The Double Half-Hitch Knots (Horizontal, Diagonal, & Vertical)

The Double Half-Hitch Knot: The Most Versatile Knot in Macrame

What is the Double Half-Hitch Knot (DHHK)?

The Double Half-Hitch Knot (also called the Clove Hitch) is a must-have in your macrame toolkit.

It's hands down the most versatile knot you can master.

It’s pretty simple!

You take a working cord and wrap it around a holding cord twice, locking it into place.

The result?

A neat, secure knot that’s perfect for creating straight, diagonal, or even curved lines.

If you want to outline shapes or add structure to your macrame, this knot is your best friend.

Where can you use the Double Half-Hitch Knot?

You’ll find the Double Half Hitch Knot in all kinds of macrame projects—think wall hangings, plant hangers, and any design where you want crisp, clean lines.

It’s ideal for framing sections, adding texture, or making diagonal or horizontal rows that really pop.

Steps to Tie a Horizontal Double Half-Hitch Knot:

*Note: the blue cord is the anchor cord and the far-left vertical cord is the working cord for this knot.

• Step 1: Angle the anchor cord in the direction you want to go (horizontal to the right).
• Step 2: Take the vertical working cord and wrap it over the anchor cord to the left side.
• Step 3: Pull on the working cord to tighten, forming a Half Hitch knot.
• Step 4: Repeat the process with the same working cord, wrapping it over to the left and through the loop.
• Step 5: Pull the working cord to tighten, completing the Double Half Hitch knot.

When repeated, a horizontal row of Double Half Hitch knots is formed.

Diagonal Double Half-Hitch Knot 

What is the Diagonal Double Half Hitch Knot (DHHK)?

A Diagonal Double Half Hitch Knot is a variation of the Double Half Hitch Knot used to create diagonal lines in macrame designs.

This technique involves angling the anchor (holding) cord in a diagonal direction, while the working cord is wrapped around the anchor cord twice to form the Double Half Hitch.

By repeating this process with multiple cords, you can create clean, structured diagonal lines, which are great for adding dynamic patterns, shapes, and textures to your macrame pieces.

Steps to Tie a Diagonal Double Half-Hitch Knot:

• Step 1: Angle the anchor cord to the direction we're trying to head to, which is downward diagonally to the right.
• Step 2: Take the vertical working cord and wrap it over the anchor cord to the left side. Pull on the working cord to tighten. At this point, a Half Hitch knot is formed.
• Step 3: Repeat once more with the same working cord by wrapping the cord over to the left and through the loop.
• Step 4: Pull on the working cord to tighten.

When repeated, a diagonal row of Double Half Hitch knots is formed.

Where You’ll Use It

This knot is commonly used in wall hangings and plant hangers to create visual interest, outline sections, or form decorative borders.

It’s a versatile technique that gives you more control over the direction and flow of your design.

Vertical Double Half-Hitch Knot 

What is the Vertical Double Half-Hitch Knot 

A Vertical Double Half Hitch Knot creates vertical lines in macrame designs.

The anchor cord is positioned vertically, and the working cord wraps around it twice.

This knot is perfect for adding structure, texture, and clean vertical rows to your macrame projects, often used in wall hangings and plant hangers.

Steps to Tie a Vertical Double Half-Hitch Knot:

*Note: the far-left vertical cord is the anchor cord and the blue cord is the working cord for this knot.

• Step 1: Angle the anchor cord to the direction we're trying to head to, which is vertically downward.
• Step 2: Take the horizontal working cord and wrap it over the anchor cord to the left side, underneath and through to the right. Pull on the working cord to tighten. At this point, a Half Hitch knot is formed.
• Step 3: Repeat once more with the same working cord by wrapping the cord above the first knot and through the loop underneath.
• Step 4: Pull on the working cord to tighten.

Where You’ll Use It

You’ll use the Vertical Double Half Hitch Knot in projects where you want to add structure, clean lines, or texture.

It’s perfect for creating vertical borders or dividing sections in wall hangings, adding decorative details or clean lines in plant hangers, and creating straight, structured patterns in room dividers.

Essentially, any project where precise vertical rows can enhance the design will benefit from this knot. It’s a great way to give your macrame work a polished, organized look.

Macrame Double Half-Hitch Knot Video Tutorial 

Happy knotting!

Looking for Macrame Patterns and Projects? 

I’ve got a fun variety of DIY macrame patterns for you to explore—whether you’re into creating unique wall hangings to spruce up your home or timeless plant hangers, there’s something for every skill level.

Each pattern is super easy to follow with step-by-step photos, clear instructions, and plenty of tips to help you along the way.

Ready to start creating?

Browse DIY macrame patterns on Etsy and dive into your next project.

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