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Contrast Belt

Description: The Contrast Belt features the use of two colors, along with knots that change direction. What's unique about this belt design is that two sets of working cords are used to alternate the colors.

Try to choose one light and one dark color if you can. In the example shown, color A is turquoise and color B is navy blue.

I used brown for the fillers, just to help with instruction. I recommend you use the dark color for the fillers.

This is a great beginner's project, since only two decorative knots are used for the entire belt design. The Square knot is featured, and this Macrame project will teach you how to tie them in both directions.

In the example shown, I used 4mm Polypropylene cord, and the width of the belt was 1-inch. To make it wider, use 6mm cord materials.

Supplies Needed:

4mm cord material, 2 colors (total amount depends on size -- see below)

Project Board and pins

Fabric Glue that dries clear

Tape Measure

Knots Used:

Square Knot (both right and left)

Barrel Knot

Preparation

Use the chart below to determine the lengths to cut the cords. Prepare the ends by applying tape to the tips.

To determine the total amount you need to purchase, add all the lengths together (Color A, B and Fillers). 36 inches = 1 yard

Length of Belt	Color A	Color B	Fillers

Under 30 inches	4 yards x 2	4 yards x 2	40 inches x 2

30 - 35 inches	5 yards x 2	5 yards x 2	45 inches x 2

35 - 40 inches	6 yards x 2	6 yards x 2	50 inches x 2

Over 40 inches	Length x 5, divided by 36 (for yards)	same as color A	Length + 10 inches

Step 1: Secure all the cords to your project board at the center. They should be arranged vertically, in this order:

1 Color A - 1 Color B - 2 Fillers - 1 Color B - 1 Color A

The two sets of working cords for the Contrast Belt are labeled A and B.

Left Square Knot Instructions

Step 2: The first Square knot you tie at the center should have the head facing left, so here are the instructions for making the knot in that direction.

The first knot is tied around 4 fillers. The knots following the first one will be tied around 2 fillers.

When making Square knots in two directions, just remember that the cord you start with determines the direction.

In this case, both working cords are color A and you start with the one on the left.

Step A: Move the left working cord to the right, passing over the next 4 cords.

This includes both color B and filler cords.

Pass it under the right working cord.

Step B: Move the right working cord to the left, passing under the two color B and filler cords.

Pull it out on the left, passing over the left working cord.

Pull the ends to tighten the knot firmly, so it rests next to the pins.

Step C: Now you repeat these steps, in the opposite direction:

Move the working cord now on the right over the next 4 cords, heading left. Pass it under the working cord on the left.

Step D: Move the working cord on the left under the color B and filler cords.

Bring it out on the right, passing over the right working cord.

Tighten the second half of the knot firmly.

This is the completed knot. Only here, in the center of the Contrast Belt, will the Square knot be tied around 4 other cords.

The following knots are all to be tied with 2 fillers, unless otherwise directed.

Right Square Knot Instructions

Step 3: For the next Square Knot in the Contrast Belt, you change to the Color B cords. The knots need to face right, so you start with the right working cord.

Important: Remember that this knot will only have 2 fillers.

Also, the two cords you just used (color A) are not part of this knot.

Step A: Move the right working cord (color B) over the two fillers and under the left working cord.

Step B: Move the left working cord under the fillers.

Bring it out on the right, passing over the right working cord.

Tighten it firmly, so it rests close to the previous SK.

Step C: Move the working cord now on the left over the fillers and under the working cord on the right.

Step D: Move the right working cord under the fillers.

As you pull it out on the left, pass it over the left working cord.

Tighten the knot firmly.

For the first half of the Contrast Belt, when using the Color A cords, you tie left SK.

When using Color B, they face right.

Alternating Pattern

Step 4: Mentally number the cords 1 - 6. The fillers are cords 3 and 4.

Move cords 2 and 5 to the sides (color B).

Pass the color A cords (1 and 6) under them, and then tie a left SK.

Step 5: Move cords 1 and 6 off to the sides, and switch to using cords 2 and 5.

Use them to tie a right SK, after you bring them under cords 1 and 6.

Alternate between steps 4 and 5, until the Contrast Belt is half the size you plan to make. So for a 40-inch belt, stop at 20 inches.

As you progress, make sure you tighten all the knots firmly, so the belt stays the same width.

Step 6: Turn the Contrast Belt around, so you can work on the second half. In order to maintain the pattern, you need to make the following changes:

When using cords 2 and 5 (color B), tie left Square Knots. Those are the cords you start out with, since you are again working from the center towards the ends.

Step 7: When shifting to cords 1 and 6 (color A), make sure you tie right Square Knots.

Continue on, repeating step 6 and 7, until both halves of the belt are the same size.

Add or remove knots from each end if the belt is not the right size.

Finishing Touches

Step 8: Place one end of the Contrast Belt in front of you, making sure it lies flat and is not twisted.

Tie the first half of a Square Knot with whatever cord was next to be used.

Tie the knot around 4 cords as you did the one in the center (step 2).

Step 9: Apply glue on the fillers. Then tie the second half, so it's resting on the glue. Tighten it as much as you possibly can.

Repeat steps 8 and 9 at the other end of the belt. Make sure the belt is not twisted and you are working at the front of it.

Step 10: Flip the Contrast Belt upside down, so you are working in the back.

Pass the filler cords under the back of one knot.

Apply glue below the two cords, so they stick to the back of the belt. Place something heavy on the area while the glue dries.

Step 11: After the glue is dry, trim the two filler cords and apply more glue to the tips.

Repeat steps 10 and 11 at the other end of the belt.

Important: Make sure the belt is not twisted, and you are still working at the back.

Step 12: Trim the four working cords at each end, so they are even. The length will depend on how much material is left, but they should be at least 8 inches.

Tie Barrel Knots at the ends. You can tie an Overhand knot if you prefer them, but make sure you use plenty of glue.

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