Finishing Techniques
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| In Finishing Techniques you will learn specific decorative knots and procedures used to produce
a neat appearance in the final steps of Macrame projects.
The techniques described are used to prevent the ends of
cords from unraveling. I refer to them in the free patterns
in this site, and you’ll find them in most Macrame
books, as well. |
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Finishing Knots |
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Overhand
knots are often used in the last few steps
of Macrame patterns, particularly to prevent the ends from unraveling. Barrel
knots and the Linen
Stitch are also commonly used. Once
these knots are made, the leftover cords are usually cut
close to the knots, and glue applied. Otherwise, they could
come out with time and use.
Tip: The glue I prefer to use is
the regular household type that dries clear. I’ve
tried other types of glue, with fairly good results. I dilute
it 50/50 with water and paint it on the final knots with
a small paintbrush. You can also use clear nail polish if
you wish. |
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The Wrapped
Knot is unique in that it secures the cords without
the need to use glue. The ends need to be treated, but you
can leave them long to allow them to slide through the knot.
This technique also makes an excellent clasp for a necklace.
See Jewelry
Clasps for more details. |
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| Another interesting knot, the Monkey
Fist, (top image) makes a ball at the end of
a cord, and has a neatly finished appearance. So does the Chinese
Button Knot, and the Matthew Walker knot. I use these knots regularly
as Finishing Techniques for my own Macrame projects. I recommend
you take the time to learn these very useful decorative
knots. |
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Weaving Technique |
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One of the most frequently used
Finishing techniques is to weave the ends into the body
of the work. This only works if the design is made up of
knots lying close together. If the ends are long, or if
they are frayed or unraveling, you need to trim them. Less
than 5 inches is best. Then apply glue or nail polish to
the ends and let it dry. Next, use needle nose pliers to weave
each end between the knots that make up the bulk of the
Macrame pattern.
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Finishing with Fringe |
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To create
Fringe, you can simply leave the leftover cords dangling.
You will need to coat the ends somehow, or the strands will
unravel. Some patterns will ask you to unravel each of the
cords to make the Fringe. Here are some important tips if
you decide to make Fringe as part of your Macrame designs: |
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| 1. Always trim the cords so
the ends are even. If the pattern does not require you to
unravel the cords, you will need to apply glue or knots
to the ends.
2. Some Macrame patterns suggest that you unravel the cords
and brush the ends so they are fluffy. This works with cord
made of cotton and nylon, but not as well with silk, hemp,
or rattail cord. See Macrame
Cord for more details.
3. For Beaded Fringe, apply a small bead to each end. Then
tie an Overhand or Barrel knot. Feed the remaining cord back through
the bead. If the end sticks out above the bead, trim it
so it doesn’t show. Apply a small drop of glue or
nail polish around the bead, if you wish.
For more details about using this technique in your Macrame projects,
see Making
Fringe in Learn Macrame. |
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Other Ways to Finish Projects |
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| There are other options you can use to finish your projects. For example, you can tie small bows if the item is very feminine. Adding Novelty Buttons, charms, or other embellishments are also good ways to end a special Macrame design. Usually you will need to secure these items with finishing knots. See the Ribbon Handbag for a good example of how Bows can be a great Finishing Technique. |
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