Dorothy Wood - How to Macramé: The Essential Guide to Macramé Knots and Techniques

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Ive been fascinated by knotting for many years: I loved learning to tie knots in the Girl Guides, and at art college I used macram as a medium for some exciting wall hangings. In The Beaders Bible, I began to explore macram as a jewellery-making technique, so I am delighted to be able to share more techniques and inspiration with you in this book. It is easier than ever to source materials for macram, whether it's gorgeous cords and threads in wonderful colours or interesting findings and fastenings, so there's no excuse not to give it a try!

With this book you'll be able to explore a range of different knots and techniques used for macram. You can work through each section building up your skills as you go, or simply dip in and out as you choose. Each technique has been clearly explained with step-by-step instructions and illustrated with photographs and diagrams, making it easy for beginners.

There are fabulous projects at the end of the book, described in step-by-step detail with you will need requirements, and there are also a couple of mini project ideas included so that you can learn a technique and make something straight away! While the technique samples have been worked with standard cords for maximum clarity, the project ideas show how the beauty of the knots can be enhanced by choosing different cords or threads, thicker or thinner, depending on how you choose to use the design. Youll also discover how the addition of beads can enhance the techniques for even more stunning results.

If you are already a keen beader or craft person, much of the equipment and many of the materials listed are things that you will generally have in your workbox. You dont need to get everything at once as you can always improvise, but for best results it is better to use a similar material or the equipment and tools listed.

Macram techniques can be worked in a huge variety of different threads and cords. The choices available are reviewed in this section.

Once you have learnt a technique, do experiment with different materials as you will be surprised at the results. Knots can lose definition when worked with a soft cord such as satin rattail or embroidery cottons, and the shape can be much more distinct when a stiffer cord such as Superlon, wax cotton, or round leather thong is used. Before you start, consider how you want the finished item to look and choose your cord or thread accordingly. Remember that each of these cords are available in a range of thicknesses and can be worked singly or in multiple bundles.

The cords and threads that have been used throughout the book for the step-by-step photographs are not the only cord or thread suitable for each technique and certainly not necessarily the best option, but they have been chosen because they show the techniques as clearly as possible.

This sample board of cords shows at a glance some of the cords that are suitable for macram and gives you a quick guide to the range of thicknesses available in the different cords.

This silky cord has a high sheen and is available in a range of thicknesses: bugtail is 1mm thick, mousetail 1.5mm thick, and rattail is 2mm thick, however, in practice all tend to be called rattail now. The cord is quite soft so it doesnt support the shape of knots very well and it isnt very hard-wearing.

This nylon braided cord holds its round shape when it is worked. Currently available in 0.43mm, the finer cords are generally more popular for macram. Look online for the widest colour ranges, but you may find that the choice of colour for the thicker cords is not as extensive as for the finer cords.

Wax cotton cord is suitable for a range of techniques. Look out for thicker 3mm cord, which works particularly well for individual knots and knotted braids as it holds its shape well. Thinner wax cotton is ideal for macram and easy to string with beads. They are available in natural shades and a range of colours, many of which follow current fashion trends.

If wax cotton cord softens from overuse or you want to reuse a length, pull through under a medium hot iron to smooth kinks and restore the finish.

Superlon (often abbreviated to S-lon) is an industrial strength twisted nylon cord originally used for upholstery. It is available in 0.5mm and 0.9mm widths and both are suitable for micro macram and other knotting techniques where you want a fine braid or finish. These cords are perfect for adding beads into your knotting and can be mixed with thicker cords for a change of texture. Both sizes are available in a range of neutrals and pretty contemporary colours.

This chunky cord is commonly available in two thicknesses: paracord 550 (4mm) has seven strands down the centre and paracord 450 (2mm) has four centre strands. Paracord is perfect for making bracelets and other accessories from single knots, and as it is quite bulky, it is popular for mens jewellery. The cord is available in a wide range of solid bright and dark colours as well as in many multicoloured patterns.

Round leather thong makes a good distinct knot as it is a firm cord. It is available in a range of thicknesses from around 0.5mm up to 6mm. The thinner cords are good for tying knots and the thicker cords more suitable for use as a core to tie the knots around. Leather thong is available in natural shades and a wide range of colours. Pearlescent finishes, usually in pale pastels, are particularly attractive as are the different thicknesses of snakeskin effect cords.

This flat microfibre cord looks like real leather suede, but is much more pliable than the real thing and gives a completely different look to knots. It is generally 3mm wide and available in a range of colours.

Stranded cotton and cotton perl are just two readily available threads that can be used for macram. Embroidery threads are soft and wont hold the shape of a knot firmly but they look good when combined with stiffer cords. The colour range is much greater than for other cords, so exciting colour schemes are possible. While embroidery threads are usually matte, you can use metallic embroidery threads to add a touch of sparkle.

Findings are all the little pieces, generally made from metal, that are used to make and finish items of jewellery or other accessories. Many of the findings are used to cover the raw ends of cords and it is important to choose the correct size and shape. Keep a good selection of findings in your workbox so that you can create and finish different pieces.