How to Do Macrame

Macramé is a craft that involves knotting and weaving cords to make wall hangings, plant hangers, jewelry and even chairs. The art of macramé originated in the Middle East in the 13th century and then spread to Europe when the Moors invaded Spain. Although macramé is sometimes associated with kitschy owl wall hangings circa 1975, new trends in beads and colors have modernized the craft.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Cord
• Dowel

Getting Started

1. Learn how to tie the basic knots. The knots most commonly used in macramé are the half knot, the square knot and the double half hitch knot. You can create dozens of original designs based on these knots.
2. Purchase macramé cord four times the length you desire your finished piece to be. You must purchase additional cord if you are working with thick cord, as thick cord forms larger knots than thin cords.
3. Create a half knot with four cords. Weave the right cord over the two middle cords and under the left cord. Bring the left cord under the two middle cords and through the loop formed by the right cord. Repeat to form spirals.
4. Tie square knots by reversing the half knot. Begin with a finished half knot, and bring the right cord behind the two middle cords and over the left cord. Bring the left cord over the middle cords and through the right hand loop. Repeat to form a sennit of square knots.

The Double Half Hitch Knot

5. Fold three cords in half. Place the center loop of each over a dowel or holding cord. Pull the free ends through the loop and tighten.
6. Attach a fourth cord, called the knot-bearer, to the left of the three cords. Fasten the knot-bearer with a simple overhand knot, as you would use to tie a shoe.
7. Draw the knot-bearer across the tops of the other cords and take up the slack with your right hand. Bring the first free-hanging cord to the left under and over the knot-bearer, linking them together.
8. Hold the knot-bearer in a horizontal position and tighten. Repeat with subsequent cords until all cords contain knots.
9. Form double half hitch knots working from right to left, using the same cord as a knot-bearer. Adjust the angle of the knot-bearer if you want diagonal lines in your work.

Tips & Warnings

• Customize your work by adding beads to your knots as you go along. Add beads at regularly scheduled intervals, or at random.
• Leave enough cord to tie off your work and add decorative fringing.