How to Make an Interlocking Lark's Head Bracelet

Hemp jewelry is making a comeback, influenced by the popularity of the Shamballa-style bracelets featured in many fashion magazines and worn by various celebrities. You can create hemp bracelets with a variety of macramé knots. Some have one knot throughout the bracelet and others combine several types of knots. Interlocking lark’s head knots are made by tying vertical lark’s head knots with alternating cords. It can be knotted over a two-cord core, or with the two working cords alternately tied over each other. Each lark’s head knot requires two steps to complete it.

Things You'll Need

• Macrame cord
• Ruler or tape measure
• Scissors
• Clipboard or heavy cardboard with pushpin
• 6-mm or 8-mm bead with a hole large enough to accommodate two cords
• Large tapestry needle or crochet hook (optional)

Instructions

1. Measure your wrist and add about 4 inches. Cut a length of cord double the length of your measurement. Fold the cord in half and tie an overhand knot, leaving a loop large enough to go over the bead at the end. Slide the loop under the clip of the clipboard, or secure it to a piece of cardboard with a pushpin for support. Arrange the two cords vertically on the support. These will be the carrier cords.

2. Cut another length of cord about 6 feet long and center it under the vertical cords.

3. Bring the left-hand working cord over all three of the other cords, leaving a loop, and pass it under all three cords and up through the loop. Pull the cord taut and push it snugly against the overhand knot. Bring the left-hand working cord under all three of the cords, leave a loop, and then pass it over all three cords and down through the loop. Pull the cord taut. Repeat these two steps with the right-hand cord.

4. Repeat, alternating left and right cords, until the bracelet is the length of your wrist measurement.

5. Put a dot of glue on the last knot of each of the cords. Push the ends of the working cords back through several knots, laying them smoothly in line with the carrier cords and trim the ends. A tapestry needle or crochet hook can be used to make this step easier.

6. Tie an overhand knot in the carrier cords close to the last knot. Pass both cords through the bead and tie an overhand knot close to the bead. Put a dot of glue on the knot and trim the ends.

Tips & Warnings

• Pull each knot snug, being sure the carrier cords lay smoothly side by side.

• Remember, each knot consists of two steps: over and under, then under and over.