Macrame is a beautiful art that creates textiles from hand-tied knots and loops. Although it may seem complicated, getting started with macrame is actually very easy, and once you learn a few basic knots you can create hundreds of projects.
Macrame can be used to create practical items such as handbags, plant hangers, and lanyards, as well as purely decorative projects such as wall hangings, jewelry, and table runners. You can also make your own Christmas stockings.
Related: Simple Macrame Handbag Tutorial, Macrame Camera Strap Tutorial, Simple Macrame Table Runner, Macrame Christmas Stocking, Macrame Room Divider, Macrame Thread Garland, Make Your Own Macrame Bracelets, Macrame Curtains, Macrame Plant Hanger
What is macrame?
Macrame is a craft technique that uses rope, thread, string, or cord to create a series of knots or loops to create texture. Secure the top of your project to a mounting ring or tie it to a stick or dowel, then create your pattern with handmade knots.
The hobby of macrame is often done in combination with other craft means such as weaving or knitting, but pure macrame is one in which the complete piece is made with hand-made knots.
What is the history of macrame?
Macrame can be traced back to the ancient Persians and Babylonians, who used macrame-like knots in their crafts for centuries BC.
More modern macrame was brought west from Arabian countries, primarily in the 13th century, where knots were used to tie the ends of rugs, shawls, or other fringed items. By the 17th century, women in waiting for Queen Mary II were using the technique, and the pastime had spread throughout England.
Sailors began using macrame knots to pass the time on board, even replacing products such as belts and hammocks once they reached shore, which also helped spread the craft to Europe. Macrame remained popular through the 17th and 18th centuries, until the industrial revolution brought the sewing machine to the scene, after which the technique fell out of favor and returned in popularity as part of the handmade movement in the 1960s and 70s.
The word “macramé” may be derived from the Arabic “migrama”, meaning decorative fringe, or from the Turkish “macrame”, which refers to a towel or napkin.
Is macrame easy or difficult to learn?
Good news! Although it may seem complicated, macrame is actually very easy to learn and is a lot like making friendship bracelets if you remember doing it as a child.
There are some basic tying techniques that we teach. Once you understand them, you’ll be able to create almost any macrame project.
How long does it take to complete a macrame project?
The time needed to complete a macrame project depends largely on your skill level (first-time macrame projects will take longer, while experts tie knots faster), materials, size, and complexity of the project. it’s different.
Small, simple projects can definitely be completed in a quick afternoon, but larger wall hangings may take several hours over several days.
What kind of string do you use for macrame knitting?
There are several types of macrame cords you can use for your macrame projects.
- rope: Twisted strands of cotton cord rope give your macrame project durability and create a defined, thick knot that is difficult to unravel. The most common types are twisted 3-ply rope and 6-ply braided rope for macrame, which are available in a variety of rope thicknesses for larger projects.
- string: String is a very finely twisted strand compared to rope, giving it a smaller, softer appearance. The knots are also much smaller, making them suitable for smaller, more delicate projects.
- thread: Yarn is often used for knitting, but it can also be used for macrame. Wool, acrylic, and linen are common bases for yarn, and this option offers the greatest range of colors.
- Wax code: Waxed cord has a smaller diameter than rope and is coated with beeswax to make the cord waterproof. The wax strengthens the cord, making the knot stronger.
How much macrame code do I need for my project?
When measuring the amount of cord needed for your macrame project, you should determine the approximate length of your finished project and cut the cord four times that length.
If your project requires folding the cord in half, you will need to cut the cord to 8 times its finished length.
What tools do you need for macrame?
To create a macrame project, you will need the following items:
- macrame cord
- scissors
- measuring tape
- stick/rod or mounting ring (metal hoop) for hanging projects
- Decorative wooden beads or other beads (optional)
Tip: Use masking tape to wrap around the thread or rope before cutting the cord when working with thread or rope. This will prevent the ends of the cord from unraveling while you work.
5 Basic macrame knots
There are more than five knots you can use in macrame, but once you practice these five easy knots, you’ll have plenty of projects you can tackle right away.
1. Lark’s Head (aka cowhitch knot)
Tying a lark head knot is so easy! Fold the string in half and place half the loop behind the hanging rod.
Pull the two string tails through the top loop.
2. Square knot
Tie two larkhead knots side by side on the rod. Use only the outer left and right edge strands for this knot, leaving the two middle strands alone.
Bring the strand all the way to the left, cross over the middle two strands, and move all the way to the right behind the strands. It looks like the number “4”.
Now place the right strand on top of the strand that came from the left and move it behind the middle two strands coming out from where you drilled the “4” hole in the previous step. Pull the knot firmly all the way to the top.
Next, repeat the process in the opposite direction by selecting the right strand and creating an inverted “4” that goes above the two middle strands and below the left strand.
Place the left strand on top of the strand that just came from the right, go behind the middle strand, and exit again through where the backward-facing “4” hole was created.
Pull the strand tightly and you will see a square knot.
3. Spiral knot
Spiral knots are basically the same as square knots, except that the “4” shape is continued in one direction to create a spiral.
Tie two larkhead knots side by side on the rod and continue making the first knot as you would a square knot.
Instead of reversing direction to complete the square knot, keep making the same knot over and over, pulling each knot tightly to the top.
As you tie more knots, you’ll see a spiral pattern begin to appear.
4. Berry knot
Start by tying a square knot, but when you tie the knot at the top, leave a little space above the knot so you can thread the tail through that hole later.
Tie two more square knots so you have three square knots in a row.
Take the tail of the cord and push the entire cord into the small hole in the center that you left above the first square knot.
When you pull the cord all the way, you’ll see that the square knot forms a ball-like berry shape.
5. Double Half Hitch Knot (DHH)
This knot is often used to create lines in your work. It’s a good idea to start with at least four larkhead knots in a row. The leftmost cord is the working cord, and the next three cords are the holding cords.
Using the left cord, wrap it around the first retention cord so that the loop is facing down and the loop knot is facing up.
Tighten the loop all the way to the top.
Repeat this action to tie two loops at the top of the cord.
Take your working cord and begin tying the loops of the second retaining cord in a row, tying the two loops together at the top of that cord.
Tie the two loops with the working cord again to the third holding cord and let the working cord hang down (this should be the fourth cord near the center of the project).
Then, using the outermost cord on the right side as your working cord, tie two loops around each of the next three hanging cords and repeat the process in reverse on the other side.
You should now have both working codes in place halfway through.
Next, use the left working cord to tie a loop around the right working cord and tie the final double half-hitch knot.
Avoid these common macrame mistakes.
- If the cord is cut too short: Don’t just look at the code, make sure it’s at least four times the length of the finished project so you don’t run out of code. There’s nothing worse than suddenly running out of code before you finish your work.
- If you tie the knot too tightly, This is a similar phenomenon with friendship bracelets: if you pull the knot too tightly, the knot will appear distorted and the project will begin to twist and curl. Make sure to pull the knots just snug, not too tight, and tie all knots with equal strength. Once you start the project, you’ll know if the knot is too tight if the project curls, and you can start over without pulling the knot too much.
- Not practicing/giving up: As with any new skill, it takes time to confidently tackle more difficult and larger projects. Therefore, even if you get the hang of it, don’t give up and keep practicing.
Do you like making things? Try these weaving projects!
Source: A Beautiful Mess – abeautifulmess.com
