Styles of Macrame Bracelets
Macrame bracelets are made of cord or twine tied into a series of specific kinds of knots. Although each knot is simple on its own, their effect in a series creates an elaborate and elegant appearance. Macrame originated during the 13th century to make shawls and other necessary household items. These days, however, it is often used to create purely decorative items such jewelry.
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Reef Knot Bracelets
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The most common knot in macrame is the reef knot, which is also known as the rectangular or square knot. Bracelets made from reef knots can consist of twine or cord along, or may include decorative elements such as beads. Most reef knot bracelets consist of four strands of twine. Beaders use the two outer strands to form knots around the two inner strands, which serve to provide strength and thickness to the bracelet. When beads are desired, beaders string them on both inner stands and knot around them. A macrame bracelet made completely of reef knots will lie flat against the wrist.
Twisted Macrame Bracelets
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To produce a macrame bracelet that steadily twists around rather than lying flat, beaders use a half-knot. The standard reef knot consists of a right-over-left, and then a left-over-right configuration; a half knot consists of doing right-over-left or left-over-right only. The resulting spiral is obvious after tying a few half-knots in succession. As with reef knots, beads can be included by stringing them on the inner strands.
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Micro-macrame Bracelets
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One of the newest trends in macrame bracelets is the use of micro-macrame. These bracelets are made out of much thinner cord or twine and typically consist of twelve or sixteen strands which are knotted in various patterns to produce flat or spiraling sections. Micro-macrame cord should have a diameter of two millimeters or less. Beads incorporated into micro-macrame are usually seed beads in sized six, eight or 11.
Snake Knot Bracelets
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Beaders who want a very sleek and thin macrame bracelet can use two lengths of twine instead of four and work snake knots. These knots are a standard half-hitch worked first on one side and then on the other. Beaders can include beads in snake knot bracelets as well, but they will not be centered as in the other techniques; each bead will sit on either the left or right side of the line of snake knots.
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