Macramé nearly went the way of the dodo bird, but just like shag carpet and wide leg pants, macramé is making a huge comeback from the 70's. There's a whole new generation of macramé enthusiasts, due to the growing interest in hemp jewellery making, and an interest in natural materials.
There's an elegant twist on this fun and easy craft, called micro-macramé. The difference between macramé and micro-macramé has to do with the size of the cords and beads used.
Micro-macramé uses finer, delicate cords for a very modern look and feel. Due to the smaller size of the cords, it is recommended that before you get started in micro-macramé, you are familiar with the basics of macramé.
The reason is because it is much easier to work with larger cords and materials, so this is the best way to learn before advancing to the micro-macramé level.
There are several basic macramé knots you need to learn first, and these are easy to learn. The overhand knot, the square knot, the half knot, the lark's head and the half hitch. Once you've mastered these basic macramé knots, you will be able to create endless variations and combinations with just these few knots. Knotting does require some practice in order to get the knots uniform and be able to make even rows, but once you have that down, you are ready to move on to the next level.
Once you have mastered the basic macramé knots, you are ready to move on to micro-macramé, and create gorgeous jewellery using the silky cords (more like thread) and beautiful glass beads. You can also create a more natural style of jewellery using hemp. You can also use leather, silk, cotton fibre, rattail and flax to create your designs. Once you have the basic knots down, the possibilities really are endless!
One of the great benefits to this hobby is that you are able to get started with your craft with a minimal investment in tools and materials. Unlike other wire jewellery or knitting and crocheting, you can easily make macramé jewellery projects on the go. You won't need rolls of wire and assorted tools to work on your projects, you can easily work in your lap with nothing more than a padded clipboard and some very basic supplies.
Macramé is a fantastic craft and has made a big comeback for good reasons: it's easy to learn, inexpensive and simple to do. In no time at all you'll be knotting your way to stunning pieces.
About the author:
Melissa Cordstone is a passionate macramé lover for more than 20 years. She loves to write about macramé knots, macramé patterns, and macramé cords to use in making macramé jewellery and macramé plant hangers.
Melissa also wrote an macramé guide called: "One Stop Macramé Shop: The How To Guide"
which you can download for a small fee
which you can download for a small fee
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