Getting hemp happy!

Heyyyyyy folks! Here's that jewelry how-to I promised! I thought I'd start off with something pretty inexpensive and easy to make. We are gonna learn to macrame (mack-krah-may) today! Macrame was a big trend in the sixties and is really cute for the summer months. Just remember to have patience and keep trying- no one is perfect at first!

Here's what you will need...

You can get any of this stuff at your local craft or bead store!

Spool of 20# hemp cord

3 beads (I like beads made out of fimo clay but you can really use any bead with a relatively large hole)

Scissors

Estimated cost of this project- $8

You will learn to make a simple overhand knot and square knots.

First, cut two strands (roughly 3 feet each) with one strand a few inches longer than the other.

Fold each strand in half and place them together. 

Make a simple overhand knot leaving a 1/2 inch loop. 

Now you are going to make a square knot. Your two middle cords (the shorter ones) are called the core cords. Your two outer cords (the longer ones) are called your knotting cords. 

To make a square knot you are going to take your left knotting cord (LKC) and put it over your two core cords (CC). 

Now take your right knotting cord (RKC) and put it over your LKC and through the loop between your LKC and CC. 

I know this sounds really confusing. Look at the diagrams I made in paint. It makes it a lot simpler. Once your RKC is through the loop pull your LKC and RKC tight to form part 1 of your square knot. Now you will repeat this time starting by putting your RKC over your CC.

Then put your LKC over your RKC and through the loop between the RKC and CC. 

Pull tight. That is your complete square knot.

 

NOW make 11 more (about 2.5 inches long from beginning of loop).

 Insert your first bead onto your CC and continue to make your square knot around the bead. The two CC should fall behind your bead. 

 

Make 2 more square knots and insert your next bead. Make 3 square knots. Insert next bead and make 24 more square knots (about 2.5 inches from bottom of last bead).

The average sized bracelet is between 7 and 8 inches. BAM!

 Now you can use your loose ends to tie a knot through the loop that you made in the beginning. You can always trim those ends if they feel too long, just make sure to leave enough so that you can tie and untie your knot.

There is the finished product! :)

Simple, right? HAH! You'll get the hang of it. If you have any questions, let me know! I'll be happy to help you out. Make sure you post pictures of your finished piece!