Square Knot
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| Description:
The Square Knot (SK) is the most commonly used decorative
knot in Macrame. In Macrame patterns they are usually tied with more than two cords. They are used primarily
in the body of patterns, but can be used in the mounting or
finishing process as well.
Variations: The Right Facing, Mirror SK is also described below. I've also included instructions for a pattern called the Switch Knot.
Step 1: To practice this important basic
knot, secure four cords to a project board or table surface. In the images, the working cords are purple, and the pink cords are the fillers.
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Left Facing SK |
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Step 2:
Use the left working cord and curve it over the front of the filler cords, heading right. |
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Step 3: Direct the right working cord over the left. Pass it behind (under) the two filler cords and out through the space on the left.
You just completed the first half of the Square Knot, which is sometimes called a "Half Knot". |
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Step 4: Tighten the first half of the knot. Next, take the working cord that's now on the right and curve it in front of the fillers, heading left.
This is just like step 2, except you use the opposite working cord. |
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Step 5: Take the left working cord and pass it over the right one, behind the fillers, and out through the space on the right. Tighen the Square Knot by pulling on the ends.
The "head" of the
knot will face left. |
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Right Facing SK
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I sometimes use
the term "Mirror SK" to describe this technique, because it is the mirror
image of the knot described above. Other names I've seen used
are Right SK and Reverse SK. Knowing how to change the direction of the Square Knot is important when you want both edges of a design to be symmetrical. Since many patterns require this technique, be sure to practice tying these knots in both directions.
Tip: Remember that the head of the knot will always face the direction as the cord you position in the front of the fillers, in the first step. In this case, the right cord is in front, in step 1, so the knot faces right. |
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Step 1: Using
4 strands of material, curve the right working cord over both fillers, heading left. |
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Step 2: Bring
the left working cord over the right one, under the fillers, and through the
space on the right side.
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Step 3: Tighten the first half of the knot. Next, take the working cord that's now on the left, and curve it over the fillers. |
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Step 4: Bring the right working cord over the left one,
under the fillers, and through the space on the left side.
Tighten the knot by pulling on the ends. The head of the knot will face right. |
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Switch Knot
This interesting Square Knot pattern is made by switching the fillers and working cords each time you make a new knot.
It's important to leave enough space between the knots so you can see the crisscrossed cords clearly. |
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Step 1: You will need four cords to practice, and it helps if they are two different colors.
Tie a Square Knot using two working cords and two fillers. |
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Step 2: Bring the two working cords (purple) over the fillers and between them (pink). They will now become the new fillers. The previous fillers (pink) will be the new set of working cords for the next knot. |
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Step 3: Tie a Square Knot. You can tie it the same way, or make it a Mirror SK (right facing).
By leaving space between the two knots, you can see the switched cords more clearly. |
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Step 4: Switch the cords again, by bringing the previous set of working cords (pink) over and between the other two (purple). |
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Step 5: Tie the next SK, which will be the same color as the first one, if you used two colors.
To continue, keep switching the cords before tying each knot. |
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Learn about Bead Knitting, Bead Crochet, Bead Embroidery, Using Seed Beads properly, Beading Methods, Stitches, Knots, and MUCH MORE. |
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ONE STOP MACRAME SHOP
Learn the Basic Knots used in Macrame
- Projects, patterns, and Instructions
- How to Market your Macrame
- Cavendoli Macrame
- Finding the best supplies & materials
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