Getting Started with Macrame
Beginner's Guide to Making Macrame Jewelry
~ Anne Helmenstine, Ph.D.

Macrame jewelry is very hip. The basic techniques are the same whether you're working with hemp or another fiber. It's one of the least expensive jewelrymaking techniques to learn and also one of the easiest.

Macrame Materials

At its most basic, all you need is some form of fiber and a way to cut it. I'd also recommend having a measuring tape or meter stick. You can add beads that have large holes and button, if desired. Knotted jewelry uses thinner cords than you would use for making a planter or wall hanging, for example. You could start out with fine hemp cord (45 lb. test, or about 2 mm in diameter), or try waxed linen. Leather and nylon cord are other options.

How Much Cord Will You Need?

It's better to have cords that are too long than to have to add more in the middle of a piece. Usually, cords are folded, so that's double the length of the finished piece right there. Plus, you need to allow for knots. With experience, you'll know exactly how much cord to cut. When starting out, try to cut cords about four times longer than your finished length. For example, for a necklace, you might want two cords cut 8 feet long (4 feet when you fold them in half, which would end up about 2 feet long after knotting, which gives you a little cord left over).

Learn to Knot

Here are some basic knots to get you started with macrame:

• Tie an Overhand Knot
• Tie a Lark's Head Knot
• Tie a Half Knot
• Tie a Square Knot

Let's Make Macrame Jewelry!

Here are some projects to try:

• Hemp Flower & Spiral Choker
• Hemp Fishbone & Bead Choker

More Jewelry Making Features