Macrame

Macrame is an old craft that has been around for many years.  I remember seeing macrame items in the 1960s and learned to do it myself in the 1970s and 1980s.  It lost its popularity during the 1990s but is making a comeback in popularity.  It is easy to learn and fun.  Just learn to tie a few knots and you can make all types of items.  There are books available to purchase or check your library.  There are also web sites that teach you how to tie the knots. 

Matthew and I are learning and going to make some items that we can sell and use around the house.  As we finish we will post the items and instructions.

The tools you need are scissors, a measuring tape, small rings for hanging items, hoops to use in some items, beads, driftwood or dowels, a brush or comb, and of course macrame cord.

Cord comes in single-strand, and twisted cord in 3-ply, or 4-ply.  Different cords will give different looks.  Smaller cords will give a smaller and tighter knot where larger cords will make larger knots.  Cotton cords come in many colors.  For wall hangings you could even use yarn for crocheting or knitting.

When working on projects, hanging them makes work much easier and helps keep cords from tangling.  A clothing rack makes a great hanging stand.  Use “S” hooks to hang items while working on them.

The most tedious part and most important to be accurate is cutting the cord.  Some projects may require cords to be cut several feet or yards.  This is the most time-consuming part for me.  You need to measure carefully so you don’t run out of cord.  This is where your tape measure comes in.  A flexible one like you use for sewing is the best kind but you can use any type.  You will definitely want sharp scissors to cut cord.  A good idea is to have more than one pair so you always have a sharp pair to work with.

You’ll likely make mistakes when you first try tying macrame knots. And sometimes, you may end up with a messy pile of knotted yarn that you’ll have to work hard to untangle.  You may be tempted to throw the towel in at times like these. But don’t do that! Persevere until you get it right. Eventually, you’ll be able to tie any of these knots with ease.

Common terms in Macrame

• Working cords – the outside cords that are used to tie the knots.
• Filler cords – the inside cords that knots are tied around.
• Unravel – untwisting cords.
• Sinnet – a series of repeating the same type of knot.

Here are just a few items you can make with Macrame

• Wall Hangings
• Plant Hangers
• Napkin Holders
• Jewelry
• Coasters
• Cat beds
• Pet collars

Common Knots and abbreviations

• Larks head knot LHK
• Reverse larks head knot RLHK
• Vertical Lark’s Head Knot
• Half knot HK
• Right-facing half knot RHK
• Left-facing half knot LHK
• Double half hitch knot DHHK also known as a clove hitch
• Diagonal double half hitch knot DDHHK
• Half hitch knot HHK
• Gathering knot GK also known as a wrap knot
• Square Knot
• Half square knot also known as spiral knot
• Alternating Square Knot
• Berry Knot
• Barrel Knot
• Overhand Knot
• Constrictor Knot

Macrame is fun and I encourage you to try it.