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Macramé Buying Guide

Looking for a new craft project  to share with your kids?  Short on cash and need a cheap, simple way to make some cool gifts?   Macramé may be right up your alley.  This art uses knotting rather than weaving, sewing or knitting to create elaborate pattern work for purses  to pot holders  and beyond.  It's use of square knots and hitching along with bead work is what makes macramé crafts truly unique.  Check out the rest of this guide for some useful supply tips to get you started.

Materials Used

Typically, macramé crafts can be made using:

The most important feature of any material you choose, however, is the give, as this allows you to form tight groups of knots more easily.  Some materials are better suited toward certain end products, like hemp for friendship bracelets,  yarn for purses, or leather for belts.   When macramé is used in jewellery,  it involves a combination of beads and wire or fabric that are secured by intertwining overhand knots.  Typical bead and pendant materials include:

Macramé Accessories

The different accessories you will need to do macramé depends on the crafts you intend to make.  Here are few of the basics:

Plastic Rings or Frames 

Start your macramé knots around the edge of the ring to create socks, purses, cosies or any other craft that may require a pocket of some sort. 

Purse Handles 

Once you've made your purse or tote, you may want to opt for a plastic, wood or lucite handle to an extra flair.  Such a handle may also prove more durable than a simple macramé handle.

Cord 

Cord resembles yarn, but is designed specifically for macramé.  It's typically durable, tightly braided and comes in a variety of colours. 

Workboards 

Macramé workboards help you map out and size your project with numbered boxes resembling those on a calendar.   

Pattern Books 

Some pattern books are dedicated strictly to certain macramé crafts like key-chains, while others range from beginner to expert crafts.

How To

While there are many books available on the art of macramé that include lessons, patterns and craft ideas, you can also find step-by-step guides on the internet.  Check out some of these if you're just getting started:

Related Guides

Beading

Kilns

Knitting Yarns

Polymer Clay

External Links