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The Basics of Macram? There are some simple Macram? basics that
you?ll need to know to get you started. The more confident that
you are about the process of Macram? the more fun you?ll have as
you complete one project after another.
Calculating how much cording to use: You?ll need to calculate
how long the length of your cording should be. Although most
projects will give you the recommended measurements, you should
have some idea of how this measurement is reached. The ends of
cording should be 3 ? to 4 times longer than the piece you plan
to make, however, since the cording is doubled in half for
knotting it is measured 7 to 8 times longer than the amount
needed. For example: if the Macram? project will have a finished
length of 1 yard you?ll want to measure your cording 7 to 8
yards from one end to the other. Then when each end is doubled
for knotting it will be two ends, each end being 3 ? to 4 yards
long. Make sure that you measure the ends generously since you
don?t want to run out of cording and have to add to the project.
It?s much better to have extra cording than it is to run out and
add in an inconvenient place in the design.
Making a sampler before you begin: For many Macram? projects
you?ll want to make a sampler so that you can see how the
cording knots and how long it measures. Heavy cording will take
up more length in knotting than lightweight ones so you?ll need
to allow for this in the calculation of how much cording to use.
Make a sampler that measures about 3 inches by 6 inches so that
you can gauge the length of the cording as well as see how many
ends will be needed for the width of the pattern. To determine
the number of ends: tie four ends into a Square Knot and measure
the knot?s width. If the width of the knot is ? inch you?ll know
that you need eight ends to the inch for the pattern of your
project. When you know what Macram? project that you want to
make you should practice with the knots so that you know exactly
how the cording will tie and so that you can gauge its texture
and the way that it looks.
Adding beads and other items: Beads and other items are often
added to Macram? projects to make them interesting, unique, and
rich with design. You can purchase beads of all kinds from
beading and craft stores, as well as from many distributors on
the Internet. All you need to do is make sure that the holes in
the beads are large enough for the cording to strand through
easily. To add the beads you simply slide them onto the cording
between or in the middle of knots. When you?re adding beads to a
project you?ll want to look for beads that are unique and
unusual so that they stand out in the Macram? pattern. You?ll
find beads in a variety of styles, sizes, and shapes that
includes flowers, symbols, and charms. Search for beads that
will complement the Macram? pattern that you?re working. You?ll
want to choose beads with a color and texture that are going to
enhance your project. For smaller projects you?ll want to use
beads that are soft and delicate while your larger Macram?
projects will need large, textured beads. Take your time looking
for the right beads for your project and dare to experiment with
new ideas. The one thing that you need to ensure when you?re
purchasing beads for your Macram? projects is that the cording
will fit through the bead center. Keep in mind that many times
you?ll be using several strands of cording that will need to fit
through the bead so be sure to choose beads that are large
enough. When you?re working the bead into the strands of cording
you?ll need to position the bead carefully into the pattern as
per the project instructions. In most cases the bead will be
worked into the project following a series of knots, followed by
another series of knots to keep the bead secure.
For more information go to:
http://www.macramelovers.com/index1.html
About the author:
Carolyne first ran her own profitable Macrame business when she
was 8 years old back in the late 70's and decided to re-ignite
the passion and delight she has for this wonderful craft.
Carolyne noticed how hard it was to find information on Macrame.
So she decided to invest her time and money into researching
this craft to create the "One Stop Macrame Shop" ebook, your
complete guide to Macrame.
http:www.macramelovers.com/index1.html
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