Some of you may remember it from back in the day, while others may not know exactly what Smyrna is. Once you see the beautiful home decor you can create with Smyrna, you’ll want to get started right away with this knotting technique! Discover how the Smyrna technique works in the detailed video tutorial. And you can get started right away because we’re also sharing the Smyrna pattern for this wall hanging.
Smyrna is a knotting technique that originated in Asia. With Smyrna, you use a Smyrna Crochet Hook to knot short strands of thread into a canvas. You might also come across the term “latchhooking” online; this is the English term for Smyrna. It’s very easy and… like so many craft techniques, it’s addictive! Once you get the hang of the button, you just need to pay attention to which hole (in the canvas) you need to tie the thread into so that you stay on track with the pattern. 
Source: Pinterest (Latch hooking)
Smyrna Creations
With this technique, you can create beautiful home decor pieces with a fluffy look! Because you tie together many strands of thread, you get a very soft and cozy look. It’s perfect for a wall hanging or Cushion, but you can also use Smyrna to make larger projects, such as a rug (!).
Explanation of Smyrna
Video tutorial: Smyrna
. Monique explains step by step how the Smyrna technique works. She also shows you how to make this beautiful shape and tie a wall hanging!
Tools & Supplies for Smyrna
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Smyrna Yarns: Durable Latch Hook Yarn:
To ensure that the threads stay nice and upright in the canvas, it’s important to use yarn that’s a bit thicker, such as 100% Wool or a blend of Acrylic and Cotton. You can cut the yarn into lengths of about 6 cm (depending on the effect you want) and then use those pieces to tie buttons. Much easier is Durable’s “Latch Hook Yarn”! These are cups containing 340 individual 6-cm strands. These cups were developed specifically for Smyrna. The strands are a blend of 50% Cotton and 50% polyacrylic. For a surface area of 1 m², you’ll need about 85 cups. You can choose from 21 beautiful colors. -
Smyrna cloth (50 × 50 cm)
The fabric on which you tie the threads is called a Smyrna canvas. This is a sturdy grid pattern with holes (mesh). The canvas with 13 mesh per 10 cm is perfect for use with Durable Latch Hook Yarn. -
Smyrna Crochet Hook
To make buttons in a grid, you use a special knotting needle—also known as a Smyrna needle! If you’re new to Smyrna, be sure to try out the Smyrna needle thoroughly first. Once you know how this needle works, you’ll find it gets easier and easier.
Step by step:
Place the thread under the Smyrna needle, then fold it in half around the needle. Make sure the thread is the same length on both sides.
Stitch the needle into the square of the canvas where the button should go. Make sure the tip of the needle extends beyond the canvas.
Then take the thread (which you had already threaded through the needle) and gently pull the needle back until the prong is pointing up.
Fold the thread past the prong of the Smyrna needle. Then pull the needle all the way back until the prong closes again.
Everyone has their own way of doing things and their own little tricks. Give it a try and see what works best for you!
Smyrna Wall Hanging Free Pattern
Our designer Monique has immersed herself in Smyrna and designed this charming wall hanging. The technique remains the same; the only difference is the pattern you create. It takes some effort to weave all these threads into the Smyrna fabric, so be sure to set aside plenty of time for this!
Dimensions: ± 33 cm W x 31 cm L (excluding fringes and straps), ± 33 cm W x 58 cm L
What do you need?
- 5 cups of Durable Latch Hook Yarn in colors 2137 Mint and 326 Ivory
- 2 cups of Durable Latch Hook Yarn, color 237 Fuchsia
- 1 cup of Durable Latch Hook Yarn in colors 204 Light Pink and 2181 Canary
- 1 ball of Durable Cosy Fine, color 2137 Mint
- 1 ball of Durable Cosy Fine, color 326 Ivory
- Smyrna Crochet Hook
- Smyrna cloth, 50 x 50 cm
The wall hanging is 60 squares wide and 56 rows long.
Cut the Smyrna cloth into 68 squares wide. Do not cut it to length yet. Do not start all the way at the top; be sure to leave at least 5 rows free. Fold over 4 squares on each side and tie the first 4 and last 4 buttons around the Smyrna cloth and the folded section. This will give you a neat but sturdy edge. Follow the pattern below to get started.
Once the pattern is completely finished, cut 50 cm strips from the Cosy Fine fabric in the color Mint. Fold the Smyrna cloth so that there is one row left open to button the Cosy Fine strips into. Button the last row into a double layer of fabric to give the wall hanging a neat finish. Then you can cut off the excess fabric.
Now we're going to finish the top of the wall hanging. Fold the top over and sew through it with a needle and thread to secure it.
Now attach the straps to the Smyrna fabric using Cosy Fine in Ivory: 6 single crochets (squares) wide and 26 rows; on the 27th row, crochet into the back loop again.
You'll make a total of 3 strips with 21 squares in between.
Book: “Smyrna, Buttons, and Latchhooking”
Looking for more tips and inspiration? In her book, *Smyrna, Knots, and Latchhooking*, by the well-known Julie Roberts, she explains step by step how these techniques work. With 18 different patterns for wall hangings, cushions, and rugs—each with its own unique shape and print—there’s plenty to choose from! The book includes full-size patterns, which is very handy!