Dazzling DIY Macrame Necklace Patterns
Macrame techniques enable the creation of exquisite handmade boho-style necklaces from ordinary cotton cording. Macrame patterns produce one-of-a-kind necklaces rich of texture and personality, from hefty statement pieces to small charms.
Knotting Supplies Needed
Have the following materials on hand to make macrame necklaces:
- Cord material like cotton, hemp, or nylon
- Clasps like lobster clasps or toggle bars
- Jewelry pliers to manipulate clasps
- Beads for decorative accents
- Cording needles to weave through beads
- Sharp scissors for cutting cord
- Pin backing or knotting board to work on
- Tape measure to determine cord lengths
- Pins, clips, or tape to hold cords in place
Stock up on cording and clasps in a variety of colors and metals to enable a wide range of imaginative creations.
Basic Square Knots
The square knot is the most basic macrame knot. Weave textures are created by folding and knotting strands in rows. Changing the strand colors and arrangement creates interesting patterns.
Begin with single and alternating square knots in a flat row for beginners. Once you’re comfortable, progress to more advanced multi-row approaches.
Stripe and Zigzag Patterns
Simple stripes and zigzags offer visual interest. Weave square knots in color block stripes, changing up the strand colors with each row.
Knot diagonal rows for zigzags, alternating color placement from high left to low right. These patterns stand out because to thicker cords and dramatic contrasts.
Herringbone and Chevron
Herringbone designs, like zigzags, use square knots oriented in multiple ways to create a V shape.
Chevron patterns use color contrast to create different arrow motifs. Both are suitable for bohemian charm necklaces.
Waffle and Diamond Patterns
Create waffle patterns with small multi-directional square knots for interesting textures. Change the number and color arrangement of the cords to create weaved intersections.
Diamond patterns require fine knotting yet have a geometric impact. Diamond macrame frames stud earrings and pendants beautifully.
Fringing
Macrame fringe creates flowing effects. After knotting, trim the cord ends and add fringe to the necklace base using knots or beads.
Extra long knotted fringe accents add boho drama. Alternatively, keep it simple with short micro fringe embellishments.
With macrame, the possibilities are endless! Using simple knot techniques, you may create your own unique patterns and textures.
Caring for Macrame Necklaces
To make macrame last longer:
- Avoid getting macrame wet since moisture can cause damage and misalignment of the knots.
- To avoid kinks, store flat or loosely looped. Make use of cloth bags.
- To clean, use a lint brush to gently brush dust or grime away from knots.
- Minor stains should be treated with a modest amount of mild detergent.
- Examine any loose knots or cords and re-tie them if necessary.
- Pulling on snags might cause the macrame to unravel. Remove any snags with care.
Hand-knotted macrame necklaces will survive for many years with proper care and storage.
HandcraftedCharm
Hand-tied knots in macrame add an artistic touch to necklaces with natural fiber textures. Stripes, zigzags, chevrons, and color blocking are examples of patterns. Alternatively, experiment with innovative techniques such as waffles and fringing to create one-of-a-kind designs. Wear your macrame necklaces with panache!
FAQs
Step-by-step instructions for the macrame necklace
1: Cut your cords.
2: Attach cords to clasp with Lark’s Head Knots.
3: Knot a diamond pattern with Diagonal Clove Hitch Knots.
4: Attach both Diagonal Clove Hitch knot strands together.
5: Add fringe to the necklace edge.
Common materials used in macrame include beading cords made of cotton or linen, hemp, leather, twisted nylon and yarn. In recent years, paracord has become another popular material. Beads, charms, links and other accents can be knotted in with the cord to create a wide variety of designs.
Make your own macrame jewelry
Cut five 10cm (4″) lengths of rope, a 16cm (63/8″) length of rope, and a 3cm (11⁄4″) length.
Wrap the rope around the bundle neatly four times, so each wrap is placed parallel under the last.
Use the two outside cords to make a square knot, sandwiching all of the middle cords.
If you use a larger cord we recommend making the necklace using only 1 or 2 cords, instead of 3. All it takes is macrame cord and a little bit of time to make a unique, handmade necklace. Get creative and make one of these DIY macrame necklaces in 15 minutes or less. They’re so pretty and inexpensive to make!