Mounting cords onto split rings:

Take one strand of cord, fold in half and thread the ends down through the split ring and pull almost all the way through.  Thread the ends back up through the loop formed as shown.










Pull tight.











Repeat with the other two (or more as specified) cords.











Slip Knot (for pinning cords to work surface)
Bring cord around pin...













then back over cord, and folding part of the cord, tuck this fold under cord and then up through loop formed.













Pull tight, leaving tail free...













To undo, just pull tail.









Overhand Knot
Bring the end of strand(s) up and cross it over itself, back under and through the loop formed.  Using a pin as shown in Photos, tighten and slide knot up where desired (usually up close to a previously strung bead).  This takes a little practice - leave the pin in until you are satisfied.  (Makes it easier to undo the knot and try again.)

























Half Knot
 (from the right side)
With holding cord(s) pinned to work surface, bring right knotting cord over holding cord and under left knotting cord   Take left knotting cord under both right knotting cord and the holding cord.  Pull end up through loop formed, passing over right knotting cord this time.  Pull tight.

Making several of these knots will result in a rope that spirals.









(from the left side)
 Bring left knotting cord over holding cord and under right knotting cord.  Bring right knotting cord under both left knotting cord and holding cord, then up through loop formed, and finally over left knotting cord.  Pull tight. See "Square Knot" photo.











Square Knot
Consists of one half knot from the right and one from the left.  See photos for Half Knots (from both right and left).












Lark's Head Knot
 (from the right side)
With holding cord(s) pinned to work surface, take knotting cord and bring it over the holding cord, then back under.  Continue, bringing knotting cord over itself.  Now bring it under holding cord, back over holding cord and under itself. 











Pull tight.













(from the left side)














Double Half-Hitch Knot
(From Left to Right)
Using the horizontal cord as the holding cord (it should be pinned to work surface), make sure that the (vertical) knotting cord is under the holding cord.  Bring the knotting cord up over the holding cord, then down and under the holding cord and over itself.










Repeat.  Don't worry that the first Half-Hitch seems to have moved out of alignment somewhat.












Pull tight.  You have just made a Double Half-Hitch knot.











Double Half-Hitch (From Right to Left)
Same as for left to right, just in reverse.













Half-Hitch Chain
 Using the cord on the right as a holding cord, and the one on the left as the knotting cord:  Take the end the knotting cord over and back under the holding cord; then up through the loop formed.  Pull tight.


















Now, reverse by using the cord on the left as holding cord and the one on the right as knotting cord.  Take the end the knotting cord over and back under the holding cord; then up through the loop formed.  Pull tight.

You can make a rope by repeating these steps as long as you like.
















Helpful Hints:

To stiffen the ends of the cord, making it easier to string the beads:  Snip the ends of the cord on a diagonal (making a point).  Brush the ends of the strands of cord with clear finger nail polish.  Twist the ends with thumb and forefinger (following the natural twist of the cord).  You will get a little polish on your fingers which you can get off with polish remover.  (Using fingers helps prevent polish from drying unevenly.)  Let dry.  Recent tip received from another beader is to apply super glue near the end of the cord, leaving a tail to hold.  Twist and hold til dry, then snip the end diagonally.  This keeps the glue off your fingers.  I have not yet tried it this way, but it sounds good.

Terminology:  Knotting Cords are the ones used to make the knots, and the Holding Cords are the ones (usually pinned to work surface) that hold the knots.

Important:  For consistency sake, decide your dominant side and always work from that side.  I am right side dominant, so I always work from the right and I write instructions accordingly.  Exceptions:  when the design calls for specific effect requiring reversal.  For example, I make all my Half Knots from the right except when making Square Knots.  When making Square Knots, I first make Half Knot from the right, then one from the left.  When making earrings, work the first one according to your dominant side.  When making the 2nd one, work from the non-dominant side.

Finishing Touch - "Flaming the Ends":  After gluing and trimming the ends of a project, I like to wave a flame (from a lighter) over the ends to melt them.  If you try this, be careful not to hold the flame to long as it will blacken the cord.

Attaching an EarWire to earring:  Open loop on earwire with needle nosed pliers.  Do not pull apart.  Instead, open it to the side as shown.  Attach earring by the split ring or knotted loop and close loop on earwire.










Resources:

I use C-lon cord because of its ease of use, and durability.  I get my C-lon nylon beading cord from "Jewels in Fiber"( www.jewelsinfiber.com).  Her prices are reasonable, and she provides excellent customer service.

Particular beads (and brands) listed are because they have holes large enough to accommodate project requirements.  I get most of my beads from "Fire Mountain Gems" (www.firemountaingems.com).  Occasionally, I find some at Walmart or my local Hobby Lobby.

I use Jewelry Glue by Delta, a waterproof glue made for gluing jewels, sequins, etc to fabric. It dries clear and has flexibility.  An alternative is super glue, or any glue used to glue gems & jewels to fabric.  Glue, buttons, pins, and scissors can be found at Walmart or any sewing supplies outlet. 

Work surface:  I like my old Puzzle Pad mouse pad, it is 1/2 inch thick and works very well.  Alternatives include a cork (bulletin type) board, macrame board, anything that you can secure the top of the piece and the bottom of the holding cords to.  Work surface will most likely be found at a hobby store.

Other jewelry-making tools like needle-nosed pliers can be found at "Fire Mountain Gems" (www.firemountaingems.com) and at most hobby stores.

To find articles on the materials I use and where I get them, check out "Materials and Sources" (under "Categories") at my website (www.knotgypsydesigns.com)

Notes:

Certainly other cord and beads may be used as long as the required number of strands of cord (per project requirements) will pass through the holes in the beads.

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