macramé 2014 جديد مكرامي Larks Head Knot

Larks Head Knot

Description: The Larks Head Knot is one of the most frequently used Macrame knots in existence. Another name for this decorative knot is the Cow Hitch. Most of the time, it is used in the mounting process; to attach one cord to another, or onto a ring, dowel or purse handle. The Reverse Larks Head is also described below. It's often used in patterns where you need to turn it around so it resembles a Double Half Hitch. It's a very important variation, so please practice it, too. I've also included instructions for a unique application of this important knot. It's called the Nestled Mount. I found it in a book written in 1899, so it's a vintage technique, and is not very well known.

Standard Design

Step A: You need one or more holding cords, secured to your board horizontally. Fold another cord and place it under the holding cords. The fold should be at the bottom and the ends at the top.

Step B: Bring both ends over the holding cords, heading downward. Pass them under the folded area, pulling them firmly.

When tightened, the Larks Head knot has a horizontal segment made by the fold, resting just below the holding cords. That's called the head, and many Macrame patterns refer to that area, when describing the direction it will face.

Reverse Larks Head

The REVERSE Larks Head is often used when there are Double Half Hitches present, so the knots look the same. It takes advantage of the back of the Larks Head knot, rather than the front. This is an important variation, frequently seen in Macrame patterns, so be sure to practice it, too.

Step A: You need one or more holding cords, secured to your board horizontally. Fold another cord and place it on top of the holding cords. Bring the ends down behind the holding cords as shown. /

Step B: Bring the ends towards you, passing over the folded area.

Step C: When the knot is tightened, it resembles a Double Half Hitch, since the head is not seen from the front.

Nestled Mount

Here's a variation of the Larks Head that is not very well known. It is used when different colors are required to form an alternating design. One knot rests inside the other, which causes a color shift. So if you were to tie a Square Knot, the two cords furthest to the right and left are the working cords, and they will be the same color.

Step A: Make the first Larks Head knot following the directions for the standard design.

Step B: Take a second cord and fold it in half. Place the cord under the dowel as you normally would, but widen the design. The two ends should rest on either side of the first knot as shown.

Step B: Bring the ends of the second cord down and under the folded area. Make sure the ends stay to the right and left, beside the first knot.

Step C: Tighten the second Larks Head knot carefully. The head of the first knot should nestle inside the second knot.