Decorative Fasteners
|
| |
|
| |
Decorative fasteners are essential if you
are planning to make Micro-Macrame Jewelry, or things like belts and purses. A bracelet,
for example, needs some type of closure, as does a necklace.
Some closures can be purchased in craft supply stores, and are referred to as findings. Or you
can use buttons, beads, and specific knots to form clasps.
Purse handles, belt buckles and other fasteners can also
be purchased. But if you prefer, you can make many types of decorative fasteners yourself.
You can click on the images and a large picture
will come up in a new window. |
| |
| |
Novelty Button Fasteners |
| |
| |
 |
|
I found a container of buttons saved by my 80-year-old mother,
and was amazed at what I found! There were quite a few made
of stone, glass, and other materials you can’t find
easily today. I found that the best ones to use in Macramé
projects are the type with a single hole through a tab in
the back (shank button). You can use them as part of a clasp,
or as decorations, just like beads. |
| |
| |
Decorative Knots as Fasteners |
| |
| |
 |
|
Specific
decorative knots can form closures as well. The Wrapped
Knot and the Chinese
Button, for example, are frequently used in Macramé,
as part of clasps. The Monkey Fist also makes a neat ball on the end of a cord,
and is one of my favorite techniques to use. This Buttonhole
Clasp uses Lark’s Head knots in a unique
way, and is commonly seen in both modern and Vintage patterns.
|
| |
| For specific details to make the Buttonhole Clasp, as well as other designs, see Jewelry Clasps in the Micro-Macrame Section. |
| |
| |
Earring Findings |
| |
| |
 |
|
You
will need to purchase the hooks for earrings. I know of no
handmade alternatives. Most stores that carry beads will carry
earring hooks and hoops, and they are usually not all that expensive. Few places
carry post earrings, though. If you find some, don't pass
them up! |
| |
| |
Purse Handles |
| |
| |
 |
|
Purse handles can be purchased, or you
can make them by hand. Certain types of Macrame Knots are ideal for handbags. Here are several decorative knots you might want to try: |
| |
| An interesting effect can be obtained
by making a series of Lanyard
Knots to form a spiral or flat chain. You could
also use Interlaced
Plaits, the Chinese
Snake Knot, or even a chain of Alternating
Half Hitches. If you are not familiar with
these techniques, a review of them might be helpful. |
| |
| |
Belt Buckles |
| |
Belt buckles can be made with large buttons. You can actually
decorate one with Macramé knots, and use it as a
fastener. The Buttonhole
Clasp technique is not limited to jewelry.
It can be used to make a belt buckle as well. On the opposite end of the clasp, you can use a fancy button or a large bead to form the closure.
Another idea for a simple belt buckle is to tie Double
Half Hitches or Larks
Head Knots around a metal or plastic ring.
On the opposite end, leave the ends long, and feed them
through it. Then tie a knot with all the cords to keep the
belt snug. These types of decorative fasteners were often used in Macrame Patterns written in the 1960's and 70's, and are still fairly popular today. |
| |
 |
| |
Need Craft
or Macrame Supplies? Free Macrame Patterns has an official online store. Many items have FREE SHIPPING. Click on any of the Acajou banners and you will be sent to the store.
|
| |
|
Have
any comments or suggestions about Decorative Fasteners? Contact
Me.
Back
to Macrame Essentials
|
