Have you ever wanted to learn the art of knotting a macrame masterpiece?
Macrame may look complicated at first glance, but it is a simple craft that anyone can learn to do. This beginner's guide will teach you everything you need to know to get started. Once you learn how to tie these basic knots, you can combine them in different ways to create any pattern you can imagine.
You'll need
- Cord or Rope
- Pair of Sharp Fabric Scissors
- Dowel or Ring
- Measuring Tape
- Comb or Pet Brush
Some projects require special hardware like purse handles or belt buckles. You can also add decorative elements like stones, glass or wood beads.
Basic Macrame Knots: Step by Step
Macrame knots are easy to learn, but they do take some practice to truly master this art. Once you get acquainted with these common macrame knots, you'll be able to recreate all those beautiful projects you see online.
Today, we'll cover the following knots: Larks Head Knot, Reverse Larks Head Knot, Square Knot, Half Hitch Knot and Double Half Hitch Knot. So grab some cord and a ring or a dowel to start practicing.
Larks Head Knot
The Larks Head Knot is one of the most basic knots that is used to attach your cords to your ring, dowel or handle when starting a macrame project. This super simple knot can be tied forward-facing or reverse-facing (Reverse Larks Head Knot).
To make a forward-facing Larks Head Knot:
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1. Cut a length of cord and start by folding your cord in half, bringing the ends together
2. Bring the folded loop over the dowel, then back down behind the dowel
3. With the loop pointing downwards, pull the two ends of the cord through the loop
4. Pull down on the ends to tighten the knot, making sure both ends are even
To make a reverse-facing Larks Head Knot:
1. Cut a length of cord and start by folding your cord in half, bringing the ends together
2. Bring the folded loop up behind the dowel, then forward and down in front of the dowel
3. With the loop pointing downwards, pull the two ends of the cord up and through the loop
4. Pull down on the ends to tighten the knot, making sure both ends are even
Square Knot
Square knots and half square knots are versatile knots that you'll see used in almost every pattern. This knots are made with four cords: the outer two cords are called working cords and two middle cords are called filler cords.
There are essentially two parts to the square knot: the half square knot and square knot. Each square knot is made from two half square knots, worked one after the other.
Square knots can be either Left-facing or Right-facing. For the left-facing square knot - work a left half-square knot followed by a right half-square knot. For the right-facing square knot - work a right half-square knot followed by a left half-square knot.
To make a Left Half Square Knot:
1. Start by making two Larks Head Knots, making sure all ends are even
2. Bring the left working cord over the two filler cords and under the right working cord
3. Bring the right working cord under the two filler cords and up over the left working cord
4. Pull the cords to tighten the knot
To make a Right Half Square Knot:
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1. Start with Left half square knot
2. Bring the right working cord over the two filler cords and under the left working cord
3. Bring the left working cord under the two filler cords and up over the right working cord
4. Pull the cords to tighten the knot
Double Half Hitch Knot, also called Clove Hitch Knot
This knot is a variation of the half hitch knot. It can be tied to create horizontal, vertical or diagonal lines making a raised bar across your work. Each double half hitch knot is made from two half hitch knots made from the same working cord.
To make a Diagonal Double Half Hitch Knot:
1. Start with Larks Head Knot
2. Place first cord from the left going towards right (called filler cord) at desired angle
3. Take the next cord and make a number 4
4. Loop that cord through the "4" hole
5. Pull the cord tight
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 using the same cord
7. Repeat steps 4-6 for each cord until you reach the center
Let's understand this knot in detail using the pattern shown in the above image:
* We're using 3 Larks Head knots which results in total of 6 cords
* Place the outer left cord diagonally across other cords. The direction and placement of this outer left cord will determine the pattern.
* Working left to right, make a double half hitch knot with the second cord.
* Pull the cord tight. Ensure your outer left cord is still placed diagonally over the cords
* Now make a double half hitch knot with the third cord
* This pattern forms a "V" so we stop at half which is the third cord in this case
See the image below for the following steps:
1. Now take the outer right cord and place it diagonally across other cords going left
2. Working right to left, make a half hitch knot (reverse 4) with the second cord from the right
3. Make another half hitch knot with the same cord to complete double half hitch knot
4. Make a double half hitch knot with the third cord from right
5. Join the two sides by continue holding the outer right cord diagonally towards left
6-9 Make double half hitch knot - you'll end up with V facing towards the left
To have a V pointing towards the right, use the outer left cord and make double half hitch knot going right. That's it!
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How to get Even Knots?
Everyone who is doing macrame for the first time, struggles with uneven knots - so don't be hard on yourself if you didn't get it right the first time. The most important tip is to keep your tension even while tying knots. Your knots should neither be too loose or too tight - find the balance. Neat and tidy knots will come with practice, so keep going until your fingers get into a good rhythm.
Enjoy Knot-tying!
