Barrel Sliding Knot

Learn how to tie a barrel sliding knot. The barrel sliding knot is the chunkier big brother to the simple sliding knot.

In the second of my sneak peeks from my new Macrame EBook, we are looking at the barrel sliding knot (make sure to check out the simple sliding knot and the square sliding knot too!). There are a few different methods of making a barrel sliding knot, but this one has become my favourite; its easy to tie and easy to slide open and closed once made and if the material you use melts, you can trim the ends off for a neater finish. It can be used for both bracelets and necklaces: just increase the length to make a necklace!

If you like this tutorial, you can get even more macrame patterns and tutorials in the full book, which is available as an instant download here!

You will need:

-Cord, I’m using paracord here, but anything 2mm or thicker will work, in waxed cotton, satin or knotting cord.

The barrel sliding knot uses more cord than the simple sliding knot; allow at least 50-75cm.

How to tie a barrel sliding knot

1.Take your length of cord and cross the tails over, creating a loop roughly the size of your bracelet or necklace.

2.Bring the right tail back on itself.

3.Bring the tail down to create a loop.

4.Take the tail underneath all the cords.

5.Wrap around all of the cords three times, working over the loop.

6.Then bring the tail up through the loop.

7.Pull firmly, but so the cord can still move through the knot.

8.Open the bracelet so its just wide enough to get on (tightening the knot will increase the size slightly), then bring the left tail back on itself

9.Bring the tail down in front of the cord right up next to the previous knot.

10.Wrap the tail around all the cords, including itself, working out towards the loop. Then bring the tail up through the loop.

11.Tighten the knot, the two knots will move further apart as you tighten. Neaten both the knots up if needed and make sure they are both firm, but that both cords slide freely. 

12.Trim off the excess and very carefully melt the end to itself, being sure not to catch the main cord. If you are using a cord that doesn’t melt, apply a small amount of glue, then sliding the knot back and forth to prevent it sticking.

This is an excerpt from my brand new digital book, Modern Macrame Jewellery and Accessories. If you enjoyed this free tutorial, you can find even more macrame jewellery patterns by buying a copy.

Please share this Barrel Sliding Knot tutorial if you enjoyed it, and if you have any questions, leave a comment below or come and find me on Instagram !  Happy Making!