Snake Weave |
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Description: The Snake Weave is a historical Celtic design seen in many works of art, including handcrafted jewelry like the bracelet shown. The cord weaves back and forth, creating a snake-like woven design, similar to an Interlaced Plait.
You can use this decorative knot to create beautiful bracelets and necklaces, along with straps for purses and other similar Macrame projects.
I have included the instructions for a variation called the Celtic Bar, which is a little thicker and uses a slightly different technique.
Click on the small images, and larger ones will come up in a new window. |
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I found both designs in "Decorative Fusion Knots" by J. D. Lenzen.
Be sure to click on the link or image to visit his website, which contains tutorials for a large variety of unique and appealing decorative knots. |
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Step 1: To practice the Snake Weave, start by making a counter-clockwise loop in the center of a 72-inch cord. The left end should pass over the right one to make the crossing point. |
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Step 2: Bring the left end up towards the left, passing under the loop (right to left).
Note that I used the Cross Pin Technique to secure the loop, since I used Satin Cord. |
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Step 3: Bring the RIGHT end through the knot, heading left to right on an upward angle (clockwise). Pass it over - under - over the three segments. |
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Step 4: Tighten the knot by pulling on the ends.
Next, FLIP it over, so the ends are heading downward, and the knot is upside down.
Note that you just completed the first three steps of the Celtic Square Knot. |
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Step 5: Pull down on the loop at the bottom of the knot to enlarge it.
The size of this loop will determine the length of the Snake Weave. Arrange the ENDS so they are near the top, and the other two loops are tightened at the top. |
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Step 6: Flip the left side of the large loop over the right. |
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Step 7: Direct the right end over the loop, as you bring it down to the left.
It should rest south of the crossing point made in the last step. |
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Step 8: Now use the left end, and weave it through the loop, under - over - under as shown. |
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Step 9: Tighten the first portion of the Snake Weave by pulling on the ends and the loop.
Repeat steps 6 - 9 several more times to create the rest of the sennit. You'll know it's time to stop when you can't flip the loop anymore. |
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Step 10: Adjust the Snake Weave so it's the same width all the way down the length. You can keep the weave loose, or tighten it completely. |
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Celtic Bar |
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| Description: The Celtic Bar is a variation of the Snake Weave where narrow loops (bights) are crossed as well as the ends. You can use this unique design for straps, bracelets, and anywhere you need a slender chain of knots. |
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Step 1: Locate the center of a 72-inch cord. Secure it to your board. Form two long, narrow loops (bights), so the ends are at the top.
The length of the Celtic Bar is determined by the size of these loops. |
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Step 2: Cross the right end over the left, and secure the crossing point.
Note that I used the Cross Pin Technique to secure the cords. |
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Step 3: Pass the end that is now on the left, under the left bight, as you bring it straight down.
Pass the right end over the bight on your right. |
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Step 4: Cross the ENDS again, left over right. |
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Step 5: Now it's time to work with the BIGHTS (loops). Pass the left one under the end that is now on the left.
Pass the bight on the right, over the right end. |
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Step 6: Cross the left Bight over the right one.
The biggest difference between the Celtic Bar and the Snake Weave is that the loops are not flipped. Instead, you alternate between the ends and the bights, crossing them. |
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Step 7: Tighten the overall design slightly, and repeat steps 3 thru 6 over and over.
The most important thing to remember as you cross either the ends or the bights, is to do so left over right. |
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Step 8: Make sure you end on Step 6, so the last thing you do is cross the left bight over the right.
Pass the right END through the loop that is now on the right, from the top. |
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Step 9: Pass the left end through the other loop, from below. |
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Step 10: Pass the same end (left) through the loop on the right. |
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Step 11: Pass the right end through the loop on the left. |
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Step 12: Tighten and adjust the design. |
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