Macramé Terms A-Z

Cords or knots lying directly next to each other.

A pattern created by tying a knot with one or more cords, then continuing to tie the same knot, switching back and forth between directions. For example, alternating half hitch knots with three cords are formed by using a right working cord to tie a half hitch not in a clockwise direction around a center filler cord, then using a left working cord to tie a half hitch knot in a counterclockwise direction around the center filler cord. This pattern continues to form a chain.

A design created by weaving three or more cords together. This pattern is typically formed by passing one outside strand over the center cord and repeating this process alternating between sides. 

Knots tied one after another in order without gaps or interruptions.

A cord or row of knots angled from the top left to the bottom right or vice versa.

A pattern formed by tying rows of diagonal knots in a symmetrical, four sided pattern. 

Also referred to as "core" or "central" cords, fillers are the cords that working cords are wrapped to form knots.

A knot with a very strong hold tied to secure cords at the end of a macramé project. The most frequently used finishing knot is the overhand knot.

A knot used to secure multiple gathered cords together using a helping cord. The helping cord is folded to form a downward-facing loop. The long end of the helping cord is wrapped around the gathered cords and the looped portion of the helping cord several times until desired length is reached, leaving the loose end of the looped helping cord exposed above the wrap, before passing the long end of the helping cord through the loop itself. Then, the long end of the helping cord that has just been threaded through the loop and the short exposed end of the helping cord at the top of the wrap are pulled in opposite directions to tighten the wrap.

Two half hitch knots tied next to each other.

A variant of the overhand knot frequently used to attach cords to a dowel, ring, or other cords by passing the end of a cord up and around the anchor and pulling it through the loop formed by doing so. A half hitch knot is an insecure or weak knot on its own, but is an integral building block to a variety of other knots. 

Also referred to as the "knot bearer," holding cords are used to "hold" or support the working cords' knots. A holding cord could be an anchor for other knots. For example, lark's head knots could be attached to a horizontal holding cord, as used in some DIY coasters on this site.

Patterns of knots or cords arranged from left to right or vice versa.

The most common variation of a mounting knot used to attach cords to a dowel, ring, cord, or other anchor. 

"Macramé cord" is used as an umbrella term for twisted or braided fibers used in macramé projects. This "catch-all" term is typically used to describe cord or rope consisting of multiple twisted or braided strands; whereas, "macramé string" is a single twisted fiber.

Macraweave is a fiber art that combines macramé and weaving to add texture and color to macramé projects. 

A mounting knot is a knot used to secure new cords to a project. The most common use of a mounting knot is a double half hitch knot or lark's head knot at the beginning of a macramé project to attach the cords to a dowel, holding cord, or another anchor. Other mounting knots include the slingstone hitch knot, bull's hitch knot, reinforced lark's head knot, right-facing reinforced lark's head knot, left-facing reinforced lark's head knot, reverse lark's head knot (cow hitch knot), piwich knot, double lark's head knot, and cat's paw knot.

Loops that protrude or stand out along the edges of a design.

A column of identical knots made consecutively to form a chain.

A slip knot is a variation of a slipped overhand knot  that can be undone by pulling one end of the cord. This knot is formed by folding a piece of cord and creating a loop with the shorter end. The short end is then passed loosely behind the loop and a bight of cord is pulled up through the loop. The size of the loop can be adjusted by pulling the ends. This knot can be used to attach cord to a wall hanging's dowel to hang it over a hook or nail.

A knotted design that forms a twist with raised areas.

One of the most frequently used knots created by tying two cords over filler cord(s). Square knots are frequently used as practical nautical knots. Square knots can be right- or left-facing, depending on which working cord is used first. For example, a left square knot can be created by bringing the left working cord over the center filler cord(s) and under the right working cord to create a "4" shape. Then, the right working cord is brought behind the filler cord(s) and up over the left working cord (the cord used to form the "4" shape). This is a left half square knot. After tightening this knot, repeat beginning with the right working cord to create a backwards "4" shape and tighten. 

Knots and patterns that are formed to create a mirror image of each other, either on the left and right or top and bottom.

Separate the fibers or strands of a cord. Cords will naturally unravel slightly when cut, but unraveling is also a technique used to create fringe or tassels when brushed out.

Patterns or knots created from top to bottom, rather than left to right or right to left.

Weaving is a technique to form patterns by alternating crossing fibers over and under each other. In macraweave projects, dimension and texture can be added by using different types of material to weave (yarn, string, ribbon, cord, etc.).

Also referred to as "knotting cords," working cords are the cords used to tie knots.