Online Macrame Instructions

Hemp twine is often used in macrame due to it being easy to knot with, as well as durability.

Online macrame instructions have made it easy for beginners, intermediate and advanced crafters alike to learn knots and patterns for macrame jewelry. There are a number of common knots that form the foundation of macrame and can be used to make very elaborate patterns.

Things You'll Need

• 20 lb. spool of hemp twine
• Scissors
• Masking tape
• Measuring tape

Instructions

Double Half Hitch Knot

1. Cut three 4 foot strands of hemp. Fold two of the strands together and tape them down to your working surface.

2. Tape the third strand down separately.

3. Take the third strand and pull it horizontally across the first two.

4. Wrap the first strand around the horizontal cord twice and pull it tight. This is a double half hitch knot. Repeat the process with the other cords to make a small pattern across the two folded strands (four loose strands in total). You can pull the third cord in any direction and knot double half hitches on it to make many different patterns.

Square Knot

1. Cut two 4 foot strands of hemp. Fold one strand in half and tape it down to the working surface.

2. Pull the other strand under the taped down strand. Bring both ends of this cord together and pull up until the middle touches the middle strands.

3. Take the right strand over top of the middle strands.

4. Pull the left strand over top of the right strand. This will form a backwards figure four.

5. Pull the left strand under the middle strands, and through the hole made by the right strand. Repeat this process starting with the left strand. This is a full square knot.

Lark's Head Knot

1. Cut two 3 foot lengths of hemp. Fold one strand in half and tape it horizontally on your working surface.

2. Fold the other strand in half.

3. Bring the folded end behind the horizontal strand and pull it up 1/2 inch.

4. Feed the ends of that cord through the loop made and pull tight.

5. Pull the end of the strand down. This is a knot used to mount cords at the beginning of macrame projects. This can be done with any number of hemp cords across the horizontal strand.

Tips & Warnings

• Knots can be combined to make a number of different patterns--experimentation is key.

• The double half hitch knot is a staple in macrame designs, although the square knot also gets a fair amount of use.

References

• Elaine Craft: Double Half Hitch