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Macramé is the art of decorative knotting.

I am attempting, in the pages shown here, to teach you the basic knots which you can then use to create your own original designs. This is not meant to be a comprehensive course in macramé but I hope to provide information to get you started. I will periodically add new design ideas and tips to this site.

The two most commonly used knots are the square knot and the double half hitch. My macramé designs are based on creative variations using almost exclusively these two knots.

Cords can be mounted on a dowel or on a horizontal cord using the simple lark's head or the double half hitch for mounting cords. Or you can tie overhand knots and pin your strings to a knotting board.

MATERIALS TO START WITH-the essentials
knotting board or foam core
T pins (available at most craft supply or sewing stores)
scissors
cord or twine (seine twine, hemp, and jute work well)

other useful materials
rubber bands (to secure long cords)
tape measure or ruler
accessories such as beads, buckles, rings, shells, feathers
mounting pieces such as dowels, sticks, handles, curtain rods

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THESE INSTRUCTIONS
INSTRUCTIONS-INTRODUCTION
MACRAME CORD LENGTH TIPS
HALF KNOT & SQUARE KNOT
DOUBLE HALF HITCH
OVERHAND KNOT
LARK'S HEAD (TO MOUNT CORDS)
MOUNTING CORDS USING A DOUBLE HALF HITCH
VARIATIONS 1 - HALF AND SQUARE KNOT
VARIATIONS 2 - ALTERNATING SQUARE KNOTS
VARIATIONS 3 - SQUARE KNOT USING PICOTS
VARIATIONS 4 - SQUARE KNOTS VARYING YOUR CORE AND KNOTTING CORDS
VARIATIONS 5 - DOUBLE HALF HITCH DIAMOND
VARIATIONS 6 - DIAMOND FILLERS 1
VARIATIONS 7 - DIAMOND FILLERS 2
VARIATIONS 8 - USING COLOR WITH SQUARE KNOTS
VARIATIONS 9 - SQUARE KNOTS WITH BEADS
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FAQ
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FAQ