Vertical Half Hitch
|
| |
 |
| |
| Description: The Vertical Half Hitch is constructed somewhat differently than the other variations of the DHH. So I've devoted a whole page to helping you learn this important Macrame technique. It's also called the Vertical Double Half Hitch. |
| |
To make it easier to practice, mount 4 or more strands to a holding cord with Larks Head knots. The vertical strands are the holding cords.
Cut an additional strand, which will be used as your working cord. This is the opposite of the standard DHH. |
| |
| Step 1: Pin the working cord to your project board to the left of the other strands. If you are right handed, moving left to right works better. For anyone left handed, secure the cord on the right, and move right to left. In an actual pattern, the directions will specify which direction to progress. |
| |
| |
 |
|
Step 2: Attach the working cord (blue) to the first strand closest to the secured tail, with a Vertical DHH. Pass under the vertical strand, then around and through the loop. Go around again to make the second Half Hitch. Both steps equal one DHH. |
|
|
| |
| |
 |
|
Step 3: Pass the working cord under the next vertical strand, and tie another DHH. |
|
|
| |
Step 4: Complete the row by tying more DHH with the working cord, onto each of the vertical strands.
Step 5: To make a new row, simply reverse directions. Always pass the working cord under the vertical holding cords before tying the first Half Hitch. |
| |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
Making Webbed Feet |
| |
| Ever wonder how Webbed Feet for Frogs and Birds are made? They use the Vertical Half Hitch, of course! Now aren't you glad you are learning this Macrame design? |
| |
| Webbing is made by widening the holding cords as you progress through the rows of knots. |
| |
| |
 |
|
Step 1: Make the Vertical DHH for 1 row, as described above. The knots should be close together. |
|
|
| |
| |
 |
|
Step 2: Tie the second row of DHH so that the holding cords are spread a little further apart. The working cord will head in the opposite direction.
With each new row, separate them even further to form the webbed design. |
|
|
| |
| |
|
| |
Picots and Loops |
| |
| The Vertical Half Hitch pattern shown at the top of the page has small Picot loops along the edges. Space is left between the vertical rows, forming the picots. |
| |
| Step 1: Make the first row of Vertical DHH as described above. |
| |
| |
 |
|
Step 2: When you want a picot to form, simply make the first knot in the row so it sits further down on the holding cord. Usually 1/4 to 1/2 inch is enough space. Push the knot up next to the others to form the picot. Complete the row without additional space. |
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
 |
|
Loop Picot Design
This interesting variation is called a Loop Picot design, and is a Vintage technique. I found it in several of my oldest books, written in the early 1900's.
Using 2 colors provides and interesting touch, and I recommend that you try it while practicing. |
|
|
| |
| You will need only 3 cords for this Vertical Half Hitch pattern. Attach one of them to a holding cord with a Larks head knot, folding it in half. The 2 strands are the vertical knot bearers. |
| |
Step 1: The other 2 cords (one of each color) are the working cords. They should be at least 50 inches long.
Tie an Overhand knot near one end of both cords. Secure them to the project board to the left of the vertical cords. One should rest below the other. |
| |
| |
 |
|
Step 2: Use the top working cord (Color A) and make 2 Vertical Half Hitches, one on each of the knot bearers. Head left to right.
Step 3: Use the next working cord (Color B) and do the same. |
|
|
| |
| Step 4: Reverse direction (right to left), and use the color B working cord to make the next row of knots. Move down a small distance to tie the knots. Push them up next to the others to make the picots. This way, you are making 2 rows with the same color (blue). |
| |
| Step 5: Now use the color A working cord (red), and make a row of Vertical DHH, heading right to left as well. |
| |
Step 6: Use the color A working cord again, and make the next row of knots, heading left to right. This way there are 2 rows of the same color next to each other. By alternating like this, the picots are different sizes.
In the larger image above, the numbers represent the amount of rows to make. To make the picots larger, simply make additional rows, alternating between the colors. |
| |
| |
|
| |
Need Supplies
to practice more Macrame knots? Visit my new online
store. There are many unique items with reasonable prices,
and FREE SHIPPING for most of the Craft supplies.
|
| |
|
| |
| |
