Let's Get This Macrame Started Said The Black Eyed Pea

Getting Started: "Starting

The yarn that you use should be smooth, firm and not stretching. It should knot easily and hold the knots without slipping. For instance string, (which can be dyed) is a cheap and excellent material for hanging plant holders - embroidery threads are brilliant for more delicate ornaments.

The yarns need to be anchored and held under tension. An anchor (usually called - a mount) could be a board or spongy pad, firm but soft enough to take pins. On the other hand, some yarns can be tied onto the back of a dining chair or to a door handle, or onto a rod or ring which has been pinned to a wall.

Mounting the yarn.
Mounting between pins Mounting on a ring

The cords are usually mounted to an anchor by an overhand knot or by lark's head knots.


You will need scissors to cut the yarn, rubber bands to hold the working cords in manageable bundles and good-sized pins (T-shaped or U-shaped are particularly good) to hold the threads in position.
Threading soft or frayed yarn through beads can be tricky, so pressing clear nail varnish into the ends of the cords will strengthen them.

Before you start knotting, cut the yarn into suitable lengths. In general, the cords should be cut to about eight times the finished length required.
For instance a bracelet which will measure 8 inches would have its threads 64 inches long. Normally, each cord is set on (or mounted) to make a double strand.

Some great advice for those of you who may fall upon this site and want to get the party started!!!! Thank you Ann!

Carolyne :)