Spanish Hitching
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Description: Spanish Hitching is a unique Macrame design that uses the Clove Hitch. I devoted an entire page to it because it's such a useful decorative knot to know. You can use it to cover dowels and other tube-like objects, such as wine bottles, and drinking glasses. It can also be tied in horizontal rows, similar to Double Half Hitches. Since it is a HITCH, that means it needs to be attached to something. In this case, the knots are tied onto a holding cord, which wraps around the item that is being covered.
I've included instructions for tying the Clove Hitch in two different directions, in case you need a refresher. You can click on the icons and larger images will come up, so you can see the details better. |
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Right Clove Hitch |
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Step 1: Secure a holding cord horizontally to your board, so it's taut. In the images, that's the tan one. To make a right Clove Hitch, secure the tail of the working cord to your left.
Curve it to the right, first passing over, then under, the holding cord. |
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Step 2: Cross the working end over the tail, heading towards the left. This creates the first counter-clockwise loop, which should rest on your right.
Pass the end under the holding cord, from the front, heading away from you. |
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Step 3: Direct the end over the holding cord, forming the second loop, which is made clockwise.
Pass over the holding cord and under the working cord, in the area between the two loops. |
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Left Clove Hitch |
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Step 1: Secure the tail above the horizontal holding cord. Pass the working end over it, then under it. As you rotate the end to the right, pass over the secured portion. |
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Step 2: Direct the working end under the holding cord, to the right of the first loop. Make a counter-clockwise circle, bringing the end under the holding cord, and over it in the area between the two loops. It should pass under the working cord in that area. |
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Now it's time to work on the actual Spanish Hitching design. First, obtain enough working cords that will fit all the way around the dowel, if that is what you are covering. They will be arranged lengthwise on the dowel, and the number of cords will depend on how thick the dowel is, as well as the size of the material.
The length of these working cords needs to be 4 times whatever distance you are covering.
For example: You are covering a section on the dowel measuring 10 inches. So each working cord needs to be at least 40 inches long. |
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| I used a 1-inch dowel to create the Spanish Hitching in the images, and only wanted the design in the front. Therefore, I have 5 working cords, and 1 holding cord. I would probably use a total of 10 working cords to cover the entire dowel. |
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| Step 1: Secure the working cords near one edge of the dowel with tape. Make sure they can't slide out. Secure the holding cord to the back of the dowel. |
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Step 2: Bring the holding cord around to the front of the dowel, heading left to right. Secure it so it's taut. Tie a row of left Clove Hitches onto the holding cord, using each of the working cords. Move left to right as you tie the knots. When you are finished, wrap the holding cord around the dowel again. |
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Step 3: Now you have a decision to make. You can either continue on, making every row with left Clove Hitches, or you can alternate and use right Hitches every other row. You can also form other patterns with Spanish Hitching, such as 3 left, 2 right, etc.
The holding cord is wrapped around the dowel in the same direction (left to right), but you can reverse the knots themselves at any point. That's why it's important you know how to make the Clove Hitch both ways, in case the pattern you are creating requires it.
Look closely at the image of the Spanish Hitching I made, at the top of the page. The first row was made with right facing knots, and the remainder with left Clove Hitches.
Make sure you keep the holding cord under the working cords at all times, as you progress. Try to arrange each knot so that the crossed area shows up well.
When you are finished with the design, tuck the ends and tails under the knots, so they can't be seen.
To make a flat Spanish Hitching design, you will need several working cords, arranged side by side. The number of working cords you use will determine the width of the Spanish Hitching design. The best way to determine the number you need is to arrange them on your board until you have the width you want. You will also need several holding cords, one for each row. So it takes a lot more material to make a flat panel of knots than it does to cover a tube shaped item. |
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Have
any comments or suggestions about Spanish Hitching? Contact
Me.
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