How to Tie an Alternating Square Knot
The alternating square knot is a common knot pattern used in the macramé arts. This knot can be used when making plant hangers, purses, sports equipment bags and decorative fish netting.
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Instructions
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Bring all of the ends of the cording together. Tie an overhand knot to secure the cording together.
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2
Separate the cords into pairs. Working with the first pair, measure down to 1 1/2 inches and tie a square knot by crossing the right-hand cord over the left-hand cord.
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3
Bring the right-hand cord underneath the left-hand cord. The cords have switched sides now and will be referred to by the side that they originated on.
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4
Take the right-hand cord over the left-hand cord.
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Take the left-hand cord over the right-hand cord.
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Tighten by pulling both ends of both cords.
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Measure down 1 1/2 inches on all remaining pairs of cording and tie square knots in each pair of cording.
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Create new cord pairs by taking the left-hand cord of one original pair of cording and matching it with the cord to the left of it. Continue to pair cording until eight new pairs are formed.In the picture, A & B and C & D were paired for the first row of square knots. n the second row of square knots, B & C will be paired, D will be paired with the cording to its right and A will be paired with the cording to its left.
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Measure down 1 1/2 inches from the first row of square knots on all cording. Tie square knots in each new pair.
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The cording pairs in the third row are the same as they were in the first row. Pair cording in original pairs, measure down 1 1/2 inches from the second row of square knots on all cording. Tie square knots in each pair.
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Continue to alternate pairs for each row of square knots until your desired pattern is completed.
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Tips & Warnings
Experiment with different types of cording.
Create a great handbag by sliding a solid liner into an outer shell created with alternating square knots.
Customize your sports gear bags by making your own with your school colors.
The minimum number of lengths of cording required to tie alternating square knots is four. There really is no maximum.
