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Thursday, September 15, 2005

More Groovy Macrame Knotting Tips

Handcrafted by Elaine - macrame instructions - additional instructions FAQ: "HOW CAN I FINISH A NECKLACE, BRACELET, ETC. AT THE CLASP?

When you are down to 4 cords, working up toward your clasp, you can make a square knot sennit. Bring the core cords around a jump ring or the loop in your clasp, leaving at least a half inch between the end of your sennit and the ring. Using 4 core cords (the original ones and the same cords looped back behind your piece), tie some more square knots until you are near the clasp. Tie the ends of your cords behind the square knots and glue.

HOW CAN I ADD MORE CORDS TO MY WORK?

One method of adding cords would be to separate 4 cords into two groups. Take a new cord (folded in half) and use it as your knotting cords to make a square knot with two of the old cords as core cords. Then repeat the same thing with the other two original cords as core cords for another added pair of cords - this brings you to 8 cords where you originally had 4 cords.

Another method of adding would be to take a new cord and, starting at the center, use that cord as a knot bearer and double half hitch the other cords to the new cord. This will give you two new cords.

HOW CAN I DECREASE THE NUMBER OF CORDS I AM WORKING WITH?

The easiest method to explain for decreasing cords would be to use several core cords in a square knot"

Thank you Elaine. Please do go and check out her website - there is quite a lot there that might take your fancy...... :)

Macrame - How Do I Start A.........

Handcrafted by Elaine - macrame instructions - additional instructions FAQ: "HOW DO I START A NECKLACE, BRACLET, CHOKER, ETC?

If you are going to close a choker by tying it you can just start with square or half knots leaving enough extra cord at the end of your core cords for tying. (You can pin or tape the cords to your board to hold them in place to start). Another alternative would be to tie them together in one overhand knot to start. If you are mounting it onto a clasp you can use two doubled cords and loop them around your clasp to get started. Then use your 4 cords to make square knots.

HOW CAN I START/END MY WALL HANGING?

The easiest way to start a wall hanging is to mount cords on a dowel using either the lark's head or double half hitches.

There are many different ways to end a wall hanging. A few of the options are:
End with a row of double half hitches and let a fringe hang down.
End with overhand knots.
You can tie overhand knots in each cord, every two cords, or larger groups of cords."
Check out Elaine's Macrame website by clicking on the link - these are some questions I have readers frequently ask me - and here are some great thoughts in response. Thanks Elaine! :)