How To Macrame

Macrame ("MAC ruh may") is the art/craft of tying cordage into knots in such a way that they form a useful or decorative shape. This was a very popular craft in the 1970s in the USA that is now being revived in the form of "jute jewelry " and knotted purses.

Step 1  

Use a larkshead knot to attach your cordage to a ring or horizontal bar. Often this will be used at the top edge of a purse or on the metal bars of a chair that is to be macramed.  

• Make a loop of cord. 
• Pass the loop over top of the bar and back under the horizontal bar or ring. 
• Pass the ends of the rope through the loop and pull gently to snug the knot down. 
• Finished larkshead knot. 

Step 2  

Gather long ends of cordage.  

• Beginning a foot or so from the attached end of the cord, loop the cord around your thumb. 
• Loop the cord over your pinkie finger. 
• Criss cross your palm, looping first on the thumb and then on the pinkie. 
• Continue to the end of the cordage. 
• Tie the ends around the butterfly, or use a rubber band to hold the "butterflied" cordage in place. 

Step 3  

Macrame with the knots described below.

Square Knot

1. Place the right hand cord over the left hand cord. 
2. Lift the bottom cord up, over and through the loop formed by the top cord. 
3. Snug the knot.
4. Place the left hand cord over the right hand cord. 
5. Lift the bottom cord up, over and through the loop formed by the top cord. 
6. Snug the knot. 

Granny Knot

1. Follow the instructions for a square knot, but do not alternate the side of cordage which lies on top. Always have the same side go "under" and the same side go "over". This will produce a twisting line of knots. See picture for comparisons. 

Tips

• Purchase macrame specific cordage for your first projects and move on to other cordage only when you've got the knot tying principles well mastered. 
• Choose a simple pattern for your first project. 
• Items such as a key chain or bracelet are good beginner level projects, while items such as a plant hanger or owl are intermediate. Purses, hammocks or chairs would be advanced.

Things You'll Need

• Macrame specific cordage such as jute.
• Scissors
• Pattern for your chosen project. (see sources for links to sites with selections of free patterns)