How to Use a Dowel

If you are taking on a big macrame project, the odds are you'll need a dowel to help your project keep its shape. Dowel rods serve macrame by providing an anchor to hang your project from while you work on it. Using the dowel, you can keep your work even. Some dowel rods also ultimately become a part of the project itself.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dowel (metal, wood or plastic) Cord (jute, hemp, cotton or other synthetic material)

1. Find a dowel that fits your needs. It will have to be at least a couple inches longer on both ends than your final project will be. Unless you are creating a heavy project, a dowel with a diameter less than 1 inch should suffice.

2. Hang or anchor your dowel. You must find a way to immobilize the dowel enough to create tension necessary for your macrame work.

3. Tie cords of your selected material onto the dowel using a lark's head knot. You may prefer a double half hitch, depending on the project.

4. Continue tying on knots consistent with the method you have chosen. Tie on all the knots that will go on the dowel.

5. Begin your macrame. You are through working with the dowel until you need to remove your project from the dowel upon its completion, if at all.

Tips & Warnings

• Anchor your dowel in a way that will keep it level -- this will make it easier for you to eyeball how even your project is on both ends.

References

• Karens Variety