How to Tie a Diamond or Lanyard Knot

Here's a series of photos I took that illustrate how to tie a diamond or lanyard knot.  You may recognize the base of the knot as double carrick bend.

This knot can be tied between two pieces of line, but is more commonly tied on a bight, between the ends of a single line. Above are several tied in lengths of paracord to use as key fobs or zipper pulls.

Cross the free end under the standing end to make a loop.

The other end is drawn under the bight with the free end pointing into the bight. Opposite of the first end.

Now over the first standing end.

Then under the first free end and pointing back toward it's own standing end.

Now over the bight.

Under itself, in the middle of the bight. and over the other end of the bight.

Tidied up it you will see a double carrick bend.

your free and standing ends are opposite each other.

the free end goes under the opposing standing end, continuing the curve in the same direction.

This image may be a bit confusing, the free ends are tucking down the hole in the middle of the knot.

Here the knot has been turned over, so the free ends are coming up through the knot. It's now time to start fairing the knot.

smooth the knot back toward the standing ends and begin snugging it up. I like to shorten the free ends, working the slack back through the knot and into the standing end.

For this example, I did it the other way, working the slack out to the free ends, see how they have gotten longer.

Marlinspike Seamanship - Fancy Knotwork

Some of Today's Passing Fancy:

It's a bracelet, just in case you couldn't guess. I'll try to remember to include something to give scale, in future pictures. The catch loop is a "regular" three strand plait or braid. When middled it gives six strands to go on with. Next is a four strand, two pass, foot rope knot, ("But wait!" you say, "that is only four strands, don't you have six to work with?" And I reply, "Yes, a strand from each side is left down the middle of the knot.) The main length is a six strand, half round sennit. The finial or catch is a six strand star knot. This is all done in natural color, #18 cotton twine I bought at Alred's Ace Hardware in Pleasant Grove, UT.

I'll be posting variations on this basic theme, using different knots and plaits and materials.