In this tutorial you will receive instructions on the following macrame knots.

1. Directions on how to tie the basic half knot. With special techniques to make it quick and simple.
2. Instructions on how to tie an easy square knot.
3. Directions for making a basic over hand knot.
4. Instructions for making the macrame flat pattern design.
5. Instructions for making the macrame spiral pattern design.
6. Advanced directions for making a Josephine Knot.

A short history of macrame. The modern art of decorative macrame knots is believed to have originated with Arabian weavers some time in the 13th century. Arabian weavers would knot the excess threads at the edge of hand-loomed fabrics into decorative knots.

Macrame is a very versatile craft. It has been used in the making of many kinds of jewelry including necklace, bracelets and chokers. It is also used to make common every day items such as hammocks, plant hangers and curtains.

So let's make some macrame knots.

1. How to make a basic half knot.

A half knot is one of the most basic macrame knots there is. It forms the basis of some of the more advanced knots and patterns that are created with macrame. To make a half knot you need three elements. A center cord that stays stationary and two outer knotting cords.

Tip - Half knot tying is much easier if the center string is taught and secure.

Now to make our half knot take one of the knotting cords go over the center string and under the opposite knotting cord. Next take the second knotting cord and go under the center string and over the first knotting cord. Now pull tight. You have finished a macrame half knot.

Now that is a technical description of how a half knot is tied but how does a professional do it? When you are doing it professionally the key is speed.
Step 1. Take the right hand knotting cord in your right hand lay it across the center string. This creates a loop on the right hand side.
Step 2. Take the left hand knotting cord in your left hand and lay it across the right hand cord.
Step 3. After laying the left hand knotting cord over the right hand knotting cord bend it under. As you are bending it under push your right hand index finger and thumb through the right hand loop grab the left hand knotting cord with your index finger and thumb and pull it through the loop.
Step 4. Pull tight. If your center string is tight as I suggested earlier you can pull the knot tight quick and it will be snug and secure. If your center string is not tight then you will need to work the knot into place. Done right each knot should only take a couple seconds to tie.

2. Square knot making.

Now that you know how to tie a half knot you are ready to make a square knot. Since a square knot is simply two half knots tied opposite to each other. So first we will make a half knot as we did before. However for the second half of the square knot we will start with the second knotting cord instead of the first knotting cord. So take the second knotting cord and go over the center string and under the opposite knotting cord. Next take the first knotting cord and go under the center string and over the second knotting cord. Pull tight. You have just finished a square knot.

3. Directions for tying an over hand knot.

An over hand knot is a very basic simple macrame knot. To make an over hand knot take a single string. Start by making a loop over your string. Bring the end of the string under the cord and through the loop. Pull tight and you are finished.

4. Instructions for making a macrame flat pattern design. In macrame the flat pattern design is created when a series of consecutive square knots are tied together.

5. Instructions for making a macrame spiral pattern design. The macrame spiral pattern design is created when a series of half knots are tied in a row. To see the spiral develop it's recommended to tie at least four or more half knots.

6. Instructions for making a Josephine knot.

The Josephine knot is a rather complex advanced macrame knot.
Step 1. Take cord A and form it into a loop that you will set on top of cord B.
Step 2. Take cord B and bring it up and over the first end of cord A.
Step 3. Continue to move cord B up and bring it under the second end of cord A.
Step 4. Now bring cord B down and over cord A.
Step 5. Continue moving cord B down passing under cord B that's right it will pass under it's self.
Step 6. Next bring cord B over the outside of cord A.
Step 7. Pull evenly on all four cords to finish your Josephine Knot.

This concludes my macrame knot tying tutorial.