Macrame Jewelry Tutorial
When many people think of macrame, they think of the hanging plant holders and bead-eyed owls that were ubiquitous in suburban homes in the 1970s. But the art of macrame didn't die with disco and polyester pantsuits. Beaded hemp jewelry remains popular today, and it's made by tying knots, just like those plant holders and owls. Use inexpensive hemp twine and colorful wooden, glass or clay beads to create macrame necklaces for yourself and your friends.
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Instructions
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Measure around your neck and multiply the number of inches by 12. Cut two lengths of twine to this measurement.
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Fold one of the strands in half. Place the looped end behind a pencil and pull the two loose ends through. Tighten against the pencil. Do the same with the other strand. Scoot the two loops together so you have four strands hanging down side by side.
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Pull the string on the right over the two middle strands, called anchors, and under the string on the left.
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Pull the left string under the anchors and through the loop created by the string on the right. Continue in this pattern for two inches. Your knots will form a twisted spiral.
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Slip a bead onto the anchors and slide it up to meet the knots. Bring the outer strands down either side of the bead and continue to work in the pattern above for another 1 1/2 inches.
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Add a second bead and work for another 1 1/2 inches.
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Add a third bead and work for 1/2 inch. Try the necklace on to see if it comes to the center of your neck. If it doesn't, work for another inch and add another bead. Continue adding beads every 1 1/2 inches until the necklace reaches the halfway point.
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Slide the pendant onto the anchors. Wrap the two outside strings around like you did with the smaller beads.
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Continue adding beads every 1 1/2 inches to match the first half. End with 2 inches of knots.
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Pull the necklace off the pencil and put it around your neck to make sure it fits. Tie your four working strands into a large knot that will pull through the loop that was on the pencil. Make sure the knot is big enough to hold the necklace securely around your neck without slipping through the starting loop. Cut off any excess twine from the end of the knot, or leave it hanging between your shoulders.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit hemp grey string image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
