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Tips & Techniques

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Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.

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Using the Square Knot


About this Tip:

The square knot is one of the most basic knots you can learn when you're starting macrame. This video will show you how to make a bracelet using hemp and a few beads.

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Components:

The products featured in this tip are listed below.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1:
Start with 4 lengths of cord that are about 7 times your bracelet size.
Step 2:
Create an overhand knot at the fold, leaving a loop. Before you tighten the knot, make sure it's large enough to fit your clasp.
Step 3:
Secure your knot to something that will allow for some tension when you're tying the knots. For this bracelet, we used a clipboard.

Make sure the 2 short strands, or core strands, are in the middle and the longer strands, or working strands, are on the outside. We'll use those for knotting.
Step 4:
Create the shape of a number 4 using the working strand on the left.
Step 5:
Take the working strand on the right and pass it over the top of the left working strand, keeping to the right of the core strands.

Pass the working strand on the right behind the core strands and through the loop created by the working strand on the left.
Step 6:
Pull both working strands to tighten the knot. Make sure you're keeping tension on the core strands.
Step 7:
With the working strand on the right, make the shape of the letter "P."
Step 8:
Take the working strand on the left and pass it over the top of the right working strand, keeping to the left of the core strands.

Pass the working strand on the left behind the core strands and through the loop created by the working strand on the right.
Step 9:
Pull both working strands to tighten the knot. Make sure you're keeping tension on the core strands.

You have now completed one full square knot. Repeat steps 4-9 until you've reached your desired length.
Step 10:
To insert a bead into your square knot design, simply string the bead onto the two core strands. Round beads and cubes with large holes work best.
Step 11:
Once your bead is strung, pull the working strands around the sides of the bead and continue on with your square knots.
Step 12:
To finish the piece, string your clasp onto the core strands and secure it with an overhand knot.
Step 13:
Trim excess cord and dab the knot with epoxy.

Buy Products from this Technique

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Read the comments (or add your own)

  1. tori2tu

    On Oct 11, 2011 at 9:40 am #

    tori2tu says:

    thanks for the tut, but it doesn’t address the ‘short’ core strands. the instructions say to cut 4 lengths of cords, all same length. i’m confused!

  2. No Photo

    On Jan 26, 2013 at 7:31 am #

    C Taft says:

    This is easy to follow. I think the four core strands are what you have after making the first loop. carol

  3. No Photo

    On Nov 06, 2018 at 6:45 am #

    tgill0181 says:

    Thank you for this video!!!

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    On Jan 23, 2020 at 5:39 am

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