Macrame 101: How to Make Macrame Bracelets

Macrame bracelet has been making a strong comeback in recent years, and with good cause. This sophisticated knotting method elevates basic cords into beautiful works of wearable art. What better way to embrace the macramé craze than to make your own bracelet? Let’s get started on this complicated trip!

What is Macrame?

Macrame is a sort of textile craft related to knitting and crocheting. The beauty of macramé resides in its simplicity; with only a few basic knots and some cord, you can make magnificent, complex-looking items. And the best part? It’s a really adaptable craft that allows you to express your individual style through the use of different colors, patterns, and materials.

How to Macrame?

Fold cord in half. Grabbing the middle part, place behind the rod (or stick) and fold it over. Take the end strings and pull them through the loop and tighten. This type of knot is by far the easiest and is a super easy way to start a macrame project (via Farmhouse on Boone).

Basic Macrame Tips

These pointers can help you succeed at macrame.

Choose the proper cord. Depending on your project, you may prefer thicker or thinner cords. Try a few different types and discover which one works best for you.
Patience is crucial. Macramé is a meditative technique that demands patience and attention to detail. Do not rush the procedure; instead, enjoy the voyage!
Practice makes perfect. Macramé, like any skill, requires practice. Don’t get disheartened if your first few attempts aren’t ideal. Continue to knot, and your skills will increase with each piece.
Untie and try again. If you don’t like how something looks, loosen the knots and try it again.
Keep the knots tight. Loose knots appear sloppy and can produce gaps in your work. To avoid these issues, keep everything pulled tight.
Get creative. After you’ve completed a few basic projects, it’s time to switch things up. Select a different color or create your own unique knot pattern. You’ll be astounded by what you can produce.

Materials

To create a beautiful macramé bracelet, you’ll need:

Macramé cord or string (cotton, hemp, or polyester work well)
Scissors
A clipboard or working surface to anchor your cords
Beads or charms (optional)

Now, let’s get knotting!

Instructions

1. Find what you need

Gather your items in a well-lit, comfortable workspace. Use masking tape or binder clips to secure your cords to a clipboard or work surface. If you’re a first-timer, we recommend starting with a 3–4mm cord because it’s flexible and easy to untangle if you make a mistake.

2. Cut the cords and attach cord to working surface

Cut two lengths of macrame cord, one 32 inches and the other 80 inches.

Fold the 32-inch cable in half and hold the loop at the top. Then wrap the loop around your finger and tie a standard knot, leaving a one-inch loop above it.

Use tape or clips to attach your loop to your work surface. All of the knots will be tied around the two ropes.

3. Connect the longer cord to the first cord

Locate the middle point of the 80-inch cord and set it near the knot under the cords that are taped to the table.

Bring the left side of the cable over the other three cords, leaving a large loop on the left.

Move the right chord to the top (rather than the bottom).

Slip the right-hand cord—the one pointing downwards—under the other three cords and bring it up through the loop on the left.

Pull on both the left and right cords to form a tight knot. Push this knot upwards toward the knot of the cords taped to the table.

You have just tied a half knot spiral.

4. Continue knotting the bracelet

Tie the same knot again. Bring the left cord over the center two cords, then the right cord down on top of that. (Always keep the right cord on top of the left cord). After that, thread the right chord under the middle two cords and up through the loop. Pull tightly.

Make the same knot over and over. Continue tying knots until the bracelet is long enough to wrap around your wrist.

When knotting, keep consistent tension and space between knots. You can also add beads or charms to your design for more flair.

5. Close off the knots

When the bracelet reaches the desired length, divide the four strands in half lengthwise.

Securely fasten the two cords on the right side of the knot. Bring the rightmost cord over the cord to its left to accomplish this. Then draw the right cord up through the loop and tighten both cables.

Repeat for the left two chords.

6. Create an adjustable slip knot

Take the tape off your bracelet and, with the top loop now over the knotted section, knot it.

Take approximately two inches of the bracelet and thread it through the loop. Then, thread the bottom strands that are loosely attached through the opening you have made. Pull the loop back from the bracelet.

This resulted in a knot that can be dragged up and down the free strands to open and close the bracelet.

Put on the bracelet and open it slightly so that your wrist may easily go in and out.

Cut the free strands into consistent lengths.

Conclusion

Finally, macramé bracelets are not only visually appealing and trendy, but they are also quite satisfying to make. With a little patience, some basic knots, and a dash of ingenuity, you can turn simple cords into wearable works of art. So get your supplies, follow these steps, and start your macramé voyage! Who knows, you might find yourself getting into even more sophisticated macramé creations in no time.

FAQs about Macrame Bracelet

How do you make a simple macrame bracelet?

Instructions:
Find what you need. Gather your supplies and materials.
Cut the cords and attach cord to working surface.
Connect the longer cord to the first cord.
Continue knotting the bracelet.
Close off the knots.
Create an adjustable slip knot.

What do I need to make a macrame bracelet?

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.

What is the purpose of macrame bracelet?

Macramé was often used by sailors to decorate items on their ships, and it’s also used to create jewellery, bags, mats, plant hangers and wall hangings. Sometimes leather and suede are used to create macramé belts, and the friendship bracelets made by many children are created using macramé.

What is the best cord for macrame bracelets?

Avoid using hemp and metallic cords, especially when making bracelets and necklaces, as they are not skin-friendly. I suggest using macrame cords made from silk, cotton, satin rayon, and nylon as they are not rough. Besides, we can opt to use leather as it softens over some time.

What is a macrame bracelet?

Though macrame involves knotting, the process of making macrame jewelry is almost like braiding. Multiple strands of cord are knotted together using square knots in a repeating pattern. It is often helpful to have some sort of clamp, clip or macrame board to keep the strands organized and in place.

Macrame 101: How to Make Macrame Bracelets

What is Macrame?

How to Macrame?

Basic Macrame Tips

Materials