How to Tie Sliding Adjustable Knots for Maori Necklaces

We sell a lot of Maori necklaces and pendants at Shopenzed.com, and many of these bone or greenstone necklaces hang from a tradtional black cord with no knot. 

I supplied this "how to tie a sliding adjustable knot" information to my customers and have received lots of great feedback, so I'm offering it to you here too.

Here you can see a Bone Manaia and alongside it, the end of its cord, showing the sliding knots.  These are great, cos you don't need a clasp and you can make the length of the cord just what you want, meaning you can wear the necklace different ways depending on the clothes you want to wear it with.

Step 1: Step 1

In the picture, the left hand  (LH) cord is Pink and the right hand (RH) cord is Off-White.  So imagine those are the two ends of your necklace cord.

Take the end of the LH cord and wrap it around the RH cord, looping it back to the left as pictured.  Slide the end of the RH cord over to lie alongside the main part of the pink LH cord.

Step 2: Step 2

Wrap the end of the pink LH cord around the two cords, looping it towards the left and at least two to three times.

Step 3: Step 3

Push the end of the LH pink cord underneath those loops and back out the RH end.  Pull tight. 

Congratulations!You have just created your first sliding knot!

Step 4: Step 4

If needed, pull more of the RH cord through to the left, so you have enough to make another adjustable knot.

Wrap the end of the RH cord around the LH cord, as shown.

Step 5: Step 5

Wrap that end around the two cords, wrapping towards the right at least 2-3 times.

Step 6: Step 6

As before, poke the end of the RH cord back towards the left and under the loops.  Pull tight. 

Congratulations, you are all done!  Trim ends if desired.

Comments

[NanT99]

I have had such a difficult time with knots! I have friends requesting I make them things with the sliding, adjustable knot. I went through several videos & tutorials before I found you & these instructions and your photos were just what I needed! First try - SUCCESS! Thank you. Bonus, I now realize my true learning type! LOL

[ellex2]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Great instructions - now able to wear a pendant I'd given up on because the knot kept coming undone. So simple!

[BetteB4]

I was given my necklace 2 years ago and the slip knot came undone. It has been driving me crazy as I've tried to keep it tied. Now I know how to do it. Your instructions are really simple. THANKS.

[Madd Foxx]

Thank you so much. Your instructions were terrific.

[Renate1]

Awesome! I just found these instructions tonight and have been able to successfully follow them 3 times. I feel so clever right now! Thanks so much for creating this.

[hakakj123]

Very interesting blog, looking forward to more wonderful! http://www.ecristals.fr/attraits.html

[jellob3p0]

Thanks so much, trying to make fried marble necklaces as little Christmas gifts but couldn't figure out a good way to tie off the silk cord I'm using. This is perfect! Pictures and instructions are very easy to follow. :)

[TracyC6]

Awesome. Did it in 2 minutes! very clear and easy! Thanks!

[KwartzKitten]

Thanks, this was exactly what I needed!

[OakleyM1]

Thank you

[NatashaD1]

The cord itself is a synthetic material that has been waxed and braided.

[NatashaD1]

The cord itself is a synthetic material that has been waxed and braided.

[NatashaD1]

I have the same question as Hattie - I have a necklace where the knots will not budge. Any tips on fixing it or do I have to retie it? This necklace means a lot to me so I want to fix it if possible.

[hattie.hua.728]

Hello, great instructions! A while ago I used these instructions to make a sliding knot bracelet but it has become jammed. The knot won't budge and and I can't loosen it, do you hve any suggestions for how to fix this? Thanks

[tracey.l.rymer]

Thank you for this information. I bought a bone maori hei metau and the knots came undone. Now I can wear it again.

[terry.adams.55]

Best instructions I've found. Thanks for sharing!

[nicoleb2]

Thank you for this tutorial, it was exactly what I was looking for. I dont think it took me but a minute to make.

[jennifer.s.schubert]

Thank you for these directions! A friend who knows I make jewelry asking if I could fix her greenstone necklace cord and I was very pleasantly surprised to find your tutorial. Any chance you'll add a video as well?

[vicki.behrens]

Thank you! This was very helpful!

[kathy.pegel]

This was exactly the knot I was looking for and the instructions were very clear