How to create your own macrame hemp bracelet

As a kid, I loved making macramé jewelry. I spent hours making bracelets, necklaces and anklets. Now, as a parent, trying to keep my kids busy with at-home activities that require a minimal amount of materials, do not create a huge a mess and can been done somewhat independently has been a challenge. However, teaching my kids macramé has been an inexpensive way to help solve that problem. They have absolutely loved making different pieces to send out to friends and family.

MATERIALS

▪ Hemp cord

▪ Beads (with at least a 2 mm opening)

▪ Tape

▪ Scissors

▪ Optional: a clipboard to help hold your bracelet in place while you work

METHOD

Start by cutting the hemp cord into one 20-inch piece and one 70-inch piece. Fold both pieces in half. Tie a knot with both cords to create a loop that’s large enough for the bead you would like to go on the end as your clasp bead. There will be four cords hanging. The two shorter cords (anchor chords) should be in the center, and the two longer cords (tying cords) should be on the outside.

Pass the left tying cord over the anchor cords. Pass the right tying cord over the top of the left tying cord. Pass the right tying cord under the anchor cords and through the loop formed by the left tying cord. Pull tightly on both tying cords while sliding the knot to the top.

Repeat the last step, starting with the right tying cord. Continue alternating between the left tying cord and with the right tying cord.

When you reach a place where you would like to add a bead, string the bead onto the two anchor cords in the center and slide it up to your last knot. The next knot will start below the bead with which tying cord you left off with. Make sure to pull both tying cords tight to hold the bead snuggly in place.

Continue to create alternating knots (and optionally adding beads) until you have reached the desired length of your bracelet.

Slide the last bead (clasp bead) onto all four cords. Using all four cords, tightly tie a knot against the clasp bead. Cut off the excess cord.

You have now learned how to make a macramé bracelet, using square knots.

TIPS

Plan your bead pattern ahead of time to see how many beads will fit the length that you would like your bracelet to be.

If you lose track of which tying cord to start the next knot with, just look where you left off for a bump in the cord. Start the next knot with the side that has the bump on it.

Looking for more easy activities to create your own Summer Learning Challenge? Find them at www.richlandlibrary.com/tag/good-children.

This story was originally published July 10, 2020 at 12:12 PM with the headline "How to create your own macrame hemp bracelet."