To start a basic macramé project, two strands of string are folded in half and knotted. The top knot is attached to a firm surface so the project can be pulled taut and subsequent knots tightened without the project moving.
Overhand Knot
This is the everyday, common knot created by forming a loop of string and pulling one end through the loop. Variations include the "overhand knot with loop," where a loop is left at the top when knotting folded strands, and the "overhand knot with open ends," where an overhand knot is tied the middle of a group of strands.
Half-Knot
This is created by passing the two outside strands across the two middle strands, with the left strand going under the middle strands and the right one going over, before they pass through their respective loops on the outside. Repeated use of this knot forms a spiral twist.
Square Knot
This knot is done in two parts to create a flat knot. The first part is a half knot. Then a second half knot is made in reverse, where the left strand passes over the middle and the right strand passes under before knotting and tightening.
Half-Hitch
This knot is created by looping one of the outside strands around the middle strands. The tail of the string is passed up through the loop to secure.
Lark's Head
Used as an alternative to the overhand knot for starting a macramé project, this knot is created by folding two strands in half to form a loop, then placing that loop through an object, such as belt ring. The tail ends go through the string loop like fringe on a scarf.
