A short
history of macrame. The modern art of decorative macrame knots is believed to
have originated with Arabian weavers some time in the 13th century. Arabian
weavers would knot the excess threads at the edge of hand-loomed fabrics into
decorative knots.
Macrame is a
very versatile craft. It has been used in the making of many kinds of jewelry
including necklace, bracelets and chokers. It is also used to make common every
day items such as hammocks, plant hangers and curtains.
So let's
make some macrame knots.
How to
make a basic half knot.
A half knot
is one of the most basic macrame knots there is. It forms the basis of some of
the more advanced knots and patterns that are created with macrame. To make a
half knot you need three elements. A center cord that stays stationary and two
outer knotting cords.
Tip - Half
knot tying is much easier if the center string is taught and secure.
Now to make
our half knot take one of the knotting cords go over the center string and
under the opposite knotting cord. Next take the second knotting cord and go
under the center string and over the first knotting cord. Now pull tight. You
have finished a macrame half knot.
Now that is
a technical description of how a half knot is tied but how does a professional
do it? When you are doing it professionally the key is speed.
Step 1. Take
the right hand knotting cord in your right hand lay it across the center
string. This creates a loop on the right hand side.
Step 2. Take
the left hand knotting cord in your left hand and lay it across the right hand
cord.
Step 3.
After laying the left hand knotting cord over the right hand knotting cord bend
it under. As you are bending it under push your right hand index finger and
thumb through the right hand loop grab the left hand knotting cord with your
index finger and thumb and pull it through the loop.
Step 4. Pull
tight. If your center string is tight as I suggested earlier you can pull the
knot tight quick and it will be snug and secure. If your center string is not
tight then you will need to work the knot into place. Done right each knot
should only take a couple seconds to tie.
Now that you
know how to tie a half knot you are ready to make a square knot. Since a square
knot is simply two half knots tied opposite to each other. So first we will make
a half knot as we did before. However for the second half of the square knot we
will start with the second knotting cord instead of the first knotting cord. So
take the second knotting cord and go over the center string and under the
opposite knotting cord. Next take the first knotting cord and go under the
center string and over the second knotting cord. Pull tight. You have just
finished a square knot.