May 21, 2023

Macrame Knots: How to Change Your Sennits Pattern With Color

by Nicole Woo

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Sennits are a great way of adding a unique twist to your designs without having to reinvent the wheel.

Did you know that sennits can look completely different when you change up the color combinations? No, really. It could look like a totally new design!

Hang on, what's a sennit? Glad you asked :)

It's a knotting technique creating a specific pattern, like those we share our free eBook, 50 Knots and Sennits.

In this tutorial, I share three sennit patterns: the wave braid, fishtail braid, and alternating side square knot sennit. I also show how they change when you change the design.

If you're unfamiliar with these knots, I encourage you to download our 50 knot free eBook to familiarize yourself with these knots, along with other commonly used knots.

The alternating side square knot pattern is one of my all time favorites. I call this the alternating Side Square knot pattern, because the pattern changes sides with every half knot.

Here, I use alternating Square knots, and I also alternate the side that the knot is facing.

It completely changes the way it looks! Incorporating color into the designs changes things up even more, which is super fun and interesting!

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If you’re keen on learning more sennit patterns, check out our YouTube channel.

This project should take 10-15 minutes, depending on your skill level.

Cord & Supplies

Cord & Materials:

3mm Macramé cord
1 wooden dowel

You can find all these cords and supplies in our shop.

Wave Braid Pattern

Cord Lengths:

3 x 150cm (59”)

Step-by-Step Instructions

3-Color Wave Braid

Step 1:

Attach all the cords onto a dowel using Lark’s Head knots.

Attach the first two cords next to each other.

Attach the third cord so that the loop ends are on the outside of the pattern.

Before tightening the third knot, weave the middle four cords through the loop.

Step 2:

Separate the cords into three groups: Three to the left, two in the middle, and one on the right.

Step 3:

Use the left group of cords to make a loop over to the right.

Take the right cord underneath and through the loop on the left.

Tighten this weave.

Repeat this to the left.

Repeat this process as many times as you want.

And there you have a gorgeous three-color wave braid to use in just about any project.

2-Color Wave Braid

Step 1:

Attach all the cords to a dowel using Lark’s Head knots. Two cords of the same color should be on the left, with the second color to the right.

Step 2:

From here, the knotting process is the same as for the 3-color wave braid.

Separate the cords into three groups: Three to the left, two in the middle, and one on the right.

Step 3:

Weave the group of three cords underneath the middle group to the left. Then, weave the single cord on the right through to the left.

Tighten the weave.

Repeat this to the left and to the right as many times as you want.

And there, you have a wave braid pattern that looks completely different from the first one. Where will you use these?

Fishtail Braid Pattern

Cord Lengths:

4 x 150cm (59")

Fishtail Braid Color Combo #1

Step 1:

Place two of each color cord on each side, attached to the dowel with a Lark’s Head knot. Separate them into groups of two cords each.

Step 2:

Start with the far left section, placing it over the section next to it and under the next section.

Place the far right section over the section next to it, and under the next section.

Step 3:

Repeat this pattern as many times as desired.

This color combination forms a candy-cane like pattern.

Fishtail Braid Color Combo #2

Place two cords of one color in the center, and the cords of the other color on either side.

Knot the fishtail braid as before.

Repeat this as many times as desired.

The color combination creates an alternating color pattern.

Alternating Side Square Knot Sennit

Cord Lengths:

2 x 200cm (78”) for Alternating Side Square Knot Sennit #1
4 x 200cm (78”) for Alternating Side Square Knot Sennit #2

Alternating Side Square Knot Sennit #1

For this pattern, we’re using two strands of cord in different colors. Attach both cords to a dowel with a Lark’s Head knot.

Use the far right and far left cords as working cords, and the second cord from the left as an anchor cord to make a half knot

Make an opposite half knot using the same working cords, but using the second cord from the right as an anchor cord.

This completes the first Square knot.

Repeat this once more.

Repeat this pattern until you reach the desired length.

Alternating Side Square Knot Sennit #2

For this pattern, we’re using 4 cords attached to a dowel using Lark’s Head knots.

I’m using two colors, one anchored on each half of the pattern.

Split the cords into four groups of 4 cords each.

Create alternating Side Square knots in the same way as in Sennit #1, but double up the cords.

This means that one group of two cords will be used as a single cord.

This design is great for wall hanging layers, plant hangers, and even keychains.

Sennit #1 creates an edgier design than in Sennit #2, where the cords where doubled.

Doubling the cords creates thicker and fuller knots.

VIDEO TUTORIAL

Keen to experiment with this design? Why not change up the design even more by using more colors, or changing the position of the colors? Macramé is a super versatile art form, so you can really let your imagination run wild.

Are you looking for fun and simple DIY macrame patterns?

I have numerous diverse DIY macrame patterns that you can explore, ranging from distinctive wall hangings for home decor to timeless plant hangers suitable for all levels of skill.

The patterns come complete with step-by-step photos, written instructions, as well as helpful tips and tricks to assist you throughout your macrame journey.

Browse my collection of DIY macrame patterns on Etsy.

Are you looking to advance your macrame skills, create elegant designs, and learn unique knot patterns?

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Much love,

Looking to Get Started, But Don't Know Where to Begin?

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If you're looking to get started with macrame but don't know where and how to start, we also have a macramé starter kit: Kami Wall Hanging starter kit

This kit goes over the six basic knots of macramé as you create a small wall hanging.

It comes with a step-by-step guide and video tutorial, and the kit contains all the cords and supplies you need for this project.

It's perfect for people who want to try out macramé to see if they like it.

Visit our online store, Etsy, or Amazon to grab your kit.

If you're looking for more beginner-friendly patterns, look at our YouTube playlist and tutorial blog library.