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Hi! In this tutorial, I’ve put together a compilation of four different ways you can start and end your alpha bracelets and keychains. They’re very beginner friendly, but you should have some experience with knotting alphas before.
Loops:
For a lot of these starts, you’re going to need to know how to make a loop. Here’s a tutorial by Masha Knots on YouTube that teaches you how to make a simple loop.
Table of contents:
Single triangle start and end *difficulty 2*
Double triangle start and end (method one-alpha based) *difficulty 3*
Double triangle start and end (method two-normal based) *difficulty 3*
Teardrop loop start *difficulty 3*
*I averaged together all the difficulty levels of each start/end for the overall difficulty of the tutorial*
Double triangle start and end (method one-alpha based) *difficulty 3*
Double triangle start and end (method two-normal based) *difficulty 3*
Teardrop loop start *difficulty 3*
*I averaged together all the difficulty levels of each start/end for the overall difficulty of the tutorial*
Single triangle start and end
Difficulty: 2
About: This start can be done with or without a loop. You can use it for ties on both sides or a loop and ties on the other side. I didn’t really learn it from anyone (I accidentally found out how to do it) but @Racoon (Masha Knots) has a Youtube tutorial on it.
Ideal for: smaller alphas; bracelets; ending keychains
Pattern I’m using: #134339
About: This start can be done with or without a loop. You can use it for ties on both sides or a loop and ties on the other side. I didn’t really learn it from anyone (I accidentally found out how to do it) but @Racoon (Masha Knots) has a Youtube tutorial on it.
Ideal for: smaller alphas; bracelets; ending keychains
Pattern I’m using: #134339
Step 1:
Cut the number of strings you need. If you want to make a loop, the number of strings will be halved, but the length of strings will be doubled. If you’re making a loop, remember to make one string longer for the loop part. I’m not going to be making a loop, but I’ll explain what to do when you have a loop.
Step 2:
If you want to start with a loop, make your loop. If not, then attach your strings to your workspace, leaving length for ties. I’m leaving about 4 in (10 cm).
Step 3:
THIS IS ONLY FOR IF YOU MADE A LOOP! IF NOT SKIP THIS STEP. If you made a loop, then attach the two sides with a square knot using the string you used to make the loop.
Step 4:
You start by dividing the strings into two sections. If you have an odd number, then divide them into three groups: two equal and one in the middle. I have six strings, so I’ll divide them into two groups of three.
Step 5:
Take your leading string and tie two knots (or three) to start the triangle. If you’re using the straight edge technique, tie a backward-forward knot and a forward-backward knot (tie a forward knot in the middle if needed). If not, then tie a forward knot and a backward knot (plus a forward knot in the middle if needed).
Step 6:
Take one string out of each bundle and knot onto the remaining strings. Then knot over the middle strings individually. Knot over the other bundle. Continue repeating that until you only have one string in each bundle and it’s just a row.
Step 7:
Now you can tie your alpha normally until you reach the end.
Step 8:
Trim your extra leading strings. To finish the triangle, just do everything you did at the start in reverse. Add a string to the edge bundles every row. Tie over your middle strings individually, then add another string to each bundle.
Step 9:
Finish your ties however you want, then trim the ends. If you did a loop, you only need to add ties to one side. If not, then you need to add ties to both sides.
Double triangle start and end
(method one-alpha based)
Difficulty: 3
About: This ending is more “alpha based”, unlike the other double triangle ending, which is more “normal based.” It’s like the single triangle start and end, but is usually done after a loop and there are two of them. I learned this method from @Racoon (Masha Knots on YouTube) and if you’re still confused about this method after reading you can go and watch her video.
Ideal for: larger alphas; thick bracelets
Pattern I’m using: #172553
Difficulty: 3
About: This ending is more “alpha based”, unlike the other double triangle ending, which is more “normal based.” It’s like the single triangle start and end, but is usually done after a loop and there are two of them. I learned this method from @Racoon (Masha Knots on YouTube) and if you’re still confused about this method after reading you can go and watch her video.
Ideal for: larger alphas; thick bracelets
Pattern I’m using: #172553
Step 1:
Cut the number of strings you need (for loop: halved amount, doubled length). If you’re making a loop, you don’t need a long base string for the loop, the leading string is going to make your loop. (I need 19 base strings so I’ll cut 10 strings but use the leading string to make the loop.) I’m making a loop, but I’ll explain what you do if you don’t want the loop.
Step 2:
If making a loop:
Make your loop, if wanted. Leave a significant amount of string on each side for the triangles. Make sure to leave a lot because, as you can see, on the left side, I didn’t leave a lot of string. I ended up running out and had to replace it, so leave a ton of string.
If not making a loop:
Divide your total number of base strings into two sections. You’ll need two considerably long leading strings on both sides. One can be attached to the bobbin, since you’re going to be using that for the entire alpha.
Make your loop, if wanted. Leave a significant amount of string on each side for the triangles. Make sure to leave a lot because, as you can see, on the left side, I didn’t leave a lot of string. I ended up running out and had to replace it, so leave a ton of string.
If not making a loop:
Divide your total number of base strings into two sections. You’ll need two considerably long leading strings on both sides. One can be attached to the bobbin, since you’re going to be using that for the entire alpha.
Step 3:
Now divide each side into two sections. I have ten strings on each side, so I’ll divide each side into two groups of five strings. If you have an odd number, say fifteen, then divide it into two even groups and put the remaining string in the middle (so you’ll have seven, one, seven).
Step 4:
Now you’ll need to make some calculations. If you have an odd number of strings in each section (not side!), then you’ll start making your triangle from the inside. If you have an even number of strings, you’ll start making your triangle from the outside. I have five strings in each section, so I’ll start making my triangle from the outside. Bring the string you used for the loop to whichever position you need it to be. You can start one side the opposite side in which you need to to make it easier to hide the second string. I’m starting the left side from the outside to hide that string.
Step 5:
Now you can start forming your left triangle. First make a knot over the bundle closest to your leading string. If you’re starting on the inside, you make a backward or forward-backward knot. If you’re starting on the outside, make a forward or backward-forward knot. I’m doing the straight-edges technique so I’ll make a backward forward knot. Then tie a knot onto the other bundle. If you have a single string in the middle, tie onto that and then the other bundle.
Step 6:
Take one string out of each bundle and knot onto the remaining strings. Then knot over the middle strings individually. Knot over the other bundle.
Step 7:
Continue repeating step 6. Take out a string from each bundle, knot over the bundle, knot individually over each string in the middle, then knot over the other bundle. Keep going until you have an individual knot on every string.
Step 8:
Now we can start the right triangle. Repeat steps 4-7.
Step 9:
Now take a string that’s on the outside and tie a row across. This will connect the two sides. I want the leading string to end up on the left, so I’m going from right to left. As for the other leading string, you can just tuck it behind the triangles and ignore it. I also only need nineteen strings, but I have twenty, so I’m going to make one knot over the two middle strings and cut one off later.
Tips for connecting the two sides:
- Keep both sides level to make it easy to make a straight row.
- Use a strong clip to keep the two sides level.
- Be very careful at the connection.
Tips for connecting the two sides:
- Keep both sides level to make it easy to make a straight row.
- Use a strong clip to keep the two sides level.
- Be very careful at the connection.
Step 10:
Now you can continue to tie your alpha normally until you reach the end.
Step 11:
Cut all the extra ends except the last leading string (white for me).
Step 12:
To end with alpha triangles, just reverse what you did for the beginning. Divide the base strings into half as best you can. I have nineteen so I’ll divide them into nine and ten.
Step 13:
Now go row by row, adding a string to each side every row until you only have two groups, or two plus one individual string, like you started with. It’s basically in reverse to what you did to start. You will need a second leading string for the other side.
Step 14:
Finish your ties however you want, then trim the ends.
Double triangle start and end
(method two-normal based)
Difficulty: 3
About: This ending is more “normal based”, unlike the other double triangle ending, which is more “alpha based.” I learned this method from @Racoon (Masha Knots on YouTube) and if you’re still confused about this method after reading you can go and watch her video.
Ideal for: larger alphas; thick bracelets; wall hangings without a dowel
Pattern I’m using: #147597
Difficulty: 3
About: This ending is more “normal based”, unlike the other double triangle ending, which is more “alpha based.” I learned this method from @Racoon (Masha Knots on YouTube) and if you’re still confused about this method after reading you can go and watch her video.
Ideal for: larger alphas; thick bracelets; wall hangings without a dowel
Pattern I’m using: #147597
Step 1:
Cut the number of strings you need (half the amount, double the length) and cut an extra long one for your loop. I need seventeen base strings, so I’ll cut nine strings.
Step 2:
Make your loop. It needs to be slightly smaller than you would usually make it since the triangle part is quite big.
Step 3:
Divide each side into two sections. If you have an odd number, then try to make it as even as possible. I have on group of five and one group of four on each side.
Step 4:
On the left side, take one string from the left section and tie a backward-forward knot over the entire left bundle. Then take the next string and tie a backward-forward knot over the entire left section except the one you just used. Keep repeating that step until the left section on the left side is left with one string. Repeat with the right section on the left side but with forward-backward knots.
Step 5:
Tie a forward knot between the two middle strings.
Step 6:
Complete the row with forward knots as if tying a normal. Then complete the other side with backward knots, making an upside down v. However, don’t tie a knot onto the last string.
Step 7:
Repeat steps 6 & 7 until you reach the end of the triangle, removing a string (string you used to knot) from each upside down v everytime you tie one.
Step 8:
Repeat steps 4-7 on the other side.
Step 9:
You can make more normal rows for extra security and to connect the two sides, but that’s optional.
Step 10:
Now you can tie your alpha normally until you reach the end.
Step 11:
Cut all the extra ends except for the last leading string.
Step 12:
Divide your base strings+last leading string into two sections as best you can. It’s alright if they’re one off. If you originally had an even amount of base strings, you can also add another color of leading string to make the two sides even. I have seventeen strings, and adding the one base string, I have eighteen strings, so I’ll divide my strings into two groups of nine.
Step 13:
Make your two triangles using forward and backward knots. It’s essentially like tying a normal. You tie one row row-by row, take out the two strings on the edges. Tie the next row row-by-row, then take out the two strings on the edges. Keep repeating until you only have one or no strings left.
Step 14:
Finishing the left side of the triangles:
To finish the left side of the triangles, take the second string and tie a backward-forward knot onto the first string. Then take the third string and tie a backward-forward knot onto the first and second strings combined. Continue taking the next string and knotting it onto all the strings before that until you run out of strings on the left side.
Finishing the right side of the triangles:
To finish the right side of the triangles, take the second string and tie a forward-backward knot onto the first string. Then take the third string and tie a forward-backward knot onto the first and second strings combined. Continue taking the next string and knotting it onto all the strings before that until you run out of strings on the right side.
To finish the left side of the triangles, take the second string and tie a backward-forward knot onto the first string. Then take the third string and tie a backward-forward knot onto the first and second strings combined. Continue taking the next string and knotting it onto all the strings before that until you run out of strings on the left side.
Finishing the right side of the triangles:
To finish the right side of the triangles, take the second string and tie a forward-backward knot onto the first string. Then take the third string and tie a forward-backward knot onto the first and second strings combined. Continue taking the next string and knotting it onto all the strings before that until you run out of strings on the right side.
Step 15:
Finish your ties however you want, then trim the ends.
Teardrop loop
Difficulty: 3
About: I’m only going to write the start for this one because it doesn’t really have an end counterpart. It’s the same as a teardrop loop for normal patterns, but you line up all the strings at the start. This start usually works better with smaller alphas in my experience. I learned this from @mmmoments ‘s “Macrame Loop Tutorial for Alpha Patterns” but I did tweak a few things.
Ideal for: smaller alphas; bracelets; keychains
Pattern I’m using: #172384
About: I’m only going to write the start for this one because it doesn’t really have an end counterpart. It’s the same as a teardrop loop for normal patterns, but you line up all the strings at the start. This start usually works better with smaller alphas in my experience. I learned this from @mmmoments ‘s “Macrame Loop Tutorial for Alpha Patterns” but I did tweak a few things.
Ideal for: smaller alphas; bracelets; keychains
Pattern I’m using: #172384
Step 1:
Cut the number of strings you need (half the amount, double the length) and cut an extra long one for your loop. I need ten base strings, so I’ll cut four strings normal length and the fifth longer to make the loop.
Step 2:
Make your loop. Use less knots than you would normally, as making the area around the loop will make the loop part bigger.
Step 3:
Move the string you just made the loop with out of the way. Then take another base string and tie that around the other base strings, excluding the one you just put off to the side. If your last knot of the loop was a forward-backward knot, then your new strings will be tying forward-backward knots. Vice versa with backward-forward knots. Repeat on the other side.
Step 4:
On the right side:
Separate the last string. Then take the string you used to make the original loop and tie backward knots on all the strings except the last one. Separate the last two strings you tied together. Then take the next string after the loop string and tie backward knots on all the strings except the last three. Each time you tie a row, separate the last two strings you tied along with the rest of the separated strings.
On the left side:
Separate the last string. Then take the string you used to make the original loop and tie forwards knots on all the strings except the last one. Separate the last two strings you tied together. Then take the next string after the loop string and tie forwards knots on all the strings except the last three. Each time you tie a row, separate the last two strings you tied along with the rest of the separated strings.
Separate the last string. Then take the string you used to make the original loop and tie backward knots on all the strings except the last one. Separate the last two strings you tied together. Then take the next string after the loop string and tie backward knots on all the strings except the last three. Each time you tie a row, separate the last two strings you tied along with the rest of the separated strings.
On the left side:
Separate the last string. Then take the string you used to make the original loop and tie forwards knots on all the strings except the last one. Separate the last two strings you tied together. Then take the next string after the loop string and tie forwards knots on all the strings except the last three. Each time you tie a row, separate the last two strings you tied along with the rest of the separated strings.
Step 5:
Connect the two sides by tying the two middle strings together with any knot of your choice.
Step 6:
Now you can tie your alpha normally until you reach the end. If you need an odd number of strings, tie over both middle strings as one and cut one after a few rows.
Step 7:
Finish your alpha however you want, then trim the ends. I finished with a single triangle and twisted ties.
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and found it helpful! If you have any questions, leave a comment down below or message me. Happy knotting! 🧶 🎉
