It used to be the case that Macrame making was the preserve of the hippie crowd.
In nowadays, however, macrame has become a hobby for millions of folks around the world.
Let's start by examining macrame knots and the different variations that can be used to make jewelry.
Square Knot The square knot is created using 4 strands of material.
All 4 strands are laid parallel to each other.
The 2 strands to the right and left are used.
We take the strand from the left and pass it over the middle strands and it finishes up under the strand that's on the right.
In pretty much the same way, the strand that started on the right is passed underneath the middle strands and ends up over the strand that was on the left.
You should now have a situation where the left sided strand is over the middle strands and ends up on the right and the same should apply to the right sided strand (except that the right sided strand is passed under the middle 2 strands).
You now simply pull the 2 outer strings together and tighten up.
This version of macrame knots is most commonly used for necklaces, earrings, cuffs etc.
It is mainly used for necklaces because its allows for beads within the necklace to be held in place.
Double Half Hitch This version of the macrame knots necessitates the need for a dowel.
Not everyone has one, so you can use a knotting board and tie a knot to each side of the board.
To achieve a double half hitch, a horizontal chord is placed across the strands.
You then move from side to side, bring the ends of the vertical strands up & over the horizontal strands.
You then pull the ends through the loop that's created.
One of the most frequent uses of the Double Half Hitch is for creating necklaces etc.
Overhand Knot Overhand Macrame knots are often used to create pendants for necklaces, and are one of the easiest macrame knots to achieve.
It's like tying a shoelace; you take one chord and loop it, then you take one end and pass this under the chord and through the loop.