Sliding Clasps
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| I have received requests for Sliding Clasps so often, that I decided to create several designs, and share them. Quite a few decorative knots can be used to make this type of clasp, once you understand the concept. So do a little experimenting with your favorite knots and come up with your own unique designs. |
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Designing Tips |
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Here are some ideas to think about when designing Sliding Clasps for your Macrame and Jewelry projects:
Tip 1: The decorative knot used to form the clasp needs to be able to slide along one or more holding cords, which were used to make the necklace itself. Some knots are designed to purposely use a holding cord, such as Larks Head knots. But you can use other types of knots, which are not typically tied on a holding cord.
For example: Figure Eight knots are usually tied alone or in a chain. But you can use the technique with a holding cord to make a clasp. (See image above).
Further along on this page are examples of Sliding Clasps using knots that are usually tied with holding cords, as well as some that are not. |
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Tip 2: IMPORTANT -- When using this type of clasp in any type of jewelry project, make sure you are generous when you cut the cords for the necklace or bracelet. I usually add at least 12 inches to my measurements for a necklace, and 6 inches for a bracelet.
These clasps are designed so the entire necklace passes over the head. So there needs to be plenty of material to stretch the circle. Once the necklace is in place, pulling on the ends tightens it.
The same thing applies for a bracelet. There needs to be enough slack in the overall design so the hand and wrist can slide through easily. |
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Tip 3: The best way to practice Sliding Clasps is to “mimic” the necklace or bracelet. Set up the strands by making a circle, pretending it’s a necklace. The ends should be heading in opposite directions before you add the cord for the clasp.
There are some knots you can use that are so complex, you should make them first. Once the knot is made, simply weave the neckace or bracelet strands through it.
For example: If you decide to use the Plafond Knot to make a decorative clasp, tie the knot first, since that will make the process easier. After it is tightened, pass the ends of the necklace or bracelet cords through it, heading in opposite directions.
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Tip 4: The ends of the necklace or bracelet cords need to be knotted so they cannot slide out of the clasp.
Barrel Knots work the best, but other knots can be used as well. Also, it’s a good idea to use some type of finishing technique so the strands don’t unravel. Applying glue to the ends is usually adequate.
Another option is to apply beads to the ends, followed by a Barrel knot. The beads need to be large enough to prevent the ends from sliding through the clasp. |
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Tip 5: The clasp itself is usually made with an additional cord, which needs to be finished off. There are three ways to deal with the ends once the Sliding Clasp is made:
You could tie a Square Knot without fillers, so it rests against the underside of the clasp. The knot essentially becomes part of the clasp. You’ll need to apply glue to prevent it from coming apart. This technique may not be suitable for cord material over 2mm, because the extra knot makes the clasp thick and bulky.
Another option is to apply beads to the ends, followed by a Barrel knot. This way you can let the ends dangle freely. The ends should be no more than 4 inches long, so be sure to trim them.
A third method to finish the ends is to make an additional knot, such as a Matthew Walker Knot, and let the ends dangle. A Sliding Celtic Button is another decorative knot that can be tied around the necklace cords, using the ends. It should rest approximately 3 to 4 inches away from the clasp, and have plenty of slack. |
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| Tip 6: Practice comes before reality. Make the sliding clasp design with scrap cord before you try using it in a necklace or bracelet pattern. You won't know until you practice what the clasp will actually look like.
Also, if you plan to use slender material for the necklace, use thicker cord to practice. Does the design look good with thick cord? Then it should be fine with delicate material. |
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Free Macrame Patterns has an official online store, called Acajou Crafts. There are many unique items, including a variety of cord materials, beads, pendants, and more. Many of the items feature FREE SHIPPING. Click on any of the Acajou banners, and you will be sent to the store.
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Examples of Sliding Clasps |
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Here are a few designs I came up with to help demonstrate how to create these types of decorative clasps.
You can click on the icons and large images will show up in a new window. |
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Wrapped Knot Clasp |
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Wrapped Knot Sliding Clasps are by far the best ones for jewelry, which is why I listed it first. It's a tight, skinny knot that holds the ends very well. |
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| Step 1: To
practice, lay two or more cords horizontally on your work surface. This working cord should be folded into a loop, so it mimics a bracelet or necklace. Use an additional cord to make the Wrapped Knot. |
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| Step 2: Take the end of the
working cord and bend it to form a loop. Wrap it around itself as well as the other strands.
Wrap it over and over, working towards the
loop. Make sure the wraps are snug, but not tight.
Step 3: When you have made 10 wraps, pass
the end of the working cord through the loop. Pull gently
on the opposite end to tighten the knot. See the instructions
for tying the Wrapped
Knot for more details.
When you are using this technique as part of an actual
jewelry design, the Wrapped Knot would be tied around ALL the
cords making up the necklace or bracelet. Since this jewelry
clasp is adjusted by sliding the cords through the knot,
you will need to test it to make sure it’s not too
tight. Once you know it works, you can cut off the excess material from the cord used to make the Wrapped Knot.
The ends of the bracelet or necklace cords need to be treated in some way
to prevent them from fraying. See Finishing
Techniques for ideas. Also, you should to
tie
knots in the ends, to prevent the cords from sliding out
of the Wrapped knot. |
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Half Hitch Clasp |
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Obtain 3 strands of cord to practice. Place 2 of the cords on your work surface, making a large circle, which mimic the necklace or bracelet. The 3rd strand will be used to create the knot for the clasp (working cord).
Note: In ALL the images, the white patterned cord is the “necklace”, and the rust colored cord is for the clasp. |
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Pass the working cord under the "necklace strands", so it rests vertically. Make sure it is centered, and use the bottom portion to tie a Half Hitch. Tie a second one and tighten it securely. If you want the clasp to be longer, tie as many additional knots as you wish. See Double Half Hitch Mount for more details. |
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You can also use the Alternating Half Hitch in a similar way. Center the cord used for the knot under the necklace or bracelet cords. Use one end to make a Half Hitch. Then use the other end. This will create a more balanced design than the one shown above, but both are definite options if you like sliding clasps. |
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Larks Head Clasp |
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| Follow the directions above, but tie 2 or more Larks Head knots instead of Half Hitches. Tie the first one the way they are usually made as a mounting knot. |
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To make additional knots, for the first loop, the end should pass under the necklace cords, then over. To tie the second half, pass over the cords, then under. If you alternate back and forth like this, a series of Larks Head knots will form. You can tie quite a few if you wish, to make a longer clasp. |
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You can also use this decorative knot to make an Alternating pattern for your sliding clasps. Simply center the working cord under the other strands, and use each end in an alternating pattern, tying Larks Head knots. |
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Cats Paw Clasp |
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The Cats Paw Hitch creates a very similar design to the Larks Head Clasp, but you usually only need to make one knot. Simply tie it around the necklace strands, using them as a holding cord. Finish off the ends in one of the ways described in Tip #5. |
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Square Knot Clasp |
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| A great clasp can be made with one or more Square Knots. Set up the necklace cords as if it were being worn, and make sure the ends head in opposite directions. Place the working cord underneath, and center it. |
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Tie a Square Knot, using the necklace cords as fillers. The knot will rest sideways in comparison to the other knots you can use to make Sliding Clasps. This design is also less bulky, since the knot is flatter. See Tip #5 for ideas on how to finish it off. |
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Figure Eight Clasp |
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| Set up the necklace cords as described in the previous examples, so the ends head in different directions. Pass the working cord underneath the others, and center it. |
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Make a single Figure Eight Knot, passing over and under the necklace cords as you do so. This design makes a flatter knot than some of the others. Finish it off with additional knots or beads, as in the other examples above. |
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Josephine Knot Clasp |
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| A sliding clasp using the Josephine knot needs to be constructed differently than the others described. The knot for the clasp needs to be tied first. Make it approximately ½ to 1-inch in size. |
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Pass the necklace cords through the Josephine Knot, horizontally, weaving under and over the coils. Make sure the ends head in opposite directions. Finish off the ends of all the cords as previously described. |
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| You can also use the Celtic Square Knot in the same manner. Make the knot first, tightening it so it's approximately 1 inch in size. Direct the necklace cords through it horizontally, weaving under and over the coils. |
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Here are additional decorative knots to consider using when creating sliding clasps:
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Additional Technique |
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| Recently I found out that Sliding Clasps can be tied as part of the overall jewelry design, rather than with a separate strand. All of the knots listed above can be used, but the process is a little different. |
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| Set up the necklace or bracelet cords as described above, so the ends are heading in opposite directions. |
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For a two-strand design, take the left ends of both cords and tie one or more knots onto the right portion, about 2 inches away from the crossing point. Don't place it too close to the right ends. |
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| Tie a second set of knots using the right ends, placing it so there is a total of 4 inches between the two knots. You still need to finish off the ends somehow. I tied a tight SK in the back, and cut off the excess. Weaving the ends through the knots works well, too. |
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To open the necklace or bracelet, simply pull on the cord near the two knots. To close it again, slide the knots themselves, or the portion of the cord that is between them. |
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| You can also make these types of sliding clasps with a single cord. The only difference is that you will need to choose a knot that uses only one strand. Button knots, and Figure 8 knots work out well. |
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