How To Tie Lark’s Head Knots Like A Pro

Learn how to tie lark’s head knots with this simple step-by-step tutorial.

A lark’s head knot, also known as a cow hitch knot, is extremely simple to make. When creating jewelry, use this particular type of knot to:

• Join multiple pieces of cord together e.g. in macramé
• Attach a pendant or other ornamental component to stringing material to create a focal point for a piece of jewelry. You don’t have to stop at one knot either. You can tie several lark’s head knots around any element with a hole in the middle. This can be a really effortless way to create a simple necklace or bracelet.

The lark’s head knot is decorative but quite secure so you won’t have to worry about it unravelling. Using glue isn’t necessary to keep it in place.

You can use pretty much any type of stringing material to tie this knot as long as you can fold it in half without it breaking. Now, let’s get into how to tie a cow hitch knot around a focal piece. I’m going to be using a metal ring for these instructions.

How to Tie A Lark’s Head Knot

Cut a piece of cord to your desired length and fold it in half.

Next, grab your pendant or the component that you want to attach to the stringing material.

This knot looks different depending on which side you look at it but there’s no real front or back. It’s really just which side you prefer to be at the front of your piece of jewelry. I personally prefer the loop to be at the front of my jewelry (as seen in Step 4 photo). If you want the loop at the front as well, you’ll need to place your component face down and follow the rest of these instructions. If you want the loop to be at the back, place the component face-up. Even if you tie the knot the wrong way, it’s very quick and easy to redo it. It literally just takes a few seconds.

Push the folded end of your cord underneath the component and through the hole. Position your cord so it’s where you want the knot to be tied. For example, your pendant may have a top and bottom. You’ll want the cord to be along the top edge so the pendant hangs nicely.

Pass the two loose ends of your cord through the folded loop.

Hold the object you tied the knot around in one hand and pull both loose ends of the cord with the other hand to tighten the knot. Make sure the cords don’t become twisted. If they are twisted, simply loosen the knot a bit and straighten the stringing material. Then, tighten again.

If you’re using a stiffer material e.g. leather cord, you may need to bend the loop so the knot tightens easier.

Lark’s head knots are commonly used in jewelry making and it’s no wonder why. They’re easy to make, secure and look great. Here are some other knots for jewelry you may want to check out.

Need some fun examples of how to use lark’s head knots to make unique jewelry? Here are a few.