MACRAMÉ LARIAT BRAIDING (NECKLACE)
Macramé braiding originated in 13th-century Arabia, and the art was passed from generation to generation by sailors who, during their endless voyages, made decorative items out of sisal rope.
Only two basic knots are used for the lariat illustrated here. Thin cords in different shades of blue show off the knots clearly. For a striking variation, use black cord embellished with silver beads or Swarovski crystals.
Adapted from Jewelry in a Jiffy: More Than 55 Quick and Easy Bead Projects
by Fransie Snyman, published by Firefly Books.
Materials & Tools:
- 8 m beading cord (4 m light blue, 4 m dark blue)
- 1 large focal bead (blue and brown)
- 2 smaller focal beads (blue)
- 9 x 6 mm fisheye beads (blue)
- 1 x 10 mm fisheye bead (blue)
- 3 x 6 mm bicone Swarovski crystals (2 blue, 1 brown)
- 2 x 8 mm fisheye beads (brown)
- 1 x 4 mm fisheye bead (brown)
- 2 x 6 mm tubular fisheye beads (brown)
- 2 cord crimp ends
- 1 jump ring
- 1 trigger clasp
- Clear nail polish
- Flat-nose pliers
Step 1
You will need two different knots to make this jewelry, the half knot and the flat knot, both used in later steps.
To make a half knot (pictured):
a. Start with four lengths of cord. The two light-blue inner cords, known as the core cords, are left hanging in the center, while the two dark-blue outer cords are knotted around them.
b. Take the left-hand outer cord over the core cords and under the right-hand outer cord.
c. Take the right-hand outer cord under the core cords and through the loop formed by the left-hand outer cord.
d. Pull the cords tight.
e. Repetition of this knot results in a spiral.
To make a flat knot (pictured in Step 4):
a. Start by making the half knot, described above.
b. Then take the right-hand outer cord over the core cords and under the left-hand outer cord.
c. Now take the left-hand outer cord under the core cords and through the loop.
d. Pull the cords tight.
e. Repeating this knot results in a flat, wide braid.
Step 2
Cut the beading cord into eight 1 m lengths. Thread all eight strings through the large focal bead. Thread a different bead onto the end of each of the eight strings, then tie a secure knot in each end.
Step 3
Apply clear nail polish to each knot to prevent it from coming undone. Divide the eight strings into two groups of four, then tie a single knot above the focal bead.
Step 4
Make 10 flat knots in each of the two four-cord strings. For added interest, use the light-blue cords as core cord on one side, and the dark-blue cords as core cord on the other side. Thread all four strings through the smaller focal bead on either side. Switching the colors of the core cords, make 10 more flat knots on either side.
Step 5
Thread a 6 mm fisheye bead onto each of the four outer cords, then make 10 more flat knots on either side. Thread a brown tubular fisheye bead onto the core cords on either side. Switching the colors of the core cords, make 20 half knots to form a spiral.
Step 6
Thread a 6 mm fisheye bead onto each of the four core cords, then tie all four strings together just above the beads. Repeat on the other side.
Step 7
Insert the ends of all four strings into a cord crimp end on either side, then firmly close the crimp end. Attach the jump ring to one end and the fastener to the other.
Step 8
Adapted from Jewelry in a Jiffy: More Than 55 Quick and Easy Bead Projects
by Fransie Snyman, published by Firefly Books.
