How to Make a Macrame Necklace

Square knot necklace with shell

The art of macramé is fun for all ages. There are many knot types and craft projects that can be made with macramé, including rugs, place mats, belts, bookmarks, totes and jewelry. This is how to make a necklace using the basic macramé square knot method, which most people with a basic skill level can pick up.

Things You'll Need

• 3 lengths of cord each about 8 to 12 feet
• Thumbtack
• Scissors
• Super glue
• Pendant or decorations such as beads, shells or glass

Instructions

1. Cut the three lengths of cord. You can use cotton, wool, silk or hemp cord, synthetic cord such as nylon rayon or polypro, or leather cord.

2. 

   Bend the three cords in half and tie them in an overhand knot so that you create a loop at one end. You now have six strands to work with.

3. 

   Use the thumbtack to hold the end secure while you begin knotting if you wish. Pick one right-hand strand to start with and pass it over the core of cords and under one of the left-hand cords.

4. Pass the left-hand cord under the core of cords and up through the loop on the right, leaving a small loop on the left.

5. 

   Pull the right-hand cord up through the left loop and pull both cords to tighten around the core cords. This completes a knot.

6. 

   Repeat these steps to accumulate knots.

7. 

   Measure where you want to place your decoration or focal point of the necklace (usually halfway through the piece), and slide your bead, pendant or shell onto one or two of the core cords.

8. Continue knotting the square knots after this to complete the other length of necklace.

9. 

   Tie ends in a tight overhand knot when you reach your desired length. Snip off remaining lengths and dab a bit of super glue on the edges of the knot to hold it more securely.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you have mastered this, you can learn other knots such as the half and alternating half hitch, reverse double half hitch or the four-ply braid.