Vertical Half Hitch
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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.
You can click on the small images to see larger ones, which show the details more clearly. |
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To make it easier to practice, mount 4 or more strands to a holding cord with Larks Head knots. These strands are the holding cords (Rust).
Cut an additional strand, which will be used as your working cord (Blue).
Note that this is the opposite of the standard DHH, in which the extra strand holds the knots. |
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| Step 1: Secure the working cord to your project board to the left of the other strands. |
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Step 2: Attach the working cord to the first strand on the left, which holds the knot. Pass under the holding cord, and around it to make the first Half Hitch. Go around again to make the second Half Hitch, slightly lower. Both steps equal one Vertical DHH. |
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Step 3: Pass the working cord under the next strand (moving right), and tie another DHH. |
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Step 4: Complete the row by tying more DHH with the working cord, onto the other two holding cords.
Step 5: To make a new row, simply reverse directions. Make sure you always pass the working cord under the holding cords before tying the first Half Hitch. |
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Making Webbed Feet |
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| 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? |
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| Webbing is made by widening the holding cords as you progress through the rows of knots. Like the standard DHH, the shape of the design depends on the arrangement of the holding cords. |
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Step 1: Make the Vertical DHH for 1 row, as described above. The knots should be close together. |
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Step 2: Tie the second row of DHH so that the holding cords are spread a little further apart.
You will be tying the knots heading right to left for this row. |
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| Step 3: As yout tie each new row, separate the holding cords further and further apart, to form the webbed feet. |
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Picots and Loops |
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| The Vertical Half Hitch pattern shown at the top of the page has small Picot loops along the edges. Space is left between the rows, forming the picots. |
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| Step 1: Make the first row of Vertical DHH as described above. |
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Step 2: When you want a picot to form, simply tie the first DHH in the row so it sits lower down on the holding cord. Usually 1-inch is enough space.
Push the knot up next to the others to form the picot. Complete the row by tying the DHH close to the row above (no space). |
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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. |
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| 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, also called holding cords. |
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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. |
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Step 2: Use the top working cord (Color A) and make 2 Vertical Half Hitches, one on each of the holding cords. Make sure you head left to right.
Step 3: Use the next working cord (Color B) and do the same. |
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Step 4: Reverse direction (right to left), and use the color B working cord to make the next row of knots. Move down 1-inch before tying the first DHH. Push it up next to row above to make the picot. The remaining knots should be tied so they rest just below the previous row (no space).
Note: You are making 2 rows with the same color (blue). |
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| Step 5: Now use the color A working cord (red), and make a row of Vertical DHH, heading right to left as well. Another picot will automatically form on the right, since you are going around the one previously made in step 4. |
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Step 6: Use the color A 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 again. Make sure you position the first so there is a 1-inch space, and slide it up to form the next picot.
Step 7: Next, switch to the color B cord, and make the next row. This picot will automatically form, since you are going around the other one. |
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Step 8: To continue, simply repeat steps 4 - 7.
The key to successfully creating this Vertical Half Hitch design is to make sure you alternate the working cords as you progress. And each time you switch directions, 2 rows of the same color should be next to one another. |
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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.
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