Festive Bell

Description:  This Festive Bell is a small flat ornament, designed to dangle on a Christmas tree or Wreath. The finished length is approximately 5 inches, so you can use this holiday bell to decorate gifts as well. 

If you make this Macrame project using 1mm or finer cord, it can be used to make a unique pair of Micro-Macrame earrings. Use earring hoops instead of the ring, and tie the knots snugly to make it as small as possible.

Supplies Needed:

• 2mm to 4mm Cord Material in two colors (10 yards of each)
• One 1-inch ring
• 1 metal Craft Bell
• Ribbon
• Project Board and pins
• Tape

Knots Used:

• Larks Head Knot
• Spiral Stitch
• Square Knot
• Alternating Square Knots
• Double Half Hitch

Step 1:  Cut the cords as follows:

• 2 cords – 24 inches long (one of each color)
• 10 cords – 55 inches long (5 strands of each color)
• 2 cords – 18 inches long (one of each color)

Step 3:  Fold one of the 55-inch cords in half, and attach it to the ring with a Larks Head knot.  Place it over the Square knot to hide it.  Mount another strand in the same manner, making sure it’s the other color.

Step 4:  Mentally number the strands 1 – 4.   Direct cord 1 to the left, securing it to your board.  Attach 4 of the 55-inch strands to it with Larks Head Knots, folding them in half in the process.  Make sure you alternate the colors.

Direct cord 6 to the right, securing it to your board.  Attach the remaining 55-inch strands to it, as you did the others, alternating the colors.

Step 5:  Mentally number the cords 1 – 20, moving left to right.  Tie the Spiral stitch with cords 1 – 4, consisting of 4 knots.  Do the same with cords 17 – 20.

Step 6:  Tie the Spiral Stitch with cords 5 – 8 as well as 13 – 16.  These sennits should consist of 8 knots.

Step 7:  Tie the Spiral Stitch with cords 9 – 12, consisting of 10 knots.

Step 8:  Tie 7 rows of Alternating Square Knots, to make the central section of the Festive Bell, as follows:

Rows 1, 3, 5, and 7: Use cords 3 - 6, 7 - 10, 11 - 14, and 15 - 18.

Rows 2, 4, and 6: Use cords 1 - 4, 5 - 8, 9 - 12, 13 - 16, and 17 - 20.

Step 9:  Use cord 1 and direct it to the right, to be used as a holding cord.  Secure it to your board, so it rests under the last row of ASK.

Step 10:  Fold one of the 18-inch cords in half, and attach it to the holding cord with a reverse Larks Head knot.  Place it between cords 4 and 5. 

Do the same with the other 18-inch cord, placing it between cords 8 and 9.

Step 11:  Tie 3 rows of Alternating Square Knots using all the strands that are available for the Festive Bell (includes holding cord).

Step 12:  Take cord 1 and direct it to the right, to be used as the next holding cord.  Secure it to your board.  Attach all the strands to it with Double Half Hitches, starting with cord 2.  After you attach cord 10, pass the holding cord through the hook on the top of the Craft Bell.  Then continue on, attaching the remaining cords (11 – 20).