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 Knot, 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 this
manner. So this is a very important decorative knot to learn.
Step 1: It’s easier to practice this
technique if the two cords you’re using are already
mounted to something. You’ll be tying the knots with
the two dangling strands, vertically. Secure the mounted
portion to your work surface.
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Step 2:
Use the left strand as the working cord. The one on the right
will be the core, also called a holding cord. It will hold the knot. You can reverse this,
if you wish, and use the left one as the holding cord. Wrap
the working cord over the other cord, folding
it under next, then through the loop. |
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Step 3: Take
the same strand around again, but this time, direct the end
under the core first. Bring it up and over, then through the
loop.
Tip: If you quietly chant “Over
Under Through, Under Over Through, as you tie the knots,
you’ll keep it straight in your mind a bit better.
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4: If making a chain, repeat steps 1 and 2. Both
steps equal one knot.
If you make a mistake, you’ll know it. You’ll
see a change in the pattern. The nice thing about this technique
is that it is easy to remedy a mistake. Simply grab hold
of the strand used as the core, above the area you are repairing,
and pull. The knots will fall right out. |
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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 2 and 4. Tie the Vertical Larks Heads as described above.
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Tighten the knots by pulling on the ends. They will face towards each other. Continue 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 the ones on the outside, numbers 1 and 4. The remaining strands hold the knots. Tie the Vertical Larks Heads as described above. |
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When tightened, the knots will face away from each other. Continue the sennit by tying several more knots. |
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| This Vertical Larks Head sennit is made using a common holding cord. The knots face different directions. 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 with the DHH Mount. You can simply pin or tape them to your work surface if you prefer. |
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Step 2: The holding cord is the center strand, and the other 2 will be used to make the knots. 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: Continue to repeat step 2 to complete the sennit. The loops along the edges are often use to attach other cords, especially in items like purses. |
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| This sennit also has the knots facing in opposite directions, but is tied differently then the variation above. |
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| Step 1: For this interesting sennit, you will need 3 cords, preferably mounted to something. |
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Step 2: Make a Vertical Larks Head using the cord furthest to the right. Both of the other strands should hold the knot. |
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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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| This Larks Head Sennit does not use a separate holding cord, like the ones above. You tie the first Vertical LH knot with one strand onto the other. Then you switch, using the opposite strand as the working cord. The knots will face different directions, and the sennit will curve a bit. This makes a great design for purse handles, bracelets, and anywhere you need a slender chain of knots. |
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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. |
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