How to Tie a Double Half Hitch Knot in Macramé (Step-by-Step)
Basic Knot Tutorial · Updated May 23, 2026 · 16 min read · Phase 1
The double half hitch knot — also called the clove hitch in sailing and climbing — is the macramé knot that makes diagonal lines, V-shapes, and diamond patterns possible. If the square knot fills the body of your piece, the double half hitch defines its structure. Every clean V at the top of a wall hanging, every diamond outline, every horizontal divider — all of them are double half hitches.
Written by Nicole Woo
Founder of Bochiknot · Teaching macramé since 2018
This is the third knot I teach in beginner classes — after the lark's head and the square knot. It looks more intimidating than the others because the motion involves an "anchor" cord that you're not used to thinking about, but the actual knot is just two simple wraps. Once it clicks, you'll see double half hitches in almost every pattern you ever attempt.
Below is the complete walkthrough: what the double half hitch is, why it's also called the clove hitch, the anatomy of holding cords vs. working cords, single vs. double, how to tie it in all three directions (horizontal, diagonal, vertical), how to combine them into V-shapes and diamond patterns, ascending vs. descending direction, mistakes I see in classes, troubleshooting, and a 12-question FAQ.
In this tutorial:
- What is the double half hitch knot?
- Also known as: the clove hitch
- Anatomy: filler (anchor or holding) cord vs. working cord
- Single half hitch vs. double half hitch
- When and where to use it
- What you'll need
- Horizontal double half hitch (step-by-step)
- Diagonal double half hitch (step-by-step)
- Vertical double half hitch (step-by-step)
- Diamond patterns and V-shapes
- Ascending vs. descending direction
- Common mistakes
- Troubleshooting
- Projects that use double half hitches
- FAQ
- Your next macramé knot
What Is the Double Half Hitch Knot?
The double half hitch is a directional macramé knot used to create lines across your piece. One cord acts as a "holding" or "anchor" cord — it's laid in the direction you want the line to go (horizontal, diagonal, or vertical). Then each other cord ("working" cord) wraps around the holding cord twice, locking into place.
When you tie a row of double half hitches one after another along the same holding cord, you get a clean rope-like line across your piece. That line is what defines:
- Horizontal dividers — clean lines that separate sections of a wall hanging
- Diagonal lines — the lines that form V-shapes and diamond outlines
- Vertical lines — narrow accent strips or section borders
It's the second most-used knot in macramé after the square knot. While square knots fill the body of a piece, double half hitches create the architecture.
Also Known As: The Clove Hitch
The double half hitch has another name you'll see in non-macramé contexts: the clove hitch. Sailors, climbers, scouts, and paracord makers all call this exact same knot the clove hitch.
| Name | Used by | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Double half hitch | Macramé makers, fiber artists | The modern craft name; describes the two wraps |
| Clove hitch | Sailors, climbers, scouts, paracord makers | The traditional functional name; identical technique |
| Boatswain's hitch | Older sailing texts | Mostly archaic but you'll see it occasionally |
The macramé community uses "double half hitch" because it emphasizes the technique (two wraps stacked). Sailors prefer "clove hitch" because the knot's traditional use was tying a rope to a post or boom — and the name comes from the way the two wraps cross like a cloven hoof. Same knot, just different names depending on where you learned it.
Anatomy: Filler (Anchor or Holding) Cord vs. Working Cord
Before you can tie a double half hitch, you need to understand the two cord roles. This is the part that confuses beginners the most.
| Cord role | What it does | How it's positioned |
|---|---|---|
| Holding cord (anchor cord) | Stays still; gets wrapped around | Laid in the direction of your line (horizontal, diagonal, or vertical) |
| Working cord | Wraps twice around the holding cord | Comes from below (or beside) the holding cord and wraps over it |
The holding cord is just one cord from your existing set — there's no special "holding cord" you tie on separately. When you start a double half hitch row, you pick one of your hanging cords (usually the far-left or far-right one for a horizontal/diagonal row) and lay it in the direction you want the line to go. From that moment on, that cord is the holding cord, and every other cord wraps around it as a working cord.
When the row is done, you'll see one cord that traveled across the piece as a holding cord, with every other cord locked onto it by double half hitches.
Single Half Hitch vs. Double Half Hitch
The "double" in the name matters. Here's the difference between the two:
- Single half hitch: One wrap of the working cord around the holding cord. The knot is loose and slips. Used as part of the lark's head plus half hitch decoration but not as a standalone line knot.
- Double half hitch: Two wraps of the working cord around the holding cord. The knot locks in place and forms a clean rope-like bump. Used for all line work in macramé.
Macramé uses doubles because singles don't hold under tension across a row — the working cord slides and the line goes crooked. The second wrap is what locks each knot in place and gives the row its distinctive twisted-rope look.
When and Where to Use the Double Half Hitch
Almost every macramé pattern with angular detail uses double half hitches. Here's the breakdown by where you'll see them:
| Use case | Direction | Visual effect |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal divider lines | Horizontal | Clean horizontal rope-line dividing two sections |
| Diamond outlines | Diagonal (×4) | Four diagonal lines forming a diamond shape |
| V-shapes | Diagonal (×2) | Two diagonal lines meeting at the bottom point |
| Inverted V-shapes (∧) | Diagonal (×2) | Two diagonal lines meeting at the top point |
| Geometric pattern borders | Any | Frames around square-knot sections |
| Section transitions | Horizontal | Visual "break" between different parts of a piece |
| Vertical accent lines | Vertical | Narrow rope-strip running down a piece |
| Chevron patterns | Diagonal alternating | Repeating zig-zag down a piece |
What You'll Need
✅ The setup
- At least 6-8 cords mounted on a dowel — you need enough cords to actually form a line of double half hitches. Shop single-strand cord →
- A wooden dowel — 12 inches works well for practice. Shop wooden dowels →
- Lark's head knots already tied on the dowel to give you your working cords.
- Something to hang the dowel from — S-hook on a doorframe or wall hook at eye level.
Need to brush up on mounting? See my lark's head knot tutorial first.
How to Tie a Horizontal Double Half Hitch (Step-by-Step)
The horizontal double half hitch creates a clean horizontal line across your piece. It's the easiest direction to learn because the holding cord stays parallel to your dowel.
1Pick your holding cord
Take the far-left (or far-right) cord and lay it horizontally across the front of all your other cords. This is your holding cord. Hold it taut with one hand so it stays straight.
2Tie the first half hitch
Take the next cord over (the one closest to your holding cord). Bring it up and over the holding cord, then loop it back under and through itself. Pull down firmly. That's one half hitch.
3Tie a second half hitch — same cord
With the same working cord, tie another half hitch right next to the first one. Pull down firmly. You now have a double half hitch — two wraps stacked, forming a small rope-like bump.
4Move to the next cord and repeat
Move to the next cord along the row. Tie two half hitches (one double half hitch) on the same holding cord. Continue all the way across until every working cord has been tied onto the holding cord.
When you're done, you'll see a clean horizontal rope-line of double half hitches across your piece, with all the working cords now hanging straight down beneath it.
How to Tie a Diagonal Double Half Hitch (Step-by-Step)
The diagonal version is identical to the horizontal — except your holding cord is laid at an angle instead of straight across. This is the variation that creates V-shapes and diamond outlines.
1Pick your holding cord
Take the far-left cord and lay it diagonally across the front of all your other cords, heading down-and-to-the-right at about 45°. Hold it taut at that angle.
2Tie the first double half hitch
Take the next cord over (still working left-to-right). Bring it up and over the diagonal holding cord, then loop back under and through. Tie a second half hitch right next to it. Pull down firmly.
3Move to the next cord — maintain the angle
This is the key: as you move to the next cord, the holding cord stays at the same diagonal angle. You're tying double half hitches in sequence along the diagonal, not horizontally. Each new knot sits slightly lower and to the right of the previous one.
4Continue across the row
Repeat across every working cord, maintaining the same diagonal angle on the holding cord. When you're done, you'll have a clean diagonal line of double half hitches traveling down-and-right across your piece.
How to Tie a Vertical Double Half Hitch (Step-by-Step)
The vertical double half hitch is the trickiest of the three because the holding cord runs vertically — the opposite direction of every other cord in your row. It's used for narrow vertical lines and decorative borders.
1Pick a holding cord that stays vertical
Choose one cord that will stay hanging vertically — this is your holding cord. Unlike horizontal/diagonal, the holding cord stays in place and the working cord travels down past it.
2Bring the working cord behind, then loop forward
Take a separate working cord (typically the cord just to the side of the holding cord). Bring it behind the holding cord, then up and over the front, looping back under and through itself to form a half hitch on the holding cord.
3Tie a second half hitch on the same spot
With the same working cord, tie another half hitch directly below the first one. Pull down firmly. You now have a vertical double half hitch — the holding cord runs vertically, with the working cord locked onto it.
4Continue down the holding cord
Drop down a small distance and tie another double half hitch with the same working cord (if you want a continuous vertical line). Or use a different working cord at a different height. Each vertical double half hitch sits stacked beneath the one above it on the same holding cord.
How to Make Diamond Patterns and V-Shapes
Once you can tie diagonal double half hitches, the patterns open up. Here are the three most common shapes you'll see in modern macramé.
The V-shape (the simplest)
A V is just two diagonal double half hitch rows that meet at the bottom point. You take the center cord at the top, split it conceptually into left and right halves, and run one diagonal row down and left (using the left half-cord as the holding cord) and another down and right (using the right half-cord). The two diagonals meet at the bottom center to form a V.
The inverted V (∧)
The same as a V but flipped: two diagonals that meet at the top point. Take the cords at the far edges as your holding cords, run them in toward the center on a diagonal, and they meet at the top of the section.
The diamond
A diamond is two V-shapes stacked — an inverted V (∧) on top and a regular V (∨) on the bottom. Four diagonal rows total, forming the four sides of a diamond. The space inside the diamond is typically filled with square knots, beads, or another decorative element.
Ascending vs. Descending Direction
Some pattern guides specify "ascending" or "descending" double half hitches. Here's what that means:
- Descending diagonal: Holding cord travels down-and-right (or down-and-left). The line slopes downward as it crosses the piece. Used for the top half of a diamond, or for V-shapes pointing down.
- Ascending diagonal: Holding cord travels up-and-right (or up-and-left). The line slopes upward as it crosses the piece. Used for the bottom half of a diamond, or for ∧ shapes pointing up.
The knot motion is identical in both cases — only the angle of the holding cord changes. Patterns typically alternate ascending and descending to create symmetrical shapes.
Common Double Half Hitch Mistakes
Five mistakes I see on repeat in beginner classes:
- Tying single half hitches instead of doubles. The "double" matters — singles don't lock and the row goes loose. Fix: pause after the first wrap and consciously tie a second wrap before moving on. Doubles look like a small twisted rope segment; singles look like a single loop.
- Letting the holding cord drift. The angle of the holding cord defines the row. If it shifts mid-row, the line goes wavy. Fix: pinch the holding cord at the angle you want with one hand and don't let go until the row is done.
- Inconsistent tension. Some knots tight, others loose. The line looks lumpy. Fix: pull each working cord down with the same firm pressure on every knot.
- Skipping cords. Beginners sometimes accidentally skip a cord, leaving a gap in the row. Fix: work strictly left-to-right (or right-to-left) and tie each cord in sequence without jumping around.
- Working cord ending up on top of the next one. After tying a double half hitch, the working cord hangs down. The next working cord starts a fresh knot — don't include the previous cord. Fix: gently push the just-finished cord aside before starting the next one.
Troubleshooting
"My double half hitch row looks wavy or curved"
The holding cord shifted angle mid-row. Untie the affected knots and re-pinch the holding cord at the correct angle before continuing. The holding cord must stay at the same angle for the entire row.
"My knots are loose and slipping"
You tied single half hitches instead of doubles, or you didn't pull each wrap tight enough. Re-check — each knot should have two visible wraps stacked on the holding cord. Pull each wrap down firmly so it sits against the previous knot with no gap.
"The line looks bumpy or uneven"
Inconsistent tension between knots. Take a 30-second break, shake your hands out, and tie the next knot deliberately at the same firmness as the cleanest one in the row.
"My diagonal angle keeps getting steeper"
You're pulling the holding cord too tight as you go. The holding cord should stay taut but at a consistent angle — not progressively steeper. Loosen your grip slightly and re-set the angle.
"My V-shape isn't symmetrical"
The two diagonal rows aren't matching angles. Compare the left half to the right half from across the room. If one is steeper, untie and redo at the matching angle. Symmetrical Vs are about disciplined holding-cord angles, not skill.
Projects That Use Double Half Hitches
- Diamond-pattern wall hanging (4 hours) — Alternating square knot grid in the body, framed by diagonal double half hitch diamonds. The decorative go-to for modern macramé.
- V-shape wall hanging (3 hours) — A single large V-shape made of two diagonal double half hitch lines, with brushed fringe at the bottom.
- Chevron table runner (5 hours) — Alternating ascending and descending diagonal double half hitches running the length of the runner.
- Plant hanger with accent bands (3 hours) — Square knot sennit straps with horizontal double half hitch bands between sections for visual interest.
- Wall hanging with horizontal dividers (3 hours) — Multiple horizontal double half hitch lines dividing the piece into clean sections, each filled with different patterns.
- Macramé bag with diamond pattern (6 hours) — Alternating square knot body with diamond outlines for visual structure.
- Macramé butterfly keychain with beads — the perfect DHH practice project, built almost entirely from diagonal double half hitch rows with bead accents.
- Macramé Bear Coaster — a cute round coaster with a clean no-fringe edge, built entirely from double half hitch knots in expanding rounds. Beginner-to-intermediate, 1-2 hours.
Double Half Hitch FAQ
What is a double half hitch knot in macramé?
The double half hitch is the macramé knot used to create clean lines across a piece — horizontal, diagonal, or vertical. One working cord wraps twice around a holding (anchor) cord, locking it in place. You repeat this with each working cord across a row, building a tight rope-like line.
Is the double half hitch the same as a clove hitch?
Yes — exactly the same knot. Macramé makers call it the double half hitch. Sailors, climbers, and scouts call it the clove hitch.
What's the difference between a single half hitch and a double half hitch?
A single half hitch is one wrap. A double half hitch is two wraps — the second wrap is what locks the knot. Macramé uses doubles because singles slip and don't hold under tension.
How do I tie a diagonal double half hitch?
Lay one cord diagonally across the others — that's the holding cord. Take each cord underneath and tie a double half hitch onto the diagonal. As you work across, the line forms a clean diagonal.
How do I make a V-shape with double half hitches?
Take the center cord at the top and split it. Use the left half as a diagonal holding cord traveling down-left, tie double half hitches with the cords it crosses. Do the same on the right, traveling down-right. The two diagonals meet at the bottom forming a V.
How do I make a diamond pattern?
A diamond is two V-shapes mirrored — an inverted V (∧) on top and a regular V (∨) on the bottom. Four diagonal lines form the diamond's outline. Fill the inside with square knots or beads.
What is the holding cord?
The holding cord (also called the anchor cord) is the cord that all the working cords tie around. It defines the direction of the row — horizontal, diagonal, or vertical. It stays still while working cords wrap around it.
What is the working cord?
The working cord is the cord doing the knotting — it wraps twice around the holding cord. Every cord in your row acts as a working cord during a double-half-hitch row, except the one designated as the holding cord.
Why are my double half hitches uneven?
Three likely causes: inconsistent tension, holding cord not held taut between knots, or tying singles instead of doubles. Pull each working cord down firmly and keep the holding cord straight.
What direction should I tie my double half hitches?
Follow the holding cord. Horizontal line → holding cord horizontal. Diagonal line → holding cord diagonal. Vertical line → holding cord vertical. The knot motion is the same in all three.
How much cord does a double half hitch use?
Each knot uses about 4-6 cm of working cord. For a full row across a 12-inch dowel, plan for about 50-80 cm extra. Use the 4× rule for your project overall.
What projects use double half hitches?
Wall hangings (diamond patterns, V-shapes, dividers), plant hangers (decorative bands), bags (geometric outlines), and almost any pattern with angular detail.
Your Next Macramé Knot
You've got three of the four basic knots. One left:
- The lark's head knot · The mounting knot that comes first
- The square knot · The workhorse you'll use thousands of times
- The gathering knot · The finishing knot at the top of every plant hanger
- The berry knot — for 3D texture · Stacked square knots that form raised decorative bumps
- The endless falls knot — two-color decorative knot with a braided front and ladder-pattern back, perfect for plant hangers and bag straps.
Or jump back to the complete beginner's guide to macramé for the full Phase 1 foundation.
🎯 Want all 4 basic knots in one box?
The Macramé Welcome Kit walks you through the lark's head, square knot, double half hitch, and gathering knot — with everything you need (cord, dowel, step-by-step pattern) in one box.
Get the Welcome Kit →Join the Bochiknot Patreon Community
Monthly exclusive patterns, early video access, and 1-on-1 knot feedback.
Become a patron →The double half hitch is the knot that gives macramé its architecture. Once you can tie clean diagonal lines and combine them into diamonds and Vs, you can design almost any pattern you can imagine.
When you finish your first diamond, tag @bochiknot on Instagram. Happy knotting. 🌾
Nicole Woo — Founder, Bochiknot
Macramé educator & designer · Teaching since 2018
Nicole is a self-taught macramé artist who left a career in accounting to teach the craft full-time. Through Bochiknot, she's helped thousands of beginners take their first knot — sharing step-by-step tutorials on YouTube, premium cotton cord in the shop, and beginner-friendly kits.
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