The clove hitch, or double half hitch or cow hitch, is probably my number one favorite macrame knot in its various forms. A single clove hitch knot is nice, but many clove hitches next to, and below, each other create beautiful clean lines, horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and gorgeous surfaces to add that little extra je-ne-sais-quoi to your design.
But enough chit chat, let’s dive into how to tie a clove hitch knot!
Clove hitch – an easy macrame knot?
Yes and no. In theory a clove hitch knot is super easy – two rounds of working cord around a filler cord. The issues with clove hitch knots start when you need to change direction! Or tie vertical knots, or in a way that I like to call “untightened” to create funky looking surfaces. If you get a little lost when making clove hitches, rest assured – you’re not alone!
The solution lies in your filler cord, aka the cord that the clove hitch is knotted around. This is the NUMBER ONE most important advice I like to give beginner macrame learners:
Know your filler cord & keep it straight inside the knot.
Too often the issue is that the working cord and filler cord switch places.
Practise makes perfect is fun
Perfection is overrated if not impossible, so let’s just keep practising because it’s fun!
The basic clove hitch knotting technique goes as such:
The knot above is right facing, as the filler cord is going towards right and every new knot you’d make after the first one is added to the right.
Horizontal clove hitch
Let’s start with the most common way of knotting the clove hitch, which is either horizontally (or diagonally). When you tie the clove hitch knot this way, you will use a different working cord for every new knot in one row.
The filler cord is horizontal.
Diagonal clove hitch
Make the diagonal clove hitch identically in the same way as the horizontal clove hitch, with the sole exception that for the diagonal clove hitch you need to point your filler cord diagonally down to left or right.
Vertical clove hitch
Vertical clove hitch is my favorite! Or maybe the untightened. I can’t decide. Tell me in the comments what you think!
When you are knotting the vertical clove hitch you will make every single knot in one row with the same working cord. The filler cords are your vertical hanging cords.
“Untightened” clove hitch
I gave this knot the name “untightened”, but if anyone knows it’s real name (if it has one?) please let me know in the comments below. I would be forever grateful!
The untightened clove hitch creates a sublime, a bit messy, texture. In the video below you see me making the knots diagonally, as I find it the easiest. That said, you could tie this knot in horizontal rows as well.
The big difference between this and the other clove hitches is that you need to leave a little space between the two half hitches. 5mm, or 1/4 inch should be enough. You have to change the knots’ direction for each new row – right, left, and then right and left again – and as you tie the knots you need “lodge” them inbetween the knots above.
Let’s have a look at the video:
Like the meshy look of the untightened clove hitch? For inspiration check out how I used it in a big wall hanging I made for a friend!
I hope after watching these you will learn to master the clove hitch knot & make many beautiful things! Feel free to comment below your thoughts, and share your photos with me either on Instagram or in my beginner’s Facebook group – I would love to see them.
Keen on learning more macrame knots?
If you’re completely new to macrame, I recommend you head over to this blog post next: Macrame for beginners & 5 basic macrame knots. It will cover the basics you should know before you start your macrame adventure.
You should also check out my ever-expanding FREE KNOT LIBRARY (if you haven’t already!) that includes even more knot tutorials by subscribing to my newsletter:
Macrame Makers Club
And if you’re REALLY INTO MACRAME, come join us at Macrame Makers Club! Here’s what’s in the club:
- One new full length macrame tutorial every month
- Step by step macrame roadmap for those who have never even made one single knot
- An ever-expanding macrame knot library
- Live group call twice a month so you can get answers to all your questions
- Many different teachers to learn from
- Thriving, supportive community of creatives (we’ve got our own app!), cause isn’t everything in life is better when shared?
- Monthly giveaways with fun macrame related prices
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See you on the inside!
xo
Tuija
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