Vertical Larks Head
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Description:
The Vertical Larks Head knot is usually used to form a sennit
(chain). In some Vintage Macrame patterns, it is called
the Buttonhole Stitch, because this technique
is used to make decorative clasps in projects that call
for buttons. See Jewelry
Clasps for more details.
Any time you use a Larks Head Knot (LH) within in a pattern, other
than as a mounting knot, you are likely to tie them in two parts. So this is a very important decorative knot, and you should practice it several times.
Many Macrame patterns require you to tie these knots to cover items such as rings and dowels. Plant Hanger projects are particulary noted for this. So I've included the instructions for making the Vertical Larks Head knot on a ring. |
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Part 1: Secure one cord to your board to be used as a holding cord. Secure another one to tie the knot.
Take the working cord and pass it over the holding cord, under it, and over itself on the left. |
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Part 2: Take the working end and pass it under the holding cord, over it, and under itself on the left. |
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Covering Rings |
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Step 1: Obtain one strand of material, at least 60 inches long. You will also need a ring or dowel.
Tie the first Larks Head knot by folding the cord in half, and placing it under the bottom portion of the ring. Bring both ends up and over the ring, then down through the space, coming out from beneath the folded portion. |
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Step 2: Take the right end and bring it over the ring, under it and over the cord. |
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Step 3: Use the right end again, and bring it under the ring, over it and under the cord.
Both steps equal one Larks Head. Even though the knots are not truly vertical in this example, this is how you tie all Vertical Larks Head knots - in two parts. |
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To continue, you would simply use the right end to repeat steps 2 and 3, until the right half of the ring is covered. Then you need to use the left end and do the same, to cover the other side of the ring. Most patterns will have you tie a knot to secure the ends when they meet up again, at the top. |
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Variations |
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Sometimes a pattern calls for a Vertical Larks Head that is facing a specific direction. So these first 2 variations feature this knot first facing towards each other, then away from one another.
You can click on the small images to see larger photos. |
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Inward Facing Larks Heads |
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| Obtain 2 cords and fold them in half. You can mount them to a dowel or holding cord to make it easier to work with them. Mentally number the strands 1 thru 4. |
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The working cords are 2 and 3. The strands holding the knots are 1 and 4. Tie the Vertical Larks Heads as described above.
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Tighten the knots by pulling on the ends. The heads will face towards each other. Continue making the sennit by tying additional knots. |
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Outward Facing Larks Heads |
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| Mount 2 cords to a dowel or holding cord, folding them in half so you have 4 strands to work with. Mentally number the cords 1 thru 4. |
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The working cords are strands 1 and 4 this time. The holding cords are 2 and 3. Tie the Vertical Larks Heads as described above. |
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When tightened, the knots will face away from each other. Continue making the sennit by tying several more knots. |
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Alternating Larks Head Sennits |
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| There are several ways to use the Vertical Larks Head to make alternating sennits. The three most popular are shown below. |
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DESIGN 1 |
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| This sennit is made using a common holding cord, which means the knots made with both cords are attached to it. This was a very popular design in the early 1900's. |
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| Step 1: You will need 3 cords to practice. In the image, I attached each one to a holding cord to make them easier to work with. But can pin or tape them to your work surface. |
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Step 2: The holding cord is the center strand, and the other two are the working cords. Start by tying a Vertical Larks Head with the right working cord. Then tie one just below with the left one. The knots will face outward, in opposite directions. |
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| Step 3: Repeat step 2 several times, to make the sennit longer. The loops along the edges are often use to attach other cords, especially in items like purses. |
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Design 2 |
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| This sennit also has the knots facing in opposite directions, but is tied differently then the variation above. This is a vintage pattern, and it makes a very nice casual bracelet. You could even use this technique to make a belt or purse strap. |
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Step 1: Secure 3 cords to your work surface. Make a Vertical Larks Head using the cord furthest to the right.
Both of the other strands should act as holding cords, which means the knot is attached to them. |
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Step 3: The second Larks Head knot is made with the cord furthest to the left. The other 2 cords will hold the knot. |
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| Step 4: Continue alternating between steps 1 and 2 to complete this sennit. |
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Design 3 |
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| This Larks Head sennit does not require a separate holding cord, like the ones above. This makes a great design for purse handles, bracelets, and anywhere you need a slender chain of knots. |
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Step 1: Secure two cords to your work surface. Take the left cord and tie a Vertical LH onto the right cord. |
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Step 2: Take the right cord, and tie a Vertical LH onto the left. |
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Step 3: Repeat steps 1 and 2 over and over, until the sennit is the size you need. |
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This sennit is tied just like the one above, only you tie 2 knots instead of one.
By switching working cords, the knots face opposite directions.
Alternating sennits without a holding cord will usually twist and curve somewhat. |
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