one end. Pass it under the cords in an area below the claws on one side, near the exposed part of the dowel. Apply glue to hold it in place.

Attach the end cap to the dowel, after applying glue. Wrap the cord around the dowel ,almost all the way to the edge of the cap. Tie a Double Half Hitch to hold the wraps in place.

To finish off cord, tie an Overhand knot so it rests in the back of the dowel. Apply glue, and cut off the extra material when it's dry.

Repeat this process with another cord, to cover the opposite end of the dowel.

Next are the eye feathers for the Owl Pouch. You will be making 1.5-inch picot loops onto the 2-inch rings.

Measure accurately.

Step 59: Cut 1 cord, 4 yards long.

Fold the cord in half and secure it to the ring with a regular Larks Head knot.

Secure the ring so the knot is on your left, arranged like the image below.

First Half of next knot:

Bring one end of the cord over - under the ring, and over the cord.

Do not tighten the knot yet.

Picot Loop: Measure 1.5 inches from the edge of the ring, to the curved part of the cord.

Secure the cord at that point.

Second half of knot:

Pass the end under - over the ring, and under the cord. Tighten firmly, and slide the knot next to the first.

Use the same end to repeat the process, covering 1/2 of the ring. Use the other end to cover the rest.

Push two of the knots aside, on the opposite side of the ring from where the two ends come off.

Pass an 8-inch piece of scrap cord around the ring at that spot.

Place the ring around the eye on the front of the face.

Pass the ends of the cord used to cover the ring to the back, positioned on either side of the sennit below the bead.

Do the same with the 8-inch scrap cord, placing the ends on either side of the sennit above the bead.

Turn over the Owl Pouch, so you work in the back of the face. Tie the ends of the cords together with Overhand knots. Apply glue and cut off the extra material.

Step 60: Repeat step 59 to create the second set of eye feathers.

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