If you've mastered the basic square and lark's head knots and are ready to take your macrame skills to the next level, this post is for you. Moving beyond simple, repetitive patterns is where the true artistry of macrame begins. By combining a variety of knots and techniques on a single piece, you can create a unique, textured, and visually dynamic work of art.
Today, I'm excited to showcase a project that does just that. Recently I made this wall hanging for my baby nephew. This wall hanging isn't just a decoration—it's a showcase of different skills and a testament to the fact that you can create something truly special by mixing and matching your favorite techniques.
The Foundation: Picking Your Techniques
Before you even start knotting, it's a good idea to plan which techniques you want to highlight. For this piece, I chose a few of my favorites that offer different textures and looks:
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Lark's Head Knot: The perfect way to start any project, anchoring the cords cleanly to the dowel.
- Square Knot: The primary knot used to create the long, twisted strands that form the structural support for the shelves. These are created by a consistent series of alternating square knots.
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Gathering Knot: Used above each wooden shelf to cinch the supporting cords together, creating a secure base for the shelf to rest on and adding a decorative element.
The Process: Building Your Masterpiece
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Preparing and Attaching the Cords: Several cords were cut to the desired length and attached to a wooden dowel using lark's head knots. The number of cords would depend on the desired width of the wall hanging and the support needed for the shelves.
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Creating the Woven Wall Hanging Section: A section of the cords was used to create a woven tapestry. This involved horizontal rows of knotting (likely variations of the half hitch or weft interweaving techniques) to form the fox design in different colored cords. Decorative elements like the braided sides (likely created with square knots) and the knotted tassels at the bottom were added to frame the woven section.
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Separating Cords for Shelf Support: The remaining cords were divided into groups to create the supports for the wooden shelves. The spacing of these groups would determine the placement of the shelves.
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Creating the Twisted Shelf Supports: Each group of cords was then worked using square knots to create long, twisted strands. The consistent repetition of square knots results in this spiral appearance. The length of these twisted strands determines the distance between the dowel and the first shelf, and subsequently between each shelf.
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Attaching the First Shelf: Once the twisted strands reached the desired length for the first shelf, the cords were likely gathered together just below the placement of the shelf. A gathering knot was tied around all the supporting strands to create a secure and stable point for the wooden plank to rest on. The wooden plank was then positioned on top of these gathered knots. Wooden beads were also added to the supporting strands above and below the shelf for a decorative touch and to further secure the shelf's position.
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Repeating for Subsequent Shelves: Steps 4 and 5 were repeated for the second shelf. The twisted strands were continued to the desired length for the placement of the next shelf, and another gathering knot was used to secure the cords beneath the second wooden plank. Again, wooden beads were incorporated.
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Finishing the Ends: The remaining cords below the bottom shelf were left as a loose fringe, adding a final decorative element to the piece. The lengths of these cords were likely trimmed to create a uniform or staggered look.
Why This Approach Works
Combining different techniques on one piece does more than just show off your skills. It allows you to:
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Create Visual Interest: The mix of textures and patterns keeps the eye moving and makes the piece more engaging.
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Tell a Story: Each section can feel like a different chapter of the design, with its own purpose and personality.
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Learn and Grow: It challenges you to think about how different knots can work together and how to transition from one pattern to another.
So, don't be afraid to experiment! Grab a few extra cords and try incorporating a new knot into your next project. You might be surprised at what you can create.
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