Macrame Lovers Blog

Macrame Increases Fine Motor Skills and Dexterity

by Macrame

TRIVIA: Tying knots helps to increase your fine motor skills and bilateral dexterity. It is a perfect exercise for those with joint and muscle pain in their hands and fingers.

Macrame is a great craft to pursue because it is a good form of exercise for the fingers and the wrist. Your joints will remain loose and strong when you put them through the motions of tying macrame knots.

As well, Macrame is great for distressing and relaxing at the end of the day. You will start to feel relaxed and satisfied after tying a few knots and this leads to feelings of satisfaction when you see the results of your handiwork.

If you know someone that suffers from joint pain, why don’t you try sharing a simple knot tying project with them to see if they experience any relief from the pain in their hands? Sometimes keeping the hands and fingers active can really help. So get out there and share your love of macrame with someone who could use a little bit of hand exercise!

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Macrame Cord: Linen

by Macrame

This Irish linen cord is waxed for stiffness

Linen cording comes in a wide variety of colors and weights which makes it very desirable for many knotting patterns. Linen has the strength and diversity that many other types of cording don’t have, making it great for Macrame projects that need to be strong and durable. Linen cording is often used in Macrame wall hangings and looks great when combined with other types of cording, such as cotton and silk. The one thing that you need to keep in mind is that linen cording will fray easily so you’ll have to be very sure to finish off the ends of your project carefully.

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Macrame Inspiration: Sunglasses

by Macrame

Sunglasses? Yes, actually! Thought I’d post this delicious creation from Claude Bossett based in Austria. It appears this very unique artist has created these macrame sunglasses, and is currently investigating if there is a market for this high end type of luxury item. I’ll be keeping an eye on this site to see where they go with this. Very interesting indeed. You just never know how macrame is going to pop up in another form? You can check out more of this designer’s work at:

http://www.bossett.com

Luxury fashion: macrame sunglasses

Macrame Sunglasses: front view

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Macrame Patterns: Macrame Bag

by Macrame

Macrame tote by Elvis Klaye

With summer upon us, I thought everyone might want to consider a making themselves a macrame purse or tote. This one’s roomy enough to toss in a swimsuit, a good book and a bottle of water. Isn’t that the ultimate recipe for summer fun? One of our readers, Elvis from Ghana sent us several great photos of some macrame bags, and so I thought it would be great to feature a pattern to along with the image so others can create their own macrame bag. In the photo, a second color was used to give it some pizazz, but the pattern below is just one color. Of course feel free to put your own creative twist into it like Elvis did.

Market Tote

Finished size: 13 1/2 x 10″ (plus handles)

Materials Needed:

104 yds. 6mm or 7mm polypropylene cord
Pins
Project board

Preparation: Cut 36 cords, 2 ¼ yds. long, 4 cords 2 ½ yds. long, 4 cords

3 ¼ yds. long.

Tote Handles

Tip: you could easily adapt to use wood or plastic handles if you prefer.

1. Pin the centers of 2 of the 2 ½ yd. cords side by

side on board, with 2 ends going up over top of board and

2 ends hanging down. Pin the centers of two 3 ¼ yd. cords

on each side o1 the 21/2-yd. cords — you will have 4 cords

with the short ones in the middle. Tie a sinnet of 9 Square

Knots with these 4 cords, starting in the center. Turn cords around and tie 9 Square Knots in the other direction. Remove from project board.

2. Repeat step 2 with the other 2 ½ yd. and 3 ¼ yd cords.

3. Fold 2 of the 2 ¼ yd. cords in half and pin side by side on

board. Pin at centers, all ends hanging down—giving you

4 working cords. With these, tie a Square Knot. Bring the

Square Knot up close to the pins so no loops will be above

pins. Do this 11 more times, using 22 more cords. You will

have 12 Square Knot sections in all. Put them aside.

4. Pin one of the handles on the board, in an arc, with the last

Square Knots on each end about 5 inches apart.

Body of Tote-Front Side

5. Fold a 2 ¼ yd. cord in half (making 2 working cords)

and pin it to the right of the left end of handle. Tie a Square

Knot with these and the 2 right cords from (left end of)

handle. Bring knot up close to pin so no loops will be

above the knot. Pin another cord beside this Square Knot

(making 2 working cords) and tie an alternating Square

Knot (see knotting section), using the 4 outside cords (2

from previous knot plus the new cords). Repeat this again,

adding on one more cord. You will have added on 3 cords

and tied 3 Square Knots (2 of them alternating Square

Knots) to the inside of handle.

6. Repeat step 6, adding 3 cords to the left side of the right

end of handle, working toward the knots tied in step 6.

7. Tie the right and left side together by tying a Square Knot

with the 4 center cords. You will now have a “V” shape.

8. Pin one of the Square Knot sections tied in step 4 to the

left of the handle. Tie together with an alternating Square

Knot, using the 2 left cords from handle and 2 right cords

from the Square Knot. Pin another section to the left of the

one you just added and tie an alternating Square Knot. Do

the same with one more section.

9. Repeat step 9 on the right side.

10. Number cords, from left to right, 1-22.

Tie a Square Knot with cords 5-8, 9-12,13-16.
Next row: cords 7-10,11-14,15-18.
Next row: cords 9-12, 13-16, 17-20.

11. Repeat step 11 on the right side, numbering from right to left.

Body of Tote-Back Side

12. Repeat steps 5-12 for other side (back) of tote.

13. Hold the front and back sides together (with insides facing each other)

between your knees, and then tie a Square Knot with the two end

cords from front and the two end cords from back. Under this

knot, tie 2 alternating Square Knots. On the next row, tie 3

alternating Square Knots. Final row, tie 4 alternating

Square Knots. You will have filled in one edge of tote

with Square Knots.

14. Repeat step 14 on the other side. You now have a

complete row of Square Knots around the tote.

15. Tote will now be worked as a tube. Tie 13 rows of

alternating Square Knots.

16. Turn tote wrong side out and place between your knees,

with the bottom side up. Check that front and back sides are

aligned. Starting with the farthest 6 cords, tie 2 Square

Knots, using 4 filler cords. Use the next 2 cords from each

side (4 total) and tie a tight Square Knot, using one cord

from each side as a filler and one from each side as a tying

cord. Continue this way across bottom until 6 cords are

left. With these 6 cords, tie 2 Square Knots using 4 filler

cords.

17. If using polypropylene or polyolefin cord, cut cords

leaving about ½ “. Pick up 2 cords, side by side, heat

ends and fuse together, or glue each bottom knot with a clear glue, cutting ends when it has had enough time to dry.

18. If you would like a lining, go ahead and turn the tote inside out and add lining.

Tip: For a modern edge to your tote, why not add a pop of color with a brightly colored or funky pattern lining.

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Macrame Patterns: Dog Collar

by Macrame

This simple pattern uses alternating square knots to create a bi-colored collar for your dog. The collar fits a medium sized dog. For a smaller or larger dog simply reduce or increase the length of cording used.

Supplies Needed for this project:

1. two 4-yard lengths of natural hemp, 1mm size

2. two 4-yard lengths of forest green hemp (or color of choice), 1mm size.

Directions:

1. Fold one natural strand in half.

2. Hold the remaining strands together and tie around the first in a half knot ¾ inches from the fold.

3. Slip the knot into a ring to secure the strands.

4. Arrange the cording strands from left to right: green, natural, green, natural, natural, green, natural, green.

5. Tie alternating square knots for 12 inches.

6. Finish off the collar with an overhand knot.

7. Trim the ends to 1 inch and slip the collar off the ring.

To clasp the collar:

Slip the end knot through the beginning loop.

Note that beads are not advised for pet projects as they could become a chocking hazard.

Happy knotting!

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Gorgeous Macrame Necklace Anyone Can Make

by Macrame

Macrame Necklace

This wonderful macrame necklace comes to us from PS I Made This DIY Designer Maven Erika Domesek. Erica was inspired to create this gorgeous, summery macrame necklace piece by Chanel’s SS10 Collection, which is filled with delicate, lacy macrame accents. What’s great about this necklace is that pretty much anyone can create it. It doesn’t take much time to put it together, and the results are stunning. As you know, macrame is showing up everywhere in fashion lately, and this wonderful DIY necklace is going to be your perfect accessory for summer. If you are a beginner and just starting out in learning how to macrame, I think this is an excellent project you can make in about an hour. And it has a very designer look to it when done right. I think this would look gorgeous in black as well. Give it a try!

Gorgeous Macrame Necklace anyone can do!

Supplies You’ll Need to Make this Macrame Necklace:

String or lightweight rope (choose something that isn’t too flimsy as you’ll want the loosely tied knots to hold their shape a bit).
Chain with some substance to it
Couple of wood beads
Scissors

1. Start by holding your palm towards you and make a loop around your thumb.

2. Then weave the rope through your fingers over and under in a loose pattern as shown, going back and forth until you’ve created two rows on each finger.

3. Now remove the bottom string over the top of each finger, until you have just one row left.

4. Continue weaving over and under, always creating 2 rows of rope and pulling the bottom rope over the top.

5. After you are satisfied with your woven design, carefully remove from fingers, loop the strand through all finger holes.

6. Add beads and chain.

TIP: This make take a few tries to get the weave you want, but it’s well worth the effort. Try wiggling your fingers a bit when tightening the weave, which helps the necklace take its loosely weaved shape.

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Macrame Patterns: Plant Hanger for a Summer Breeze

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Plant Hanger by Charlie Emery

This plant hanger is another wonderful pattern from Charlie Emery. He calls this pattern “Summer Breeze.

FINISHED LENGTH: 38^1/2in.

Materials Needed:

-2^inch metal ring
-77yds. 6mm. Polypropylene Cord
-13yds. Yarn in a second color
-27 wooden beads
-10″ pot

1.Wrap the 2ⁱⁿ metal ring with 1^yd. Of yarn color 2, glue ends and let dry.

2.Cut 12 cords 6^yds long each. Center the 12 cords over the ring and tie a square knot loop, with two 1 1/2^yd peace’s of cord for 5 1/2ⁱⁿ. Fold the loop over ring and tie a wrap knot with 1^yd of cord for 2ⁱⁿ. Covering the ends of the square knot loop.
3.Dived the 24 cords into three groups of eight cords each.
4.Take one group of cords and dived into two groups of four cords each.

5.Tie a set of alternating square knots; start with two square knots right under the wrap. Tie the pattern for six knots ending on a single square knot with the four middle cords.
6.Take the third cord in from the outside and tie a half hitch onto the second cord from the outside, now tie another half hitch with the outside cord onto the same cord with the first half hitch. Tie a square knot right below the half hitches. (Repeat for the other side).
7.Tie a square knot with the four center cords, now take two of your beads one on each outside cord. (Should be parallel to the square knot). Tie two more square knots with the two groups of cords.
8.Place one of the beads on the two center cords. Now tie two more square knots with the two groups of cords. (This will give us two groups of four cords to work with).
9.Take one of the groups of four cords and tie a square knot sinnet for 10 knots. Place three of the beads on the two filler cords. Now tie three more square knots.
10.Repeat steps 4-9 for the other two groups of cords, giving you three legs for the hanger.

11.Mark out three evenly spaced marks on the top lip of the pot. (These will be your starting points on the pot). Mark every ^1/2in for the first leg, move over 1 ^1/2in and mark four more spaced ^1/2in apart. Repeat for the other legs of the hanger.
12.Drill ^1/4in holes in the lip of the pot where you have marked, (Best as a two step operation first drill a ^1/16in. hole, followed by the ^1/4in hole).
13.Drop down 6ⁱⁿ and mark each cord. Feed the cords through the holes. Tie each cord with an overhand knot at the 6ⁱⁿ mark.
14.Take each group of four cords and tie a square knot up close to the overhand knots. Take the two nearest cords from each leg. You should have two free cords, one knotting cord, two filler cords, one knotting cord and two free cords in each group.
15.Tie a square knot with the four center cords, about 3in down from the last square knots.
16.Use the outside cord as the anchor cord. Take the second cord in and double half hitch it onto the anchor cord about ^3/4in down from the top square knot.

17.Take the bottom knotting cord from the center square knot and double half hitch it onto the anchor cord 1 ^1/2in down.
18.Now use the filler cord from the square knot and double half hitch it onto the anchor cord ^3/4in down.
19.Repeat for other side of “V” gather all four cords together and tie a wrapping knot for 1^in. (Use the yarn color 2)
20.Take the top cord from the double half hitch on each side and the next one down. Using these cords tie a square knot in the middle of the “V” about 1ⁱⁿ lower then the bottom of the “V”.
21.Gather all four cords and tie a wrapping knot for 1ⁱⁿ. (Use the yarn color 2)
22.Repeat steps 14-21 for the other two groups of cords.
23.Trim cords ends to 2 ^1/2in and frizz out.

Double half hitch knot and square knot detail

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How to Macrame: Adding More Cord to a Finished Project

by Macrame

This is the final post in our month long series titled How to Macrame.

There are certain times when you’ll want to add cords to your Macrame project:

When you want to expand or increase a certain section of the pattern.
When one or more cords become too short for knotting.
When you want to add a color.

Adding cords will depend on whether you want the addition of the cording to show as well as what type of cording you’re using. If you want the addition of the cording to be invisible you’ll want to splice the cord into the Macrame pattern. This is done by unraveling both ends of the cording that are going to be joined. You can dip them in fabric cement so that they stay pinched together. Then twist the ends together, allowing the joint of cording to dry thoroughly before you continue with your knotting.

Another invisible method for adding a short cord, or adding a cord of a new color, is to place a T-pin behind the Macrame work where the new cord is to be added. Tie the new cord to the pin as though it was a horizontal line and simply work it into the knotting. The ends can be glued or woven in by hand or needle later.

If the fringe ends of the Macrame cording are going to be part of the texture of the final product and entirely visible, then you can permit the added loose ends of the new cording to hang and then knot them where needed.

Ok, now that you know how to macrame, it’s time to get back to your latest macrame project…

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How to Macrame: Ending Your Project

by Macrame

From our monthly series: How to Macrame

Ending your Macrame project will require some foresight since you can’t just end the project and risk it unraveling. Once you know how long the ends should be you can measure them off. There are several different methods for ending the cording and each Macrame project will have its own instructions.

One way that you can end a series of loose cords is by “wrapping.” Wrapping is done by using one of the existing cords and wrapping around the others.

Other techniques for ending cords include:

Using a series of Overhand Knots, with one knot at the bottom.
A row of beads held in place with an Overhand Knot.
Using an alternating Half Hitch knot.
Fringing and fraying the end cords by unraveling their plies.

Another technique for ending the project is by braiding three or more cords and then holding them in place with an Overhand Knot. Twist two or more sets of cords in a clockwise direction and then twist the groups together in counterclockwise direction. Tie an Overhand Knot to hold the twists together. For a more gnarled effect you can twist the cording in the same direction as the original twist until it bends up in odd shapes.

Example of a monkey's fist knot

You can also use a series of Monkey’s Fist Knots. For a solid end without any dangling cords you can use a Clove Hitch over a horizontal bar, then bring the ends up to the back of the work and weave them into the knots. You can then glue or stitch the ends so that they hold better.

In most cases each Macrame project will have instructions included on recommended ways to tie off and end your work.

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