Micromacrame decoration. Master class: bracelet with stone beads

For those who know the macrame technique, it will not be difficult to make such a bracelet. And those who are just getting acquainted with knotting techniques will have to try and, possibly, practice weaving knots on large threads before proceeding to micromacrame. To this master class, I am enclosing a pattern for weaving a rep knot, which is used when weaving this bracelet.
You will need:
 Cotton waxed cord 1 mm - 3.75 m
 Stone beads 4 mm - 23 pcs. (for bracelet length 17 cm)
 Metal clamps-terminals 8 mm - 2 pcs.
 Metal rings 5 ​​mm - 2 pcs.
 Clasp - lobster - 1 pc.
 Chain - 5 cm
 Tools: scissors, pliers, measuring tape, pins, glue

1. Cut the threads - 5 pcs. 75 cm each. We fix one end of each thread inside the end clip with glue and pliers.

2. We begin to weave a diamond-shaped segment with a bead inside. Weave a series of rep knots using the rightmost thread as a base. We place the warp thread at an angle of 45 degrees to the trailer. We make 4 knots in total - one knot with each working thread.

3. Weave the walls of the segment. Right wall: the rightmost warp thread, the second on the right is the working thread. Left wall: the second thread on the left is the warp thread, the outermost thread on the left is the working thread. We do not use the central thread for weaving, we put a bead on it.

4. We complete the segment with a row of reps knots, using the rightmost thread as the basis. The segment is ready.

5. We make 23 segments with beads.

6. Cut off the excess threads, leaving 1 cm. Lubricate the ends of the threads with glue, place inside the end clip and pinch with pliers.

7. We make a clasp: with the help of a ring, we fasten on one side of the bracelet to the clip-tip - a lobster clasp, on the other - a chain.

Threads and ropes are the main and most important material used in the macrame technique. Threads (“iris”, floss, silk, soutache, capron, cord fishing line, harsh) are mainly used to create miniature and small jewelry and items. Ropes (paper twine, sisal, hemp, cotton, linen, linen, curtain cord, flat braid) are best used when working on large significant products.

The choice of material also depends on the required density of the finished product, so for bags, planters for flower pots, vases or baskets, you should take more elastic rigid ropes, and for blankets, capes and napkins it is better to prepare elastic soft threads.

To obtain clear and embossed patterns, it is most correct to use well-twisted, pliable threads. In addition, products made from such material are practically not deformed. Lightly twisted threads are only suitable for creating rarely used items such as decorative items and souvenir toys. Fluffy weakly twisted threads in the process of weaving and using the finished thing can be thoroughly disheveled, and the pile will block the “wash out” of the relief surface. Weakly twisted and fleecy threads are used to make panels with a non-uniform texture: embossed, smooth and fluffy combined in one product.

Macramists often avoid working with coarse, uneven threads, but in fact, defects become less obvious if the finished product is ironed. Ironing should be carried out from the wrong side covered with several layers of wet gauze. You should act carefully, lightly applying the iron, so as not to knock the knots under the gauze. When the gauze dries a little, it is removed and the product is left to dry on its own. Ropes made from natural materials are considered the most suitable for working in the macrame technique.

Silk and synthetic threads are also often used in weaving, but they are quite difficult to work with because of the slippery surface. It is better for beginner macramists not to use them in weaving until they have gained some experience. Knots should be tightened as tight as possible. Before starting work, the ends of silk threads are slightly smeared with glue or tied with a knot to prevent them from fraying, and the ends of synthetic threads are carefully melted over the fire. Using silk threads in work, during weaving, fingers should be slightly moistened to reduce slipping.

And in order to protect your hands when weaving with hard and rough material, it’s good to wear thin knitted gloves. Woolen yarn is used in macrame only if it is well twisted, thick and strong. It makes wonderful shawls, beautiful fringe and trim for clothes. The fringe of tablecloths, napkins and towels is made from the same threads as the main product. Fringe is considered the final stage, it can be collected in one large brush or split into small brushes.
Recently, a yarn specially designed for weaving macrame with the same name has appeared on sale.

When choosing threads, you should also not forget about color. It is advisable not to use an excessively dark color material, as the relief of the pattern may be lost, the nodes will merge and be unclear. The same problem arises when weaving with variegated threads, because strong variegation practically smoothes out the entire texture of the pattern. The right color will help emphasize the finished product and create a unique and inimitable thing.

When choosing threads for weaving, you should know its diameter, for this you need to make 20 tight turns on a pencil and use a ruler to measure the winding. Then the length is divided by the number of turns (in this case 20) and the diameter of the thread is obtained.

Needlewomen, who are seriously passionate about the technique of macrame, are well aware that in addition to the main material - threads and ropes, various objects are often used in this type of decorative and applied art, which at first glance have nothing to do with weaving. So for planters and lampshades, wooden, plastic and metal rings, as well as small slats and slats, are useful. And with the help of unnecessary buckles, decorative buttons, old beads and wooden knuckles from abacus, you can give the product an unusual ethnic look. You will also get an original effect if, instead of ordinary threads for macrame, you use beaded threads or beads strung on a wire or fishing line. In this case, the knots will look airy and openwork, the main thing is not to tighten the loops, leaving a slight incompleteness.

The main difficulty in preparing for work in the macrame technique is the choice of suitable threads, because the final look of the product depends on them. For weaving jewelry and household items, different threads are used. They can be made of synthetic or natural materials, waxed or not - there are many options, which one is suitable in this case, depends on the characteristics of the crafts you are making. In order not to make a mistake with the choice, you need to know all the nuances and scope of a particular type.

Macrame is a type of weaving from threads, therefore, it is no secret to anyone what material is the main component of products made using this technique. What kind of threads are not used by experienced craftswomen, and floss, and iris, and fishing cords, etc. The main condition when choosing threads for weaving macrame is their strength, a high degree of twisting and a round rather than a flat section. Only in this case, the nodes on your product will turn out to be voluminous and expressive.

It is easier to weave using macrame yarn made from natural fibers, but if, according to the idea, you need to use synthetics, then pay attention to the fact that the knots in the process will have to be tightened much tighter.

In order not to be disappointed when you see the result of your work, you need to be able to choose the right material for it. For each specific product, its own type of thread is suitable. For vases, flowerpots or wall hangings, thick, heavy ropes are worth buying. For a large beach bag - light and voluminous yarn. For a miniature clutch, silk or linen threads are needed. Choose the material depending on what texture and weight of the craft you want to end up with. Also, you should not use threads of very dark or acid colors for weaving, as the pattern of knots is poorly visible on them; most often, natural, calm colors are used for knitting using the macrame technique.

Types of threads for weaving macrame

For macrame, you can use almost any thread that meets the standards described above. Materials suitable for this technique are available in large quantities in needlework stores. Making a choice can sometimes be quite difficult, so we will tell you the names of the six most commonly used types of threads.

Types of threads for macrame:

1. Waxed cotton cord looks very natural and is great for weaving necklaces, bracelets or earrings. Natural thread cannot be melted with a lighter, so to hide the protruding ends, they will have to be glued to the wrong side of the product. Jewelry made from such material looks environmentally friendly, but its lifespan will be short-lived if worn frequently. In addition to naturalness, cotton cord has another advantage in the form of an extremely attractive price.
2. For weaving baubles, the well-known Mouline threads will become an excellent material. They are comfortable to wear and come in a wide variety of colors. Unfortunately, their use in the field of macrame is limited exclusively to the weaving of youth bracelets, which were especially popular in the 80s.
3. Delicate clutches and small handbags are woven from silk threads. These threads can unwind, so when working with them, their ends must be lubricated with glue and tied into a knot.
4. Not so long ago, special threads for macrame appeared, they are thick and durable. It will be easiest for beginners to work with just such material, because it is made taking into account all the nuances. Macrame threads are suitable for weaving planters and wall panels, you can also make flowers or a snowman from them.
5. Waxed nylon thread was originally used for sewing shoes, but now it is actively used by craftswomen for weaving jewelry or using the macrame technique. It melts perfectly, which greatly simplifies the process of processing its ends. The strength and durability of such threads is due to the wear resistance of the synthetic material from which they are made.
6. Jute rope is very heavy and hairy, so flower pots made from it will hold their shape perfectly. It does not crumble when used and does not need to be fired. Thanks to the diameter of such a rope, you can weave even a very voluminous craft in just a few days.

It is cheaper to buy threads in large skeins. Of course, 50 meters may be enough for beginner craftswomen, but for professionals in their field, this volume will most likely not be enough.

Waxed threads are quite expensive in craft stores, but if you go to a shoe supply store, you can get them at a lower price.

There are other threads that are used for macrame. We have described the names of the most popular of them.

When you have chosen the threads, you can immediately transgress to weaving. However, it is desirable to know all the nuances of working with them, otherwise the finished product will be very different from your original idea presented in the diagram.

Tips for working with threads:

1. For some products, macrame threads may be too stiff to remove this drawback, they must be boiled for 5 minutes.
2. If you are weaving a product that should keep its shape, for example, a flower, then you need to choose hard threads. To give additional rigidity to the material, soak it in a gelatin solution for several minutes (50 grams of gelatin should be dissolved in 1 liter of water).
3. When working with hard ropes or harnesses, you need to wear cotton gloves on your hands, otherwise you will face blisters.
4. Weaving from silk thread or paper twine will be easier if you constantly wet your hands in warm water.
5. In order to eliminate all defects on the product that have arisen during the weaving process, after completion of work, it must be ironed from the wrong side, previously covered with wet gauze.
6. To make it easier for you to work in the macrame technique, buy or make your own special hard pillow stuffed with sawdust or sand. Under it should put a wooden plank.

Preparing threads for weaving macrame

Having chosen the right scheme for making macrame crafts, a beginner often does not know where to start. In order for the work to be argued, and the finished product to please you with its appearance, you will have to reproduce some preparatory steps.

Stage of preparation for macrame:

• The first step is to calculate the number of threads, but often this item is indicated in macrame master classes;
• Beginning craftswomen, in order to understand with what density it is better to weave, before weaving a complete craft, make a sample of each new pattern;
• You need to cut the threads by putting them on a centimeter or a long ruler, while they should lie freely and without stretch;
• If the threads are crumpled during transportation, then this shortcoming should be easily corrected by holding them for 2 minutes over hot steam;
• The fluffy ends of the threads need to be burned or lubricated with glue;
• If the length of the threads is more than 2 meters, then they need to be wound into separate wombs and fastened with an elastic band for money.

After all the preparation steps have been completed, you can attach the threads to the base (if any) and proceed directly to weaving the product.

How to calculate the length of the thread in macrame

Calculating the length of the thread, the most important step in preparing for weaving. However, you will not be able to determine the desired segment exactly to the centimeter. This value may vary depending on the thickness of the thread and the degree of its tension by the master during work.

Any products, even triangles, woven by different needlewomen according to the same pattern, will differ in size.

It is easier to cut off the excess thread after finishing work than to tie the missing part in the process, so take a thread 6-7 times longer than the size of each individual part of the finished product. However, for some products, even this amount of threads may not be enough, in which case the missing segment will have to be knitted. Usually two threads end at once, in order to lengthen them, tie the last knot with them very loosely, and thread a new thread into it, and then tighten it strongly. Glue the protruding ends between the knots.

Review of threads for macrame (video)

Threads are the main material in things made using the macrame technique. Therefore, it is so important to know what type of threads to choose for a particular product and how to process them correctly before starting work. Remember, the final appearance of your work depends on the quality of the threads!

The versatility of macrame is that you can weave from anything!

Even from plastic tubes, wire, hair (we weave braids and do hairstyles using weaving).

Seriously, each product has its own rope, thread. I am often asked the question:

What kind of threads are needed for macrame?

By thread we will understand clothesline, and curtain cord, and jute twine, and household nylon rope, nylon fishing cord, floss for baubles and small accessories, waxed shoe thread is used very actively this season for weaving jewelry.

Threads and ropes should be tightly twisted. Then the nodes are clear, embossed, and the products are practically not deformed.

Nylon cord for macrame products

For larger items such as a hammock, rocking chair, car wraps, furniture - use a natural thread - sisal, polyethylene cords.

For planters, lampshades, wall panels - use a household rope, textile cords, those that are inserted into clothes, twine, jute. For handbags, belts, you can use both linen cord and soutache, linen is well suited.

Linen for weaving products using macrame technique

Sisal threads for macrame.

I used this twine for weaving a handbag

I also used threads for crocheting or knitting in my products: that is, wool or any other yarn: iris, melange, darning and other threads for knitting.

“Where to buy threads for macrame?”

• In any economic, construction, fishing and hunting departments. In shops and needlework departments, in kiosks, at the post office - twine, in gift wrapping departments.
• In the wholesale stores of clothing production, light industry, knitwear production - you can buy cords and ropes. Waxed thread is used for micromacrame (weaving jewelry).

Threads for micromacrame. For weaving jewelry.

I decided to make a video tutorial and show once again the threads that I use in macrame and fixtures: tools or materials.

Threads and cords in macrame.

On this site I help needlewomen to buy waxed thread. To do this, write your question in the comments. Comments appear on the site only after moderation, so don’t worry if you don’t see your comment right away, I will definitely answer you!