Macrame ("MAC ruh may") is the art of tying the rope to form knots to create a useful or decorative shape. This manual art, very popular in the 1970s in the USA, is now being revived in the form of jute jewelry or knotted bags. To work on Macrame follow these steps.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare the Base
Step 1. Find an object to use as a support
Usually this will be a ring or a horizontal bar. Although the macrame is made to stay permanently on its holder, it is a good idea to practice using a pencil.
Step 2. Put a loop of string over your stand
Step 3. Fold the ring on top of the holder
Step 4. Thread the ends of the string through the loop
Step 5. Pull gently to tighten the knot
Step 6. Gather the long ends of the string
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Starting about 12 inches from the attached end, wrap the string around your thumb.
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Cross the string across your palm and wrap it around your little finger.
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Repeat until you reach the end of the rope.
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Tie a knot or tie a rubber band around the "butterfly" created with the rope. While it's easy to add extra rope as you work, it won't get in your way.
Step 7. Make the macrame with the nodes described below
Method 2 of 3: Plane Knot
Step 1. Fold the right end of the string over the left end of the string
Step 2. Pass the left end up, over and through the loop formed by the right end of the string
Step 3. Tighten the knot
Make sure you pull both ends evenly to keep the knot centered.
Step 4. Fold the left end of the string over the right end of the string
Step 5. Pass the right end up, over and through the loop formed by the left end of the string
Step 6. Tighten the knot
Step 7. Repeat until you reach the desired length
Method 3 of 3: Donkey knot
Step 1. Follow the instructions to make a flat knot but without alternating ends
Always start knotting from the same side to produce a wrapped line of knots. See the images to compare the results.
Advice
- Choose a simple scheme for your first project. Items like keychains and bracelets are good projects for a beginner, while items like plant or owl holders are intermediate level. Bags, hammocks, or chairs are of advanced difficulty.
- Get macrame-specific cord for your first projects, and change the cord type only when you master the basic principles of the art of knotting.