Macrame Lattice Knots Instructions

Create a knotted lattice.

Today, macrame is often used for belts, necklaces and plant hangers, but historically, it was used to make wider objects including window coverings and edgings for tapestry. Many macrame artists create innovative works of art in this way. Once you master the basic knots, including overhand, lark's head and square knot, the creation of a lattice work of any width is within reach of most beginners, and you can create items such as window coverings, purses and attractive wall hangings.

Things You'll Need

• Rod or frame for mounting cords
• Hemp or other macrame cord
• Yardstick or tape measure
• Scissors
• Beads (optional)
• Macrame board to hold work (optional)
• T-pins (optional)

Instructions

1. 

   Cut the cord.

   Cut the cords the desired length for your project. The number of cords should be in multiples of four. A rough rule of thumb for cord length is four times the length of your finished project.

2. 

   Make a mounting knot.

   Mount the cords on your rod or frame. To make the most common mounting knot, or "lark's head knot," fold your cord in half. Take the folded end and lay it over the rod with the loop upward. Pass the cut ends of the cord under the rod and through the loop.

3. 

   A clipboard might be used to hold a macrame project.

   Facilitate your work, if you wish, by pinning mounted cords and the rod to a padded board or sturdy piece of cardboard with T-pins. Smaller projects can be clipped to a clipboard to keep knotting even.

4. 

   Work with four strands.

   Divide the cords into groups of four. For the first row of square knots, take the right cord "knotter," place it over the two center "carrier" cords and under the far left knotter. Take the left cord under the center two, through the loop made by the right cord. Pull taut. Next, take the left cord, place it over the center cords and under the right; then take the right cord under the center two and up through the left loop. Continue working square knots across being careful to keep each knot the same distance from the rod or frame.

5. 

   Create a lattice look with square knots.

   For the next row, set aside the first two strands, and work square knots with the next four cords, across. Leave the last two, "leftover" cords in the row loose as well, then repeat row one. Alternate these two rows until the work is the desired length.

6. 

   Make an overhand knot.

   Finish by tying overhand knots. Take two cords, form a loop and pull the ends through the loop and tighten.

Tips & Warnings

• Micro-macrame using fine thread and lattice designs is a popular way to make jewelry.

• Add decorative beads by threading onto the work, then tying a square knot to hold in place.

• When mounting your cords, you can also use a reverse lark's head knot, putting the loop under the rod and the cut ends over. Just be consistent.

• An alternative way to finish your work is to create tassels, bunching four cords together and wrapping with a separate short cord.

• The cord length needed for your project will vary according to the pattern used, tightness of knots, and type of cord. Be generous when cutting the cord.

References

• "Macrame for the Nineties" ; Lois Blazsanyik; 1993
• "The Macrame Book"; Helene Bress; 1972
• Olga's Macrame Hobby Site

Resources

• Olga's Macrame Hobby Site: How Do I Get Started?
• Olga's Macrame Hobby Site: Macrame Basic Knots