How to Tie a Square Knot – Easy Square Knot Tutorial with Step-by-Step Photos!
Learn the Square knot with my best beginner tips! This free knot guide includes a complete Square Knot Tutorial with step-by-step photos, fun Square Knot variations like the Berry Knot, plus some gorgeous Square Knot-only Macrame patterns to practice.
Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my (Amazon) links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll happily spend on more colorful macrame cords!
Learning the Square Knot
When starting with Macrame, you might feel overwhelmed by all the knots you can learn.
But did you know that by just mastering the Square Knot (SK) you can already make everything you ever dreamed of? From plant hangers and wall hangings to bags and coasters, you can knot it!
So, let’s start at the beginning and dive into the most versatile knot within Macrame: the Square knot! Keep reading to check my step-by-step photo tutorial to master the Square Knot!
At the end of the post, you can find Square Knot variation tutorials like the Berry Knot and more fun Square Knot-only project tutorials so you can start practicing immediately!
Learn all the Basics of Macrame
Are you new to Macrame? No worries, it’s very easy to learn! Check out my Macrame for Beginners Guides to quickly master the basics and discover all my best Macrame beginner tips.
What to expect when learning the Square knot
The Square Knot is easy to learn, but it will take some time to master the correct finger placement and speed up your knotting.
Switching from the left to the right side can initially be a bit confusing. Here are my three best tips for mastering the Square Knot with ease!
My 3 Best Tips for Mastering the Square Knot
- Always start your Square Knot on the same side. You’ll quickly notice you prefer starting on either the left or right side. Being consistent with this will prevent mistakes.
- If you forget which side of the Square knot you were working on, check which side has a loop. This would be the side to continue with.
- Tighten your cords evenly when you make the Square knot, so your patterns look more consistent.
Take your time to improve, and don’t get too frustrated with yourself when you make mistakes! You will get better every time you practice 🙂
For more tips on learning the Square Knot, download my Free Macrame Knot Guide!
Step by Step Square Knot Tutorial with Photos
To practice the Square Knot, you can attach two cords to your dowel with a Lark’s Head Knot, so you have four strings to work with.
Download my Free Macrame Knot Guide and learn all the knots you can use to make plant hangers, wall hangings, bags, earrings, and more!
Learn how to do the Reverse Lark’s Head Knot and more fun Lark’s Head Knot variations in my Lark’s Head Knot Tutorial with step-by-step photos!
Square Knot Tutorial
Step 1: Create the shape of a 4 with your outer left cord. Place the outer right cord over the outer left cord.
Step 2: Place the outer right cord under the two middle cords and pull it through the 4-shape.
Step 3: Tighten the cords to form the first half of a Square knot. It should look like the photo below.
We will now create the second half of this Square Knot by simply mirroring the previous three steps on the other side.
Step 1: Create the shape of a reversed 4 with your outer right cord. Place the outer left cord over the outer right cord.
Step 2: Place the outer left cord under the two middle cords and pull it through the 4-shape.
Step 3: Tighten the cords to form the second half of a Square knot. It should look like the photo below.
Square Knot Video Tutorial
Chantel of Lots of Knots Canada created the perfect video for you to master the Square knot. This video is part of her 28 Days of Knots series, which I highly recommend when you want to learn more amazing Macrame knots!
Best Macrame Cords
Using soft-cotton Macrame cords really helps your Square knots and Square knot patterns look amazing.
Learn more about the types of Macrame cords that are available and which to choose for your project in my Macrame Cord Guide.
I love knotting my work with eco-friendly Bobbiny cords, which come in Single Twist, 3-Ply, and Braided in many sizes and trendy colors.
Let’s Connect
Make sure to follow Macrame for Beginners on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to never miss out on any new handy Macrame guides!
You can also join our fun Macrame for Beginners Facebook Group and connect with over 75.000 members to learn new knots together. We can’t wait to see your creations so become a member and share your work with us!
Practice your Square Knots
A fun way to practice your square knots is by using colorful single twist Macrame cords to wrap around bigger 3-ply cords.
This way you can clearly see what you’re doing and you end up with a gorgeous Macrame piece to hang on your wall.
Variations of the Square Knot
You might have already noticed that many Macrame knots are just east variations of the Square knot. Once you know how to do the Square knot, learning the spiral knot, berry knot, and butterfly knot should be no problem for you!
The Spiral Knot
The spiral knot is simply half of a Square knot that always repeats on the same side. While you repeat the knot, you’ll notice the cords start twisting.
When you get confused about how to proceed once your cords start twisting, simply make sure to always continue on the same side you started. You can gently twist the cords back to see where you left off.
The Berry Knot
The Berry knot, also known as the Macadamia knot, is created by making 4 Square Knots underneath each other. You then pull the 2 middle cords through the small opening you left above the first Square Knot to create a berry-shaped knot. Easy does it!
The Butterfly Knot
To make a Butterfly Knot you simply leave some space between each Square Knot. Once you’ve made two of them, simply move the second knot up to the first knot to create the butterfly shape.
Square Knot Macrame Patterns
The Square knot can be used in every type of Macrame project and when tied in different patterns, it will add many different styles to your pieces.
Alternating Square Knot Pattern
A very popular Square knot pattern is created by alternating the knots throughout your work.
Overlapping Square Knot Pattern
You can also alternate your Square knots by overlapping them in different layers.
Square Knot Circle Pattern
This Square knot circle pattern looks gorgeous in plant hangers or bigger Macrame wall hangings and is an interesting way of making the Square knot look very different.
Square Knot Fishbone Pattern
Now that you’re getting the hang of it, I’m convinced you’ll love to practice this Square knot fishbone pattern. This technique looks particularly amazing in circular modern Macrame pieces.
Square Knot Only Projects
Looking for fun projects to practice your Square knots? Then I’m sure you’ll love these easy Square knot tutorials for beginners created by the best YouTube Macrame teachers!
Square Knot Macrame Hat Hanger for Beginners
This cute and handy Macrame Hat Hanger is made with just Square Knots and is perfect for beginners!
For more info and written instructions, you can check out my blog post for this Macrame Hat Hanger tutorial!
Square Knot Macrame Plant Hanger for Beginners
This fun and easy Macrame plant hanger is created with just square knots and introduces a fun technique to add some color to your project.
For more info and written instructions, you can check out my blog post for this Macrame Plant Hanger tutorial!
Square Knot Macrame Wall Hanging
Soulful Notions created this gorgeous easy Square knot wall hanging pattern for beginners that is perfect for practicing your technique for at least 30 minutes!
Square Knot Macrame Market Bag
Looking for a project you can bring with you and show off to your friends? Then make sure to try this wonderful Square Knot-only Macrame market bag tutorial by Soulful Notions.
Join the Macrame for Beginners Facebook Group!
Would you like to ask me all your questions about Macrame and connect with other beginners?
Join our Macrame for Beginners Facebook Group: a safe place to learn new knots and share your latest creations with our lovely Macrame community of over 160K members!
Shop my favorite Macrame cords
Discover where to buy affordable, high-quality Macrame cords to create your first project! These recycled Bobbiny cotton cords are my all-time favorite!
They are silky soft, eco-friendly, and perfect for beginners, and they also come in many different sizes and trendy seasonal colors. Find your LOCAL Bobbiny cord supplier to save on shipping costs!
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About Macrame for Beginners
Welcome to my blog, macrameforbeginners.com, where I love teaching and inspiring you to create beautiful Macrame decorations.
New to Macrame? No worries, it’s super fun to learn! Follow my 3 Easy Steps and download my FREE MACRAME KNOT GUIDE to start!
We work with the best Macrame teachers!
Macrame for Beginners has teamed up with the best online Macrame teachers so we can provide you with FREE high-quality tutorials. Learn how to make everything you’ve always dreamed of and discover all 1000+ free patterns!
Watch my Latest YouTube Tutorial
This cute Macrame Plant Hanger is easy to make and only uses 3 easy knots. Subscribe to the Macrame for Beginners YouTube channel for more fun beginner tutorials!
Check out these Easy Macrame Beginner Projects for more inspiration, and read my Shopping Guide for the best Macrame supplies!
Happy Knotting!
Love,
Marloes
