How to Make a Macrame Fastener
Projects made from decorative knotting patterns are referred to as macramé. Rope, cording and twine often are used to make knotted design patterns while implementing basic knots such as the square, half hitch and larks head. Totes or small purses designed with this art form generally require a fastener or closure. By making a decorative knot such as the “monkey fist” as well as incorporating a connection knot on the opposite end of the item such as a “slipknot,” a fastener is created.
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Instructions
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Making the Monkey Fist Knot
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1
Position your rope, cording or twine between your left hand’s index and middle finger. Make sure the left tail is behind your two fingers.
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2
Wrap the right tail end loosely around your two fingers three times. You will be wrapping towards your right. You will have a space between the three wraps and your fingers.
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3
Insert the right tail through the space towards your left and remove the wraps from your fingers. It will appear like wrapped coils.
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4
Wrap the right tail over the coils three times. Make sure you are holding the knot in your left hand. The coils made in step 2 will appear flattened. You also will have two slight openings at each opposite end of the flattened coil.
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5
Insert the right tail through the right side of the flattened coil opening and pull it through.
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6
Pass the tail around the knot and pass it through the left side of the flattened coil and pull it through as well. You will have to repeat this three times.
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7
Cross the right end tail over the left end tail. It will appear like a loose circle. Pass the left end through the circle opening and pull tightly. It will form a simple knot.
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8
Finish the monkey fist knot by cutting away the excess tails with your scissors. Tuck the simple knot into your monkey fist knot.
Making the Slipknot
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9
Make a knot with your rope by forming a loop and passing one end into the loop. Do not pull the end to close the knot. It is also important to leave a tail on each end of the knot, approximately 8 to 10 inches. This basic knot is referred to as an overhand knot. It is also the base knot for the slipknot.
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10
Form a loop with the right end tail and pass it through the loose knot.
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11
Pull the right tail end and begin to tighten the loose knot made in step 1 of this section.
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12
Adjust the loop to your desired size. Make sure that the monkey fist knot fits through the loop opening prior to tightening the knot.
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13
Pull both ends until the slipknot is tightened.
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14
Insert your monkey fist knot through the slipknot and tighten again to complete the macramé fastener.
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Tips & Warnings
The monkey fist knot also is used to finish the cord ends of knotted sections.
References
- Free Macramé Patterns: Monkey Fist Knot
- Free Macramé Patterns: Slipknot Knot
- Free Macramé Patterns: Overhand Knot
- “The Book of Ornamental Knots;” John Hensel; 1978
