Getting started with Macrame - the essentials

Macrame or hemp jewellery has come a long since the 1970s and early 1980s, it has been brought up to date. It is no longer restricted to just hemp cord and a few wooden beads or sea shells, there are now a wide range of cords such as leather, wax cotton, C-Lon or threads that makes it very fashionable. As a result of this , glass beads, pearls, gemstones and so many other beads can be incorporated to create stunning designs including accessories.

I must admit that macrame is very additctive, I find it very relaxing especially after a hard day at work or watching a film. I have also discovered that I can macrame on the bus or train which brings me to the title of the article. Once you have decided to 'embark' on Macrame you need a few essentials before or after buying the threads and cords. The items needed are not expensive as you can use household items, in other words, DIY. Here goes:

• Cork board
• or cut out from a box
• or Clip board
• or a piece of blank which you can nail on
• Drawing pins
• Bull frog*
• Scissors or cutter
• Cords
• Threads
• Flat crimps
• Glue (optional)
• Chain nose or crimping pliers
• Clasps (handmade or manufactured)*
• Flat crimps
• Jump rings

This list is not conclusive it is just a guide if you intend to get started with Macrame. There are so many designs to get started on, the type of cords or threads you use are entirely up to you once you have mastered the techniques. My personal favourite is the Square knot, which I like to use at every opportunity, sometimes I use two to three different types of knots in one design alone. Macrame is such a wonderful technique that you can let imagination run wild. I mentioned at the beginning that I macrame on the bus or train, you may be wandering how this is possible. I use cut outs of boxes attach a bullfrog and drawing pin to it with my beads in a small plastic bag. If I am carrying a big bag I can design from the inside it just like knitters.

There are so many books and sites on that offer tutorials on the knots you need to get started with designing your pieces. If you haven't decided on which books to buy I will suggest visiting Amazon where you will find a nice selection. For online tutorials try You-Tube or do a search online where you will discover sites that you can print off tutorials to keep until you need it, meaning you don't have to go and turn on your PC everytime. It is also ideal when you are designing on the 'go'. Like I stated earlier it is entirely your choice, please let me know how you can get on.

Happy 'Macraming.'

* This is the name we know it as in the UK, it can be found in Stationery shops

*Clasps are a great way to make your designs very stylish.