17 Basic Macrame Knots: Step-by-Step Instructions

Master the art of macrame by learning these 17 fundamental knots that form the foundation of every project. Whether you’re creating wall hangings, plant hangers, or jewelry, understanding these essential techniques opens endless creative possibilities. Follow these detailed step-by-step instructions to build your macrame skills from beginner to advanced.

Getting Started: Essential Terms

Before diving into individual knots, familiarize yourself with these common macrame terms:

Working Cord: The cord you actively manipulate to create knots Filler Cord: The stationary cord(s) around which you tie knots Mounting Knot: The knot used to attach cords to a dowel or ring Sinnets: Vertical columns of repeated knots Fringe: Loose cord ends left to hang decoratively

Foundation Knots

1. Lark’s Head Knot (Cow Hitch)

The most fundamental mounting knot in macrame, the lark’s head attaches cords to dowels, rings, or other foundation structures.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Fold your cord in half to create a loop at the center
2. Place the loop over and behind your mounting dowel or ring
3. Pull the two cord ends through the loop from front to back
4. Pull the ends down firmly to tighten against the mounting structure
5. Adjust the knot so it sits evenly on the dowel

Variations:

• Reverse Lark’s Head: Loop goes behind then over the front for a different texture
• Double Lark’s Head: Use two folded cords together for thicker mounting

2. Square Knot

The cornerstone of macrame, the square knot creates stable, decorative patterns and appears in virtually every project.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Work with four cords; designate the two outer cords as working cords and the two inner cords as filler cords
2. Take the left working cord and cross it over the two filler cords, forming the number “4”
3. Bring the right working cord over the left cord’s tail, behind the filler cords, and up through the “4” loop on the left side
4. Pull both working cords firmly to create the first half of the knot
5. Now reverse: take the right working cord and cross it over the filler cords
6. Bring the left working cord over the right cord’s tail, behind the filler cords, and up through the loop on the right side
7. Pull both working cords tight to complete the square knot

Common Uses: Creating textured patterns, plant hanger baskets, macrame jewelry

3. Half Square Knot

This knot is simply half of a square knot, and when repeated, it creates a beautiful spiral pattern.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Arrange four cords with two working cords on the outside and two filler cords in the center
2. Cross the left working cord over the filler cords
3. Bring the right working cord over the left tail, behind the fillers, and through the left loop
4. Tighten by pulling both working cords
5. Repeat this exact same motion (don’t alternate sides like in square knots)
6. Watch as the spiral pattern naturally forms after several repetitions

Result: A twisted, spiral sinnet that adds dynamic movement to designs

4. Half Hitch Knot

This simple knot wraps one cord around another and serves as the building block for more complex knots.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Hold one cord taut as the filler cord
2. Take the working cord and bring it over the filler cord, creating a loop
3. Pass the working cord end behind the filler and up through the loop
4. Pull the working cord to tighten the knot against the filler cord

Common Uses: Creating wrapped details, forming the basis for double half hitch knots

5. Double Half Hitch Knot (Clove Hitch)

One of the most versatile macrame knots, the double half hitch creates diagonal, horizontal, or vertical lines and patterns.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Establish a filler cord (also called the knot-bearing cord) and hold it taut at your desired angle
2. Take the first working cord and create a half hitch by looping it over and around the filler cord
3. Immediately create a second half hitch with the same working cord around the same filler cord
4. Pull both loops tight so they sit snugly together
5. Repeat with each subsequent working cord along the filler cord to create a row

Pattern Variations:

• Horizontal: Hold filler cord straight across horizontally
• Diagonal: Angle the filler cord for slanted lines
• Vertical: Hold filler cord vertically for up-and-down patterns

Decorative Knots

6. Spiral Knot (Twisted Half Square Knot)

Created by continuously repeating half square knots without alternating direction, this knot produces an eye-catching spiral.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mount four cords and identify the two outer cords as working cords
2. Create a half square knot (complete the first half only)
3. Repeat the exact same half knot motion 10-15 times
4. The rope will naturally begin to twist and spiral
5. Continue until you achieve the desired spiral length
6. Secure with a regular square knot or another knot type

Design Tip: The tighter you pull each knot, the more pronounced the spiral becomes

7. Gathering Knot (Wrapping Knot)

This decorative knot bundles multiple cords together, creating definition and structure in designs.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Gather all the cords you want to bundle together
2. Take one separate working cord and fold it into a U-shape
3. Place the U-shape against the bundle with the loop pointing down
4. Begin wrapping the long end of the working cord tightly around the bundle and over the U-shape
5. Wrap upward for 1-2 inches, keeping wraps tight and close together
6. When finished wrapping, thread the working cord end through the bottom loop
7. Pull the top tail of the U-shape cord to draw the loop and threaded end up inside the wrapping
8. Trim both ends and tuck them inside the wrapped section

Common Uses: Finishing plant hangers, creating tassel heads, bundling fringe

8. Berry Knot (Ball Knot)

This three-dimensional knot creates spherical decorative elements that add texture and visual interest.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Work with four cords and tie a square knot
2. Separate the cords: bring the two filler cords forward and down
3. Cross the left working cord over the right working cord behind the filler cords
4. Tie another square knot, pulling it up very close to the first knot
5. The filler cords will form a loop between the two square knots
6. Gently push this loop outward to create a rounded berry shape
7. Tie additional square knots below to secure the berry

Effect: Creates dimensional bumps perfect for plant hanger details

9. Josephine Knot

An elegant decorative knot featuring interwoven loops, the Josephine knot adds sophistication to any project.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Work with two cords (or two pairs of cords treated as one)
2. With the left cord, create a loop that curves to the right, with the tail going over the standing part
3. With the right cord, weave it over the left tail, then under the left loop, over the left standing cord, under the right loop, and finally over the right tail
4. Carefully adjust and tighten by pulling all four ends equally
5. The knot should form an ornamental figure-eight pattern

Usage: Wall hanging centerpieces, jewelry focal points, decorative accents

10. Overhand Knot

The simplest knot in macrame, the overhand knot creates texture, secures cord ends, or acts as a spacing element.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Take one cord or a group of cords together
2. Form a loop by bringing the cord end over the standing part
3. Pass the cord end through the loop from behind
4. Pull tight to secure

Applications: Creating fringe details, securing bead positions, adding texture to designs

Advanced Structural Knots

11. Alternating Square Knot Pattern

This pattern creates a netted, lattice effect by offsetting rows of square knots.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. In the first row, tie square knots using groups of four cords across your entire project
2. For the second row, skip the first two cords and use cords 3-6 to tie the first square knot
3. Continue across the row, using the last two cords from one knot and the first two cords from the next knot
4. In the third row, return to the original groupings as in row one
5. Continue alternating between these two patterns

Result: A stable, netted fabric perfect for bags, wall hangings, and hammocks

12. Square Knot Sinnet

A vertical chain of repeated square knots creates a strong, rope-like column.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Use four cords with two working cords and two filler cords
2. Tie a square knot
3. Immediately tie another square knot directly below it
4. Continue tying square knots in a vertical line
5. The sinnet will form a flat, braided appearance

Common Uses: Plant hanger straps, wall hanging vertical elements, jewelry chains

13. Half Hitch Spiral

By wrapping half hitches around a central filler cord, you create a textured spiral column.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Designate one cord as the filler cord and hold it taut vertically
2. Take the working cord and create a half hitch around the filler
3. Continue making half hitches in the same direction
4. After several knots, the work will begin to spiral naturally
5. Keep the filler cord taut and maintain consistent tension

Design Note: This technique creates tighter spirals than half square knot spirals

14. Crown Knot

Used primarily in creating rounded or tubular forms, the crown knot works with four or more cords.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Arrange four cords in a cross pattern with equal lengths
2. Take cord 1 and fold it over cord 2
3. Take cord 2 and fold it over cord 3
4. Take cord 3 and fold it over cord 4
5. Take cord 4 and thread it through the loop created by cord 1
6. Pull all four cords evenly to tighten
7. Repeat the pattern to create a square, braided column

Applications: Making thick handles, creating three-dimensional structures

Finishing Knots

15. Barrel Knot (Coil Knot)

This secure finishing knot prevents cords from unraveling and adds a neat decorative element.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Form a loop with your cord, leaving a long tail
2. Wrap the tail around both the standing part and the loop 5-7 times
3. Keep wraps tight and close together
4. Thread the tail through the loop at the bottom
5. Pull the standing cord to draw the loop up inside the coils
6. Trim excess and work the end into the coils

Purpose: Finishing cord ends, securing beads, creating stoppers

16. Figure Eight Knot

A stopper knot that’s more secure than an overhand knot, the figure eight prevents cords from pulling through openings.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Create a loop by crossing the working end over the standing part
2. Bring the working end around behind the standing part
3. Thread the working end down through the original loop
4. The knot should resemble the number “8”
5. Pull tight to secure

Uses: Preventing cord slippage, adding decorative details, securing bead positions

17. Chinese Crown Knot

An ornamental knot that creates a symmetrical, flower-like pattern, perfect for adding elegant finishing touches.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Work with four cords arranged in a cross
2. Create loops with each cord by folding them toward the center
3. Weave each cord through its neighbor’s loop in a circular pattern
4. Carefully tighten by pulling all four cords equally
5. Adjust until the knot forms a balanced, symmetrical pattern

Best For: Jewelry centerpieces, decorative endings, adding focal points

Tips for Mastering Macrame Knots

Maintaining Consistent Tension

Even tension creates professional-looking projects. Practice pulling each knot with the same firmness. Too loose creates gaps, while too tight distorts the cord and makes patterns uneven.

Choosing the Right Cord

Different projects require different cord types:

• Cotton cord: Soft, forgiving, ideal for beginners
• Jute: Natural, rustic appearance with good hold
• Nylon: Strong, weather-resistant for outdoor projects
• Hemp: Durable with natural texture

Practicing New Knots

Before starting projects, practice each new knot multiple times using scrap cord. Muscle memory develops quickly, and confident knotting shows in the finished work.

Measuring Cord Lengths

Most projects require cords 4-8 times the finished length, depending on knot density. Square knots use more cord than double half hitches. Always cut extra length rather than running short mid-project.

Preventing Cord Twist

As you work, cords naturally twist. Periodically let your project hang free and allow cords to untwist naturally. This prevents distortion and keeps patterns even.

Keeping Work Organized

Use clips or pins to hold completed sections in place while working on new areas. A cushion or corkboard allows pinning projects for better control, especially when learning.

Common Macrame Projects Using These Knots

Plant Hangers

Combine square knots, spiral knots, and gathering knots to create functional and beautiful plant hangers. Use alternating square knot patterns for the basket portion.

Wall Hangings

Layer diagonal double half hitch rows with square knot patterns and add decorative Josephine knots as focal points. Finish with varied fringe lengths.

Jewelry

Utilize square knot sinnets, spiral knots, and decorative knots like the Josephine to create bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. Barrel knots secure closures.

Bags and Purses

Alternating square knot patterns create sturdy netted fabric while spiral straps add visual interest. Gathering knots bundle the top closure.

Keychains

Small projects like keychains allow practicing multiple knot types in one piece. Combine square knots, spirals, and decorative finishing knots.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Knots Won’t Stay Tight

Ensure you’re using appropriate cord thickness for your pattern. Some slippery synthetic cords require extra-firm pulling. Consider switching to cotton or hemp with better grip.

Pattern Looks Uneven

Check that you’re consistently using the same cords as working versus filler cords. Measure spacing between knots and maintain equal distances throughout.

Cords Are Too Short

If you run short on cord length, you can splice in new cord by tying it behind existing cord with a barrel knot, working the join into the pattern where it will be least visible.

Work Keeps Twisting

Double-check that you’re alternating directions properly in square knots. For half square knots, some twist is expected and creates the desired spiral effect.

Conclusion

These 17 fundamental macrame knots form the complete toolkit for creating virtually any macrame project imaginable. Start by mastering the basic knots like the lark’s head, square knot, and double half hitch before progressing to more decorative techniques.

Remember that macrame is an art of repetition and patience. Each knot builds upon the previous one, and even complex patterns break down into these simple fundamental techniques. As your skills develop, you’ll begin combining knots in creative ways, developing your unique style and tackling increasingly ambitious projects.

The beauty of macrame lies in its meditative rhythm and the satisfaction of watching cords transform into functional art through your own hands. Keep practicing, stay patient with yourself as you learn, and soon these knots will become second nature, allowing your creativity to flow freely through your fingers into stunning handcrafted pieces.