The 8 Mounting Knots Every Macramé Artist Should Know (Beyond the Lark's Head)
Last updated: July 21, 2026
A Note from Nicole
Every macramé maker's first mounting knot is the same: the Lark's Head. It's simple, dependable, and works for almost every pattern. But once you've made a few wall hangings, you start noticing something — the top edge is where the eye lands first, and if every piece starts the same way, every piece looks the same too.
These 8 mounting knots are the answer. Each one changes the entire personality of a wall hanging before the pattern even begins. Some create loops above the dowel. Some wrap tightly around it. One sits BELOW the dowel with a sculpted twist. And you can mix them freely — no rule says a wall hanging has to use one mounting knot all the way across.
Below is my complete guide to 8 mounting knots that give your macramé wall hangings a signature top edge. Grouped by aesthetic, sorted by difficulty, and with a decision matrix at the top so you can pick the right one for the piece you're making right now.
A mounting knot (also called a starting knot, top knot, or dowel-attachment knot) is the knot used to attach macramé cords to a dowel, branch, or ring at the beginning of a wall hanging or plant hanger. Beyond the standard Lark's Head knot, there are at least 8 decorative mounting knots that shape the top edge of a macramé piece — including the Triple Loop Mount, Constrictor, Picot, Loop, Cat's Paw Hitch, Clove Loop, Half Hitch Chain Loop (Rainbow Mount), and Slip Knot Mount. Each creates a distinct top-edge aesthetic (decorative loops, tight wraps, sculpted twists, or airy picots) without requiring changes to the rest of the pattern.
Quick Answer
- What you'll learn: 8 mounting knots beyond the Lark's Head — each changes the top edge of a macramé wall hanging without altering the pattern.
- Skill level: Beginner-friendly. 3 easy knots to start (~5 min each), 3 intermediate to level up, 2 advanced for showstoppers. Master the easy 3 in a single afternoon.
- Time per knot: ~5–10 minutes to learn each. Full session to try all 8: about 60–90 minutes.
- Cord: 2–4mm single-strand or braided cotton cord. Practice on ~200 cm strands.
- Perfect for: Wall hangings, plant hangers, curtain tops, table runners — anywhere the top edge matters visually.
🎥 Watch the video first. The Cat's Paw Hitch (knot #5) and Rainbow Mount (knot #7) are much easier to see demonstrated than to read. Nicole walks through cord direction changes for every knot.
What's in this tutorial
- What is a Mounting Knot?
- Decision Matrix: Which Mounting Knot Should You Use?
- Materials You'll Need
- Watch the Video Tutorial
- 1) Triple Loop Mount Knot
- 2) Constrictor Knot
- 3) Picot Mount Knot
- 4) Loop Knot
- 5) Cat's Paw Hitch
- 6) Clove Loop Knot
- 7) Half Hitch Chain Loop (Rainbow Mount)
- 8) Slip Knot Mount
- Anatomy: Where Each Knot Sits
- Where to Use These Mounting Knots
- Your Learning Roadmap
- Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
- Try These Next
- FAQ
What is a Mounting Knot?
A mounting knot is the knot you use to attach your cord to a dowel, branch, ring, or other support at the START of a macramé project. It's the very first knot in every piece — and it shapes the top edge of everything that follows.
Most makers learn the Lark's Head knot as their first mounting knot, and it's a fantastic starting point. Simple, secure, and works for every pattern. But it's just one option among many.
The top edge of a wall hanging is the first thing the eye lands on. If every piece starts with a Lark's Head, every piece looks similar at the top. Learning even 1–2 alternative mounting knots gives your macramé work a distinctive top-edge style that separates it from beginner pieces — without any changes to the underlying pattern.
Decision Matrix: Which Mounting Knot Should You Use?
Pick the mounting knot that matches the aesthetic of your project. Here's the full 8-knot decision matrix, sorted by look:
| Aesthetic | Best Mounting Knot | Difficulty | Sits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modern / Minimalist | Constrictor Knot | ★☆☆☆☆ | Tight around dowel |
| Subtle / Everyday | Loop Knot | ★☆☆☆☆ | Above dowel |
| Delicate / Airy | Picot Mount Knot | ★★☆☆☆ | Above (small loops) |
| Playful / Whimsical | Slip Knot Mount | ★★☆☆☆ | Above (soft loops) |
| Balanced / Structured | Clove Loop Knot | ★★☆☆☆ | Around + center loop |
| Decorative / Bold | Triple Loop Mount Knot | ★★☆☆☆ | Above (3 loops) |
| Sculptural / Nautical | Cat's Paw Hitch | ★★★☆☆ | BELOW dowel |
| Statement / Intricate | Rainbow Mount (HH Chain) | ★★★★☆ | Above (arch) |
💡 Pro tip: You don't need to pick just one. Alternating 2–3 mounting knots across the dowel (e.g. 3 Constrictors + 1 Cat's Paw + 3 Constrictors) creates a rhythmic top edge that reads as intentional and custom.
Anatomy: Where Each Mounting Knot Sits
Every mounting knot attaches at one of three positions relative to the dowel. Understanding this helps you predict how the top edge of your wall hanging will look before you start:
Materials You'll Need
Single-Strand Cotton Cord
2–4mm single-strand cord — the soft twist shows off decorative mounting-knot details clearly.
Wooden Dowels
6" or 12" wooden dowels — the classic surface for practicing mounting knots.
Practice suggestion: Cut 8× 200 cm strands to practice all 8 mounting knots in one session. Read our complete guide to selecting macramé cord if you're not sure which weight to use.
All materials also on the Bochiknot Amazon storefront for Prime shipping.
Watch the Video Tutorial
Watch the walkthrough first — Cat's Paw Hitch and Rainbow Mount especially benefit from seeing the cord direction changes demonstrated:
▶ Watch full-screen on YouTube →
The 8 Mounting Knots — Full Tutorial
Each mounting knot below includes its aesthetic, difficulty, cord requirements, step-by-step instructions, a Nicole tip, and a photo. Work through them in order, or jump to the ones that match your project aesthetic.
The Approachable Ones (Beginner-Friendly)
Start here if you're new to alternative mounting knots. All three use skills you already have from Lark's Head or Double Half Hitch.
Loop Knot
The gateway from Lark's Head to something more decorative. A single soft loop sits above the dowel — subtle enough to not overpower the pattern, distinctive enough to notice.
Step 1: Create the Loop
Pass a cord through the dowel and tie a Double Half Hitch knot. Make a second DHH knot beside it, leaving a small loop between the two knots. Adjust the loop size before tightening.
Step 2: Repeat Across the Dowel
Continue creating loop knots along the dowel. Keep the loops similar in size for a balanced look. Arrange and tighten the knots so the loops stand neatly above the dowel.
Constrictor Knot
The cleanest, most compact mounting knot. Wraps tightly around the dowel with almost no visible detail — perfect for minimalist macramé where the dowel itself is the focal point.
Step 1: Form the Wrap
Pass a cord over the dowel so it hangs evenly on both sides. Take the back cord to the left, wrap it behind the dowel, and bring it back over to the right. Tighten the loop on the upper right side.
Step 2: Secure the Knot
Feed the same cord upward through the loop from below. Pull both ends to tighten and secure the knot around the dowel. Adjust as needed so the knot sits neatly and grips the dowel firmly.
Slip Knot Mount
The mounting knot with the most personality. Small slip-knot loops sit above the dowel with a slightly-relaxed, hand-tied feeling that reads as playful and casual rather than precise.
Step 1: Create the Slip Knot
Fold a cord in half and tie a slip knot at the center. Adjust the knot so the loop is neat and evenly shaped. Position the knot behind the dowel.
Step 2: Attach to the Dowel
Use the two hanging cord ends to tie Double Half Hitch knots around the dowel. Tighten and adjust the cords so the slip knot remains centered. Repeat along the dowel to create a row of decorative loops.
3 mounting knots down, 5 to go!
You've now got beginner-friendly options: Loop, Constrictor, and Slip Knot. These 3 alone give you 3 completely different top-edge looks.
The Decorative Ones (Intermediate)
These 3 add visible decorative elements — loops, picots, sculpted shapes — for makers ready to level up their top edge.
Picot Mount Knot
Small decorative loops sit between each Double Half Hitch — creating an airy, lace-like top edge. Perfect for delicate designs where you want texture without weight.
Step 1: Create the Base Knot
Pass a cord through the dowel and tie a Double Half Hitch (DHH) knot. Make a second DHH knot beside it, leaving a small loop between the two knots. Adjust the loop size before tightening.
Step 2: Build the Picot Pattern
Continue adding DHH knots while leaving evenly sized loops between them. Keep the spacing consistent for a balanced appearance. Repeat across the dowel to create a decorative row of picot loops.
Clove Loop Knot
The Constrictor Knot's more decorative cousin. Same clean wrap around the dowel, but with a small intentional loop at the center — adds character without being ornate.
Step 1: Form the Knot
Pass a cord through the dowel. Take the back cord to the left, across to the right, and behind the dowel. Feed the working end up through the left side of the knot, then back down through the right side.
Step 2: Create the Center Loop
Hold a small loop in the center as you tighten the knot. Pull both cord ends evenly to secure the wraps. Adjust the loop and knot until the shape sits neatly against the dowel.
Triple Loop Mount Knot
Three small loops sit playfully above the dowel — one of the most eye-catching starts you can make. Combines a Square Knot + Double Half Hitch to build the loop cluster.
Step 1: Create the Triple-Loop Cluster
Fold three cords in half and gather the looped ends together. Use the outer cords to tie a Square knot around the center loop. Adjust the loops so the center loop sits slightly longer than the two side loops.
Step 2: Attach the Knot to the Dowel
Place the completed loop cluster behind the dowel. Attach each hanging cord to the dowel individually using Double Half Hitch (DHH) knots. Continue until all cords are secured and the three decorative loops sit neatly above the dowel.
6 down!
Picot, Clove Loop, and Triple Loop are in your vocabulary. Two showstoppers remaining — the sculptural Cat's Paw Hitch and the intricate Rainbow Mount.
The Showstoppers (Advanced)
The final two are the most intricate — but also the most likely to make someone say "wait, how did you make THAT part?"
Cat's Paw Hitch
The ONLY mounting knot that sits *below* the dowel — creates a rounded, twisted shape that reads as more sculpted and boat-rope-inspired than any other option.
Step 1: Form the Wraps
Attach a cord with a loose Lark's Head knot. Take the right cord and wrap it through the right loop three times, weaving over and under. Repeat on the left side with the left cord, making three matching wraps.
Step 2: Tighten the Knot
Pull both cord ends evenly to tighten the wraps. Adjust the twists so they sit neatly and symmetrically. Continue tightening until the knot forms its distinctive cat's paw shape beneath the dowel.
Half Hitch Chain Loop (Rainbow Mount)
The most intricate mounting knot in the collection. A chain of alternating Half Hitch knots forms a curved rainbow-shaped arch above the dowel — genuinely showstopping when you get it right.
Step 1: Create the Rainbow Loop
Fold two cords in half and tie a temporary overhand knot 1–2 inches below the center point. Using the longer inner cord, tie seven alternating half hitch knots to form a chain. Untie the temporary overhand knot and curve the chain into a rainbow shape.
Step 2: Attach to the Dowel
Place the curved chain behind the dowel. Attach each hanging cord to the dowel individually using Double Half Hitch knots. Adjust the arch and tighten the knots until the rainbow shape sits neatly above the dowel.
You did it!
Every mounting knot in the collection is now in your macramé vocabulary. You have 8 different ways to start any wall hanging — and the freedom to mix them however you like.
Snap a photo of your favorite and tag #BochiknotMount on Instagram — Nicole loves seeing which one becomes each maker's new favorite.
Where to Use These Mounting Knots
Custom mounting knots elevate way more than just wall hangings. 8 project types where the top-edge upgrade matters most:
Your Learning Roadmap (Easiest to Hardest)
Not sure where to start? Follow this progression — each knot builds on skills from the one before it:
Scroll horizontally on mobile · Estimated time to complete the roadmap: 2 weeks (1 knot every 1-2 days)
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
| Mistake | Which Knot | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Loops are uneven sizes | Picot, Loop, Slip Knot Mount | Use your finger (or a matchstick) as a spacer between knots. Same-size loops = intentional; uneven loops = mistake. |
| Triple loops look flat | Triple Loop Mount | Make the center loop ~20% longer than the side loops. Even sizing reads as 2D; a taller center adds visible dimension. |
| Constrictor slips on the dowel | Constrictor | Pull BOTH ends firmly to lock — not just the working end. The constrictor grips when tension is symmetric. |
| Cat's Paw looks asymmetrical | Cat's Paw Hitch | Left and right MUST have the same wrap count. Three wraps each — no exceptions. Asymmetric wraps look wrong. |
| Rainbow arch is lopsided | Rainbow Mount | First 3 attempts almost always look off. By attempt 4-5, the curve settles. Don't judge your first rainbow harshly. |
| Clove Loop center closes as you tighten | Clove Loop | Hold the loop with your non-dominant thumb while pulling with the other hand. Two-hand coordination. |
| Slip knots look machine-tight | Slip Knot Mount | Slip knots should feel slightly relaxed — that's the whole aesthetic. Overtightening kills the whimsy. |
| Mixed mounting knots look chaotic | Any combination | Alternate in a repeating rhythm (e.g. 3 Constrictor + 1 Triple Loop + 3 Constrictor). Random mixing looks accidental. |
Try These Next
🔗 Level up further with these tutorials:
- The Lark's Head Knot Tutorial — the classic starting point (worth mastering as a baseline)
- Double Half Hitch Knot Tutorial — used in 6 of the 8 mounting knots above
- Traditional Macramé Owl Wall Hanging — intermediate project where mounting knot choice really matters
- Diamond Lace Pattern — pairs beautifully with Picot or Loop mounting for lace-style pieces
- 4 Boho Daisy Knots — decorative knot patterns for the body of your piece
🎨 Ready to shop patterns? Browse the complete macramé pattern library.
Handmade Bochiknot pieces are on our Etsy shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are mounting knots in macramé?
Mounting knots are the knots used to attach macramé cords to a dowel, branch, ring, or other support at the start of a project. They shape the top edge of the piece and can add texture, loops, or decorative detail. The Lark's Head is the most common mounting knot, but there are at least 8 alternatives that give the top edge a distinctive look.
Is the Lark's Head knot the only good way to start a macramé wall hanging?
No — it's popular because it's easy and secure, but many mounting knots create more unique top borders while still functioning well as a start. The Constrictor, Loop Knot, Picot, Triple Loop, Cat's Paw Hitch, Clove Loop, Rainbow Mount, and Slip Knot Mount all work as complete alternatives.
Which mounting knot is best for beginners?
The Loop Knot and Constrictor Knot are the most approachable options. Both use Double Half Hitch technique you already know, and both create a distinctly different look from the Lark's Head. Start with either one — you can level up to Picot or Triple Loop once you're comfortable.
Which mounting knots are the most decorative?
The Triple Loop Mount, Rainbow Mount (Half Hitch Chain Loop), and Picot Mount are the most visibly decorative — all three create prominent loops or textures above the dowel. The Cat's Paw Hitch is decorative in a different way, creating a sculpted twist BELOW the dowel.
Do all mounting knots sit above the dowel?
No — most do, but the Cat's Paw Hitch is a notable exception. It forms a rounded, twisted shape UNDERNEATH the dowel, giving your wall hanging a completely different silhouette. It's the only mounting knot in this collection that reads that way.
Can I mix different mounting knots in one wall hanging?
Yes — mixing mounting knots is one of the fastest ways to create custom-looking macramé. The trick is to alternate in a RHYTHM (e.g. 3 Constrictors + 1 Triple Loop + 3 Constrictors) rather than random placement. Rhythmic mixing looks intentional; random mixing looks accidental.
How much cord do I need to practice mounting knots?
About 200 cm per knot practice. To try all 8 in one sitting, cut 8× 200 cm strands. Once you know which mounting knot you want to use, you'll need cord amounts based on your specific project.
What cord thickness works best for mounting knots?
2–4mm single-strand cotton cord is the sweet spot. 2mm reads as delicate and shows off picot/loop details clearly. 4mm is bolder and shows off sculptural knots (Cat's Paw, Rainbow) better. Braided cord holds decorative loops more crisply than single-strand.
Which mounting knot works best for plant hangers?
The Constrictor and Clove Loop are both excellent for plant hangers because they grip firmly under weight. Standard Lark's Head can slip on smooth dowels when a heavy plant is added — a Constrictor won't.
What's the difference between the Loop Knot and the Picot Mount Knot?
They're built identically — both are Double Half Hitch knots with a small loop between them. The difference is spacing and repetition: Loop Knots have wider spacing (each loop is its own attachment); Picot creates rows of small evenly-spaced loops for a lace-like effect.
Can beginners really tie the Cat's Paw Hitch?
Yes, but expect the first few attempts to be uneven. The Cat's Paw requires SYMMETRIC wrapping on both sides — three wraps on the right and three on the left. Once you get the wrap count and tension consistent, the sculpted shape appears naturally.
What makes the Rainbow Mount so intricate?
It's the only mounting knot that requires building a decorative shape (the rainbow arch) BEFORE attaching to the dowel. Most mounting knots attach the cord and shape it in one motion — the Rainbow builds the arch first, then attaches. Two-step process = higher difficulty.
Where can I buy the exact cord and dowels Nicole uses?
All materials are on Bochiknot.com — single-strand cotton cord, wooden dowels (6" and 12" sizes), macramé scissors, and finishing tools. You can also find them on the Bochiknot Amazon storefront for Prime shipping. Handmade Bochiknot pieces are on our Etsy shop.
Should I use the same mounting knot as I use for the pattern's other knots?
There's no rule requiring it. In fact, contrasting your mounting knot with the pattern's main knot often works BETTER visually — like a Constrictor mount above a picot-heavy body, or a Cat's Paw mount below a chunky square-knot piece. Pattern-mount contrast reads as sophisticated.
Do these mounting knots work on branches and driftwood, not just dowels?
Yes — most work perfectly on natural branches. The Constrictor and Clove Loop are especially good on branches because they grip firmly around irregular surfaces. Cat's Paw Hitch also looks stunning on driftwood — it echoes the natural rope-and-wood aesthetic.
Can I sell macramé pieces that use these mounting knots?
Absolutely — you're welcome to sell finished handmade pieces using any of these mounting knots. They're traditional knot techniques, not proprietary Bochiknot patterns. Please don't share or resell this tutorial itself, but the knots themselves are yours to use commercially.
Will using different mounting knots weaken my wall hanging?
No — all 8 mounting knots listed here are structurally sound and hold weight equivalent to a Lark's Head (or better, in the case of Constrictor/Clove Loop). Different mounting knots change the AESTHETIC of the top edge, not the structural integrity of the piece.
Keep Learning with Bochiknot
You Might Also Be Interested In
📸 Which mounting knot became your favorite?
Tag #BochiknotMount on Instagram — Nicole loves seeing which one becomes each maker's go-to. Bonus points if you mix 2–3 in a single piece.
About Nicole Woo
Nicole is the founder of Bochiknot and has been teaching macramé for 5+ years to a community of 100,000+ makers across YouTube, Instagram, and Patreon. She specializes in beginner-friendly cotton cord projects that feel approachable no matter your skill level.
Join her on Patreon for exclusive patterns, or explore individual ebook patterns.
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