Macrame is a creative textile activity that uses techniques based on different types of knots. This hobby allows you to make various creations of very different sizes and uses: wall hangings, hangings for your plants, pretty jewelry or small objects. The basis of macrame is based on knots to be made with specific threads. In this article, we tell you how to learn macrame with lots of tips.
What materials do you need to make macrame?
The basic material
The basic material for making a macrame creation is:
- The thread or threads;
- A support for its realization (hook, ring, wooden stick etc.);
- A tape measure or a folding rule to measure the lengths of threads;
- Scissors;
- A comb.
Your yarn and backing needs will be different depending on the project you want to do. Indeed, the threads for macrame are not all the same diameter and are not all of the same material. The thicker wires, which have more of a rope-like appearance, are well suited to large creations such as wall hangings. To make macrame jewelry , it will be necessary to opt for finer threads. Thick threads are not suitable for such small rooms.
The ecru yarn is a trendy basic and easily adapts to all interior decorations. If you choose to work with threads of several colors, you will have to ensure the harmony of the project, especially for the color associations.
When you want to shop, you might run into these questions:
- Which yarn should I use for my project?
- What length of wire do I need?
- What colors will go well together?
- What medium will I use?
- What is the ideal size of my support?
Calculating the length of rope needed can be tricky. Of course, it depends on the project to be carried out and its final size, the number of threads you are going to tie, the type of knot to be made and their tension. The risk is not having enough rope to complete your project or, on the contrary, having bought too many! Depending on the final size of your future creation, it is recommended to multiply by 4 to 6 times the size of your work to obtain the correct length.
macrame for beginners
To succeed in your first macrame creation, you must therefore have the right threads, in the right length and the appropriate support. For this, the easiest way is to choose a beginner macrame kit. In this case, the threads are included, and the length is calculated to achieve the proposed creation. You won't have to buy spools of threads, half of which may stay on your hands, or face a lack of thread to finish.
French Kits offers in its Do It Youself range a set of macrame kits where everything is included:
- The wire(s) needed in the right length;
- Fasteners or decorative elements for jewelry or supports for suspensions (ring or vertical bar);
- The tutorial for a turnkey project.
Our cotton yarns for macrame are pleasant to work with due to their softness and shine. Plus, they have the advantage that they can be easily combed and detangled when you want to fringe on a project.
If you want to do a suspension, it is advisable to sit comfortably so as not to have too much back pain! If you have a rolling wardrobe with metal hooks, tie your rod to it to make your project vertical. On the other hand, when you do the finishing touches, especially the fringes, work on a table instead, it's more practical for untangling the threads.
How to choose the right project to learn macrame?
What tutorial do I need to get started?
Before you even buy anything and start macramé with enthusiasm, you have to choose the right project: a macramé creation suitable for beginners . As with all manual activities, there are techniques to learn. There are several essential basic knots to know before you want to create more complex sticks, braids and assemblies. Some projects can take a very long time to complete, especially if you've never tried. This can ultimately be discouraging.
Finding a macrame tutorial that you like on the Web or in a book is good, but is it really adapted to your level? Instead, start with a small project that can be done quickly rather than relying on a curtain of more than one meter. Not only will you not get bored, but you will also see if you like this creative activity! The tutorial must be clear, easy to understand for a novice and must show precisely the technical gestures to reproduce.
Why is a macrame kit ideal for beginners?
Our beginner macrame kits contain the material you need as well as the explanations related to learning this hobby:
- Each project is designed so that a beginner can understand how to do it;
- Each tutorial allows you to complete a project from A to Z in 1 to 3 hours;
- You learn the main macrame knots.
For this, our pedagogy is twofold. A paper technical booklet is provided in the kit. It covers the main stages of creation with illustrations. The kit also includes a series of video tutorials accessible with a QR-Code. So you will see:
- How to start your creation;
- What are the right gestures for tying knots;
- How to make the finishes.
You will find on each kit the mention of a level. This corresponds to the time required to carry out the corresponding project and not a level to be reached. All kits are perfect even if you have never done macrame. You won't need anything else outside of the kit to get started except these everyday items: scissors, tape measure and comb.
Learning macrame is easy if you choose the right beginner-friendly project and the right materials. Do not go on a disproportionate project that will take your time and tire you! Choose a model adapted to your level by thinking beforehand about the material necessary for its realization. With a simple approach and designed for novices, a macrame beginner kit is the right solution. You will have everything at hand to spend a good moment of relaxation and creation, and discover the pleasure of macrame.
