Flat and spiral knots are two macrame-basic-knots.

Flat and twisted knots are very popular for beach necklaces or bracelets often made with hemp cord and wood beads.

Let's see now how to make it. We have made video for you to see the motion and cord's path.

Flat Or Square Or Reef Knot

The flat knot is made by 2 overhands knots around a base cord.
Note that an overhand knot as an eight shape.

• Cut two pieces of cord.
• Pin the base cord horizontally and slide the other cord vertically under the base cord.
• Take the left side and place the tail over the base cord.
• Now take right side and place the tail over the left cord tail.
• Follow my gesture and make the first overhand knot.
• Pull the knot tight.

Let's make the second part

• Take the right side cord and place the tail over the base cord.
• Now take left cord side and place the tail over the left cord tail.
• Follow my gesture and make the second overhand knot.
• Pull the knot tight.

The flat knot is completed.

Let's see now how to make a spiral knot!

Spiral Or Granny Knot

Basically the knot is tied only on one side: left over right, make a overhand knot and repeat left over right and make an overhand knot.
Keep the same side all along your work.

A Bit More About Macrame-basic-knots

Tightening in the hands or using a cork board?

• If you are a beginner, you should tie the knots on a cork board with pins to hold the cord, this is a good way to see the tying and weaving process.
• Also, you should use a big cord for practicing and then move to a thinner cord if you want.
• Cut the cord ends on the diagonal and seal them with a flame. Wisp the end with the blue part of a lighter's flame one second. Blow on it and adjust the shape with your fingers. Be careful it can burn!
  It is easier to move the cords with diagonal cuts. That is important for more intricate knots.
• Tweezes can be helpful too.

Tightening

• Practice and concentrate during tightening: work slowly.
• Don't hesitate to pin your work step by step following the videos.
• Be careful when taking off the pins off the cork: unpin with one hand and stabilize your work with the other hand.

What types of beads can you use?

• Beads with big holes: wood, glass, recycled glass, ceramic, metal and some gemstones like jadeite.

Finishing

• Trim the cord leaving a tiny ( 2 to 3mm) tail.
• Use a flame to seal the ends.
• For cotton or silk cords, you will need to trim and make few sewing points to secure.