Macrame is the art of tying cords into knots so that they form a useful or decorative shape.Make sure you have a good work space and choose the right materials for your project.Understand the basic knots of macrame.The reverse lark's head knot is the most common way to start a project.There are half knots and square knots that are useful in scarves and wall hangings.You will be able to jazz up your projects with beading once you master the square knot.Diagonal half hitch knots can be used to add different patterns.
Step 1: The type of cord you need to use depends on the project.
There are many types of cords.You can use cotton rope, yarn, twine, leather, or anything else that comes in a strand.If you are making jewelry, leather is great.If you want to make a scarf or blanket, you can use cotton rope and yarn.
Step 2: Pick up sewing pins.
You might need pins to hold your knotting material out of the way.Sewing pins can be used for this.thumbtacks can also be used.
Step 3: A project board can be used to create a project.
This doesn't have to be fancy but soft enough to push pins through.You can glue a garden kneeling pad or an old foam sleeping pad to a clipboard.You can use either wood or foam.
Step 4: You can choose an anchor.
The anchor is the piece of metal, wood or plastic that you attach your knotting material to.You can use it to build your project at the top of your board.Depending on the project, your anchors will vary.The best way to make jewelry is with a key chain.A rod will work well for larger projects.
Step 5: Place your cord in a half.
It is important to make sure that your fold is half.If the rest of the cord is even, it might affect your project.
Step 6: The loop should be under the anchor.
Place the loop formed by folding the cord in half under the rod.The loop should be in the center of the ring if you are using it.
Step 7: Pull the loop up to the cords.
The loop can be pulled over the edge of the ring.You can grasp both halves of the cord by sticking your finger through the loop.Pull them out of the loop.The pretzel shape should be made of the loop and cords.
Step 8: To make the knot tight, pull down the cord.
The rod, dowel, or ring should be held with one hand.Pull down the 2 halves of the cord with the other.As you do, the loop will move up, pulling the knot tight.
Step 9: Use multiple cords for new projects.
Most macramé projects will require at least 2 sets of knotting cords.To start any project, you need to tie 2 reverse lark's head knots with 2 pieces of macrame cord on the same anchor.
Step 10: Next to your anchor is a reverse larks head.
Near the middle of the anchor is where you should tie it.
Step 11: There are two types of cords, knotting cords and knot bearing cords.
You will have 2 cords hanging down if you tie your reverse lark's head knot.The knotting cord is what you'll use to make the knot.The knot-bearing cord is what you'll be folding to make the knot.
Step 12: The knot-bearing cord should be folded over the right knotting cord.
Start near the top of the cords.Place the right knotting cord over the middle knot-bearing cords.Put it under the left knotting cord.
Step 13: Under the knot bearing cord, fold the left knotting cord.
You began with the right knotting cord.Under the knot-bearing cords, pull the left knotting chord to the right.Put it over the right knotting cord.Pull the cords until the knot is tight.
Step 14: Continue making half knots for a spiral design.
A spiral will occur in the cord as you tie more and more knots.The amount of knots it takes to create a swirl in the spiral depends on how thick your cord is.If you like the number of swirls you have, tie off the cord.
Step 15: A second half knot from the opposite direction is needed to create a square knot.
Start on the opposite side of your cords after you have created the first half knot.Pull the left knotting cord over the knot-bearing cords in the middle and tuck it under the right cord.Pull the right knotting cord under the knot-bearing cords.To tighten the knot, pull the cord.
Step 16: The reverse larks head knot is used to tie off 8 cords.
Make sure the cord is snug against the one next to the rod.
Step 17: The cords are divided into sets of 4.
Each strand will make a square knot.It is fine if you have tied more than 8 cords to your rod.You don't need a lot of cords to divide by 4 evenly.
Step 18: Attach each set of cords to a square knot.
If you follow the process outlined in step 6 of method 3, you can make 1 square knot for every set of cords.If you want your square knots to be even horizontally, you should begin them at the same distance as the rod or dowel.
Step 19: The next row of square knots needs space.
The location of your next row of square knots is up to you.Great for blankets or scarves, if you want a tighter pattern.Right below the first, begin the next row.Drop 1 in ( 2.5 cm) if you want a more open pattern.
Step 20: Leave cords on either end.
Ieave 2 cords on either end of the rod or dowel for your next row of square knots.Divide the number of cords by four.You will get square knots in the next row.
Step 21: Each set of cords should have 1 square knot on it.
Each square knot should be the same distance from the knot above it.This makes your pattern look the same.
Step 22: When you run out of cords, leave 2 cords loose on either end.
When you can't divide your cords evenly into 4 anymore, start the process over with all the strands you started with.You can repeat the pattern as far down as you want.
Step 23: 4 cords are tied with reverse lark's head knots.
1 knotting cord and 7 knot-bearing cords are required for the diagonal half hitch.To get the 8 cords you need, you will need to tie 4 cords with reverse lark's head knots.They should be tied very close to each other.
Step 24: The location of your knotting cord should be determined.
You can start from either the left or right side.The very left outside cord is your knotting cord if you start on the left.The very right outside cord is your knotting cord and the others are the knot-bearing cords if you begin on the right.
Step 25: The knotting cord should be pinned to the left of the knotbearing cords.
A small pin is the best for this.The pin should be placed on the project board near the anchor and left of the cords.Pull the knotting cord out and around the pin, then cross it over with knot-bearing cords at a diagonal angle.The end of the knotting cord needs to be secured with another pin, which is about 2.5 cm down from where your first pin is.To get a more dramatic diagonal angle, pin the end of the knotting cord further down.
Step 26: The first loop should be made with a knotting cord.
The first knot-bearing cord should be looped over the knotting cord.The knotting cord needs to be pulled back under itself.The knotting cord should be looped back over the first knot-bearing cord.The first time it was knotted, pull the cord through the loop.
Step 27: Each knotting cord should be repeated with the same regularity.
Move the next knot-bearing cord to the right if you have looped the same knot twice.Pull the knotting cord through the hole created by the first loop if you loop it twice.Make the cords secure by pulling them tight.Continue until you reach the end of the diagonal.
Step 28: A zigzag is made by tying another diagonal half hitch.
If you tie a diagonal half hitch in the opposite direction, you can make a zigzag pattern.If you started on the left, go right this time.The knot-tying cord is the right outside cord.If you keep repeating the diagonal half hitch from the same side, you can get a diagonal design with the knots close together.
Step 29: If you want to start, you need to tie a square knot.
You need at least one square knot above your bead to secure it.You should tie a square knot.You can tie more than one above your bead, but you have to have at least one.If you incorporate the bead into a project that doesn't use square knots, that's fine.Make sure there is a knot above where your bead will go.
Step 30: The cords are going through the bead.
The center cords are used to create a square knot.The bead should be snug against the square knot when you slide it up.
Step 31: A square knot is used to tie your bead.
Once the bead is snug against the square knot above it, tie it underneath using the knotting cords.The square knot should be snug against the bead.
Step 32: You can repeat as many beads you want.
You can either create a pattern of so many square knots, followed by a bead, or you can just use one bead to finish the project.