The macrame spiral knot is a column of half square knots tied in the same direction repeatedly, which causes the cord to twist into a natural spiral. It is one of the easiest macrame knots to learn and one of the most visually striking. Spiral knots are the signature element in plant hanger arms and decorative wall hanging columns. This tutorial walks you through how to make spiral knots, when to use them, and how to fix the most common mistakes.
What You Will Need
- 4mm cotton macrame cord (3-ply works best)
- 4 cord lengths for one spiral column (2 working cords + 2 filler cords)
- A T-pin board or tape to anchor your work
- About 5 minutes to make your first spiral
If you are new to basic knots, our 5 essential macrame knots guide covers the foundation knots first.
Get Cord for Spiral Knots
3-ply cotton cord shows the spiral pattern beautifully. Use code KNOT10 for 10% off.
What Is a Half Square Knot?
A spiral knot is just a half square knot repeated in the same direction. Here is the difference:
- Square knot: Tie a half square knot to the left, then a half square knot to the right. The two halves cancel out and the knot lies flat.
- Half square knot spiral: Tie a half square knot to the left, then another half square knot to the left. And another. The knots stack on top of each other, but because they are all going the same way, the column starts to twist.
After about 4 to 6 half square knots, you will see the column begin to spiral on its own. This is normal. Just keep tying in the same direction and the spiral will form itself.
How to Make a Spiral Knot Step by Step
Step 1: Set Up Your Cords
Take 4 cord lengths (each about 80cm or 32 inches long). Arrange them vertically. The two outer cords are your working cords, and the two inner cords are your filler cords. Pin or tape the top to keep them in place.
Step 2: Tie the First Half Square Knot
Take the left working cord and lay it across the two filler cords, going to the right. It should look like a "4" shape. Then take the right working cord, bring it up over the left working cord, and pass it under the filler cords and up through the loop of the "4" on the left. Pull both working cords to tighten.
That is one half square knot. The flat front of the knot should be facing you.
Step 3: Tie Another Half Square Knot in the Same Direction
Here is the key: do not switch directions. Tie another half square knot exactly the same way as the first one. Left cord makes the "4" shape, right cord goes over and through.
You will notice the cord starts to twist slightly after this second knot.
Step 4: Keep Tying Half Square Knots
Continue tying half square knots in the same direction. After 4 to 6 knots, the column will start to spiral noticeably. After 8 to 10 knots, you will have a clear spiral shape forming.
Step 5: Let the Spiral Twist Naturally
As you keep tying, the entire column will rotate. This is supposed to happen. Do not try to hold it flat. Let the twist happen and follow the natural spiral as it forms. Your hands will move around the column as you knot, going around and around.
Step 6: Stop When the Spiral Is the Length You Want
A typical spiral column for a plant hanger arm is about 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 inches) long. For wall hanging accents, anywhere from 4 to 12 knots works. Stop tying when the spiral reaches your target length.
Where to Use Spiral Knots in Macrame
Plant Hanger Arms
This is the most common use. Each arm of a plant hanger has a section of spiral knots that creates visual interest and breaks up the plain cord. A typical plant hanger has 4 spiral columns, one per arm, each about 10 to 15 cm long.
Wall Hanging Columns
Spiral knots work beautifully as vertical accents in wall hangings. Pair them with square knot diamonds or berry knots for contrast.
Curtain Tiebacks
A spiral knot column is the perfect length and texture for a macrame curtain tieback. Add a tassel at each end and you have a finished decor piece.
Macrame Jewelry
Smaller cord (1mm to 2mm) makes spiral knots into delicate bracelets and necklaces. The spiral pattern looks especially elegant in jewelry.
Keychains and Bag Charms
A short spiral column (4 to 6 knots) makes a quick, attractive keychain.
Tips and Troubleshooting
- Spiral not twisting? You are accidentally alternating directions. Every half square knot must start with the same working cord (always the left one or always the right one).
- Cord twisting too tight? Loosen each knot slightly. Spiral knots should be snug but not strangled.
- Want a tighter spiral? Use 3mm cord instead of 4mm. Thinner cord twists faster and creates a more compact spiral.
- Want a looser spiral? Use 5mm cord and tie the knots slightly looser.
- Spiral looks lumpy? Your knots are inconsistent. Practice keeping each half square knot the same tension.
- Pattern says "5 spiral knots" but it does not look like enough? "Spiral knots" usually means full rotations. 5 full rotations is roughly 20 half square knots.
What's Next
Once you can tie a spiral knot in your sleep, try combining it with other techniques. Our berry knot tutorial covers another decorative knot that pairs perfectly with spirals. For a complete project that uses spiral knots, try our step-by-step plant hanger tutorial.
Practice with Quality Cord
3-ply cotton cord shows spiral knots beautifully. Use code KNOT10 for 10% off.
