How to Begin Macramé

Although every macramé project is different, the first steps are usually similar.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pushpins
• Thin Wood Dowels
• Beads
• Measuring Tapes
• Rubber bands
• Twine
• C-clamps
• Upholstery Pins
• Scissors
• macramé supplies
• Rulers
• Hemp
• Knotting Boards
• T-pins
• Cords

1. Refer to your macramé pattern to determine how many cords you need for your project and what length they need to be.

2. Estimate the number of cords needed if you choose not to work from a pattern. Figure out how many cords will cover a 1-inch-wide area; multiply that number by the width of the finished project (in inches); then divide by 2. Use that many cords for your project.

3. Estimate the length of the cords. Your cords should be approximately 8 to 10 times longer than the desired length of your finished work. The precise length needed will depend upon the tightness of your work and the number of knots.

4. Measure out your cord lengths with a yardstick, ruler or tape measure. Measure out one length and then use that to measure out the other lengths of cord.

5. Refer to "How to Anchor Macramé Cords" for instruction on how to set up your project so that the correct tension is achieved.

6. Mount your work onto a wooden dowel or support cord with lark's head knots. Each cord should be tied onto your support at the cord's halfway point. In this way, equal portions of the cord hang down from the support. Each half is considered a separate cord.

7. Find a comfortable spot in which to work and start your project.

Tips & Warnings

• Round up to the next highest whole number if your cord estimate leaves you with 1/2 of a cord to figure into the calculations.
• After you've completed a few projects, you'll be able to estimate your cord lengths and numbers without the aid of the calculations given above.
• To make a lark's head knot, fold the cord in half and place the loop made at the halfway point in front of your support dowel or cord. Take the loop behind and under the support dowel or cord. Place the two cord ends through the top of the loop and pull to tighten.