DIY Network

Macrame Necklace From "Jewelry Making" episode DJMK-103

	Milligan's finished creation.
	A closer look at the macrame knotting and beading technique.

Macrame artist Cathi Milligan brings back the craft of macramé in a big way. Macrame has long been thought of as a blast from the past -- a craft relinquished to 1970s potholders and plant hangers. But today, Milligan combines the technique with beading to create necklaces with exotic appeal.

Materials:

Donut bead (for center piece of necklace)
Accent beads
Waxed linen
Hook clasp and jump ring
Macrame board
T-pins
Tape
Glue
Toothpicks

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

1. Choose a centerpiece that can accommodate a couple of strands of waxed linen cord.
   This project requires 4 strands of cord. Cut each piece four to six times the finished length of your choker.

2. Lark's head knot: First, fold a strand in half. Take the loop end and thread it through the opening in your centerpiece (donut). Pass the other end through the loop and tighten (figure A) to produce two strands of cord for each original piece, a total of eight). You’ll now have eight loose cords off your centerpiece. You’ll want four strands to work with on each side.

3. Tie one side (of four strands) up in a bobbin while working on the first side so they don't get in the way. It’s easier to complete one side at a time while working on a choker project. You’ll also want to anchor the centerpiece down to the macramé board with a t-pin.

4. Square knot: Separate your four cords so they lie flat. The two center cords are the holding cords and the outside two are the knotting cords. Tape down the center two and begin your first knot with the outside two. The first knot sequence will be a square knot, which consists of two half-knots, one to the left and one to the right. The knots are made looping the cord through the holding cords (figure B). Make sure that the second knot is tight.

5. To add a bead (figure C), remove the tape that's anchoring down the holding cords and thread an accent bead on. Repeat another square knot to secure the bead as in the previous step.

6. Leave a bit of space in the cord (figure D) before starting the next knotting sequence, which will be half-knot twists. They are made by continuing the half-knot in the same direction.

7. Make a half-knot, left to right. And another left to right. This creates a twist (figure E). At least six knots are needed to get the twist to form.

8. Leave space before the next sequence, then repeat the sequence. Start with square knots, create a square knot with an accent bead, then half-knot twists. Once you have reached your desired length repeat the entire process on the other side of the centerpiece.

9. Once the choker is complete, tie each set of cords onto the jump ring and hook clasp using an overhand knot. Make sure it's tied as tight as possible.

10. Apply a dab of glue on the knot with a toothpick. Once the glue is dry, trim cords close to the knot.

RESOURCES :
Cathi Milligan
Owner
BeadBrains
851 North Avenue 50
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Phone: 323-258-5068
E-mail: beadbrains@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.beadbrains.com