Beginner · Knot guide

Spiral Knot

The Easy Twist. The spiral knot — also called a half-square-knot sennit — is the easiest way to make macramé look impressive with the smallest amount of skill. It is the signature look of the classic 1970s plant hanger.

How to tie it

1 Why this knot matters
The spiral knot — also called a half-square-knot sennit — is the easiest way to make macramé look impressive with the smallest amount of skill. It is the signature look of the classic 1970s plant hanger. Take five minutes to practice it on scrap cord before you start any project that uses it — a clean version of this knot will visibly elevate your finished piece, and a sloppy one will pull the whole project down with it.
2 Step 1
Set up four cords as for a square knot: two outer working cords, two center filler cords.
3 Step 2
Tie ONLY the LEFT half of a square knot: left over fillers, right under fillers and up through the left loop.
4 Step 3
Tie another. And another. Always the same half.
5 Step 4
After about ten knots, you will notice the column starts to twist on its own.
6 Step 5
Let it twist. Do not fight it. Continue stacking the same half knot.
7 Step 6
Every full rotation is roughly twelve knots. Stop whenever the spiral is the length you want.
8 Common mistakes
The two most common ways this knot goes wrong: inconsistent tension between knots, and accidentally swapping which cord plays which role. Mark your working cords with a piece of tape until the muscle memory takes over. After a dozen practice repetitions on scrap cord, your hands will know what to do without looking.
9 Where to use it next
Once you have this knot down, every pattern on StitchVault that lists it in its Knots section will feel approachable. Start small — try it in a keychain or coaster project — before scaling up to a wall hanging or curtain. The knot itself is identical at any scale; only the cord length and patience required change.