Youngsters love adding a touch of ruggedness to their casual wear. It makes them look hip and edgy, making them stand out in crowds. A quick way to add that urban flair to your wardrobe is to create a hemp macrame bracelet. The bracelet, coming in different colors, has a simple pattern made from looping the ends of a hemp cord. At first glance, it looks complex but once you figure out the strategy, buying macrame bracelets won’t be necessary.
The Art of Making Knots
hemp braceletIn making a hemp macrame bracelet, you must know how to create different types of knots. The combination of knots make up the braided design of the bracelet, so precision is required. Its segments must be identical in size and appearance, otherwise your piece of urban jewelry will look pretty silly. To give you a clearer idea, here are the three different knots that you need to make:
larkshead knot
square knot
granny knot (alternate design)
Upon knowing how to combine the larkshead knot with the square or granny knot, you can make bracelets coming in two different patterns. The varied designs add a fresh dimension to your casual look. You can even wear several bracelets with different patterns on one arm, if it suits your casual style.
Materials Used:
hemp cord
scissors
pencil
macrame design patterns
2 rubber bands
Procedure:
macrame bracelet
Purchase a hemp cord in a needlwork store. As for the patterns, you can buy pattern books from needlework stores or download patterns on the internet.
Make a loop by bending the cord and aligning its ends side-by-side.
Place the loop on top of the pencil. The pencil should be an inch below the loop’s tip.
Fold the loop’s top part, covering the pencil.
Slide the cord’s ends through the loop simultaneously. Tug the ends until you create the larkshead knot.
Take one of the cord’s ends, preferably a foot away from the larkshead knot, and loop it on your thumb.
Loop the cord on your pinkie, which starts a series of web loops.
Loop the cord on both your thumb and pinkie alternately until you reach the cord’s end.
Bundle the loops together by tying them with a rubber band.
Repeat steps 6 to 9 for the cord’s other end.
Place the right cord over the left.
Align both ends together, which forms a heart shape.
Pull the ends to create a square knot.
Repeat steps 11 to 13, only this time it should go left over right. Alternate the sides going on top when making successive square knots.
Continue creating square knots until you finish the bracelet.
If you want to create an alternate pattern, which is composed of granny knots, follow the same procedure when making a square knot. However, instead of alternating the sides going on top (step 14), use the same side for making the succession of knots.
Knot Again!
Needlework beginners might have a hard time with the procedure, given the numerous loops and folds. Don’t worry. Once you get the hang of things, making the knots is easy. In fact, you can even experiment with other types of knots for your own original macrame creations. Now that’s exciting. If you enjoy learning this article, you should also know how to macrame and how to make stitch counter bracelets.