Hemp Macrame Instructions

Rough hemp is polished before being sold as hemp twine.

The art of knotting hemp, known as macrame, uses several different knots to create patterns. Knot patterns can be used to create jewelry, plant hangers, and clothing. Knots are repeated throughout the piece to make the patterns, and beads can be added for decoration.

Things You'll Need

• Spool of 20lb hemp twine
• Scissors
• Dowel
• T-pins
• Masking tape
• Measuring stick

Instructions

Mounting with Lark's Head Knot

1. Tape the dowel down on each end. Cut three 3 yard cords from the hemp twine.

2. Fold one 3 yard strand in half. Pull the folded half over the top of the dowel. Pull the loop behind the dowel.

3. Pull the loose ends of the cord through the loop that is behind the dowel. Pull the cord tight. This is referred to as a lark's head knot, and will hold your carrier strands in place.

4. Repeat step 2 and 3 with the other two 3 yard cords, placing them to the right and left of the first cord.

Half Hitch

1. Cut a 3 yard length of hemp twine from the spool. Secure this cord to the left of the carrier cords by looping it around the dowel, and putting the loose end of the cord through the hole. This is the knotting cord.

2. Pull the first carrier cord to the left. Loop the carrier around the knotting cord and pull it tight. Repeat the loop and tightening process to create a double half hitch.

3. Repeat step 2 with the other 5 carrier cords.

Diagonal Patterns

1. Push a T-pin into your working surface half an inch below the first row of half hitch knots. Pull your working cord into a diagonal angle and wrap it around the T-pin.

2. Knot a double half hitch, starting from the right most carrier cords.

3. Remove the T-pin after completing the diagonal row of knots. Place the T-pin on the other side of the carrier cords and do another set of diagonal double half hitch knots. This will create a wavy pattern in between the knot rows.

Overhand Knot

1. Finish your macrame project by bringing all cords together.

2. Loop the cords around two fingers, and then work the end through the hole it creates.

3. Cut off the loose ends.

4. Take the tape off of the dowel and slide the loops off of it. The knot should be able to fit through these loops. Pull gently at the loops to increase the size if they are not big enough.

Tips & Warnings

• A double half hitch can be used in straight rows or diagonals throughout the piece. You can combine the two styles for new patterns.

• Use additional T-pins to secure loose strands if the cords get tangled.

References

• Elaine Craft: Double Half Hitch