Macrame for Beginners

A picture of macrame

Macrame is an elaborately patterned, lacelike webbing made of hand-knotted cord, yarn, or the like, and used for wall decorations, hanging baskets, garments, and accessories.

Beginner

Beginners to macrame are crafters who have been working on macrame for under two years. The macramer will gain expertise quicker with practice.

Knots

There are four basic knots beginners should master: the half-hitch, half knot, square, and larks head. Some suggested projects for beginners using these knots are bracelets, placemats and basic plant hangers.

Cord

Macrame is created using twine, yarn, or specialty colored thread. Beginners should use cord or thread of different colors to help them distinguish between the various strings to be knotted.

Tools

All a beginner needs to start macrame is cord and their hands. Some macramers also use a mounting board to attach or anchor the project while working.

Resources

Beginning macrame artists can locate help through the Internet, the local library, and in craft stores.

References

• Dictionary: Macrame
• North Dakota State University: Macrame Knots and Projects
• University of Delaware Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources: Macrame Bracelet or Choker

Resources

• Michigan State University Extension: 4-H MACRAME GUIDELINES