Different Knots for Making Hemp Necklaces
Hemp twine is a strong, flexible natural fiber popular for making lanyards, bracelets and necklaces. Though hemp comes in a variety of colors, the most common is its natural beige. Weavers often slip wood, shell, ceramic and glass beads onto their hemp necklaces to enhance its natural look. Teens and young adults especially enjoy making and wearing hemp jewelry because it's inexpensive and simple to make. You need to know just a few simple knots to make a variety of pieces.
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Half Knot
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The half knot is the most basic hemp necklace knot. Most other hemp knots are based on the half knot, and the half knot itself can be modified to produce a flat or spiral necklace. The knot starts with two equal lengths of hem about four times longer than you want your finished product. Fold them in half and tie the fold into a loop. Separate the four resulting cords, arranging them as two central cords and a left and right cord. Bring the left cord under the central cords and over the right cord. Bring the right cord over the central cords and up through the loop created by the left cord. Pull tight and continue tying knots this way, starting with the left cord each time, until you reach the ends of your cords. For a flat necklace, all of your cords should be an equal length. For a spiral cord, tie your folded cords so the two right-hand cords are about half the length of the left-hand cords. Arrange the cords so the short ones are in the center.
Switch Knot
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The switch knot is a fancier version of the basic half knot and gives your necklaces a lacy, delicate look. Start with two lengths of hemp about six times longer than your finished necklace will be. Fold them in half and tie the fold into a loop. Separate your cords so you have two central cords and a right and left cord. Bring the left cord under the central cords and over the right cord. Bring the right cord over the central cords and up through the loop created by the left cord. Pull the cords tight. Separate the center cords and bring the left and right cords over and between the central cords. Knot the former center cords together around the new center cords (formerly the left and right cords) just as you made your first knot. Continue knotting and switching your cords to make an openwork necklace.
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Butterfly or Picot Knot
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The butterfly knot gets its name from the way it looks in the end, with two loops sticking out to the sides like wings. Traditionally, knots with open loops are called picot knots. The knot is simple, starting with two equal lengths of cord about eight times longer than your finished necklace. Fold the lengths in half and tie the fold into a loop. Separate the resulting four cords so you have two central cords and a left and right cord. Bring the left cord under the central cords and over the right cord. Bring the right cord over the central cords and up through the loop created by the left cord. Pull the cords tight and make a second knot about 1/2 inch below the first. Push the second knot up to create the butterfly's wings. Continue to the ends of the cords.
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References
- Photo Credit hemp grey string image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
