Free-Macrame-Patterns.com Left Side Background Image

Custom Search

Tea Cup Knot

Description: The Tea Cup Knot is a 3-D design that can actually hold something small, since it stands up above a surface.

This cup-shaped decorative knot is a fun project on it's own, but it can also be used as part of other Macrame designs, such as flowers.

You can use it as a necklace pendant, placing a stone or cabochon inside and securing it with glue. The white object in the image above is a cabochon with a flat back.

Step 1: Fold a 60-inch cord in half and secure it to your board horizontally, with the fold on the right.

Fold each half and move the ends right, forming two bights. Adjust the size so they are 8 inches long.

Mentally label both bights and the ends as shown.

Secure the center area.

Curve the ends so they are heading left and forward. Mentally label the curve as area 1.

Move bight A to the left toward the ends, then curve it to the right. Mentally label the curve as area 2.

Curve bight B backward and toward the ends. Mentally label the curve as area 3.

Designer's Tip: Here's a reminder of the terms used in the directions for the Tea Cup Knot, in case you are not familiar with them:

Backward = Toward the back of the board
Forward = Toward the front of the board
Ends = Segments that lead to the ends of the cord
Bights = Folded segments

Step 2: Curve the ends forward, passing them over bight A at 2 points -- before and after area 2.

Move bight A to the right, passing over bight B at two points -- before and after area 3.

Move bight B backward and to the left.

Place it over the ends at two points -- close to the center of the knot and near area 1.

Step 3: Move bight B forward toward area 2.

Weave under - over - under the three segments in that area, which includes the ends as well as bight A. Exit the area to the right of the ends.

Area 3 will likely change size (smaller), so reposition bight A over it.

Step 4: Move the ends to the right, passing over bight B.

Weave through area 3, under - over - under the three segments, which includes bight A.

Exit to the left of bight A.

Step 5: Bring bight A over the ends heading backward toward area 1. Move the ends right as needed.

Weave under - over - under - under the four segments in area 1, heading right to left.

Step 6: Tighten the Tea Cup Knot gradually, starting near the center of the knot and working towards the ends and folded areas of the bights.

Form the knot into a cup by pushing down on the center area.

Press the knot until it's flat and arrange it so the ends and bights are in a Y shape.

Adjust the size and shape of the knot as needed.

Turn the Tea Cup knot upside down and mentally label the bights where they rest now (right and left).

Step 7: Cross the bights left over right.

Move the ends over the left bight, which is on the right now.

Pass them under the right bight, close to the back surface of the knot.

Pull on the ends and bights so the triangular shape is tightened firmly against the bottom of the Tea Cup knot.

You can now use the ends and bights as attachment points for other cords.

Another option is to finish off the ends/bights by tucking them into the lower part of the knot. Apply glue and cut off the excess material.

By using any text or images on Free Macrame Patterns, you are agreeing to our Terms of Use

Have any comments about the Tea Cup Knot? Contact Me.

Free-Macrame-Patterns.com Footer