Jewelry Clasps
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| Description: There are several
ways to make Jewelry Clasps, using buttons, beads, and/or
specific knots. Below are a few decorative techniques frequently
used in Macrame. |
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Buttonhole Clasp
Step 1: Find the center of two cords.
Tape or pin them horizontally to your work surface. Choose
one cord to be the core; the other will be the working cord,
and should be longer.
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Step 2: Make
Larks
Head Knots in the center of the cords. The number of knots
will vary, depending on how large the closure needs to be.
You will need to know ahead of time what size the button or
bead is that will be used on the opposite end, and adjust
the number of knots accordingly. |
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Step 3. Remove
the pins or tape. Form a loop with the knots you just tied.
The heads of the knots will be along the upper edge of the
loop. Secure the loop to your work surface with tape or pins,
directly in front of you. |
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Step 4: To finish
the loop, use the 2 working cords (on the outside) to tie
a square knot around the core cords (inside). Tighten firmly.
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Step 5: On the
other end, you need to attach a button or bead to complete
the closure. You can also use a Celtic
Button Knot, a Chinese
Button Knot, or a Monkeys
Fist if you wish. |
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Wrapped Knot Clasp
Step 1: Lay two or more cords horizontally
on your work surface. Use an additional strand to tie the
knot. |
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| This working cord should be folded into a loop,
next to the first ones. |
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| Step 2: Take the end of the
working cord and wrap it around itself as well as the others.
Wrap it over and over, working towards the loop. Make sure
the wraps are snug, but not tight.
Step 3: When you have made 10 wraps, bring
the end of the working cord through the loop. Pull gently
on the opposite end to tighten the knot. See Wrapped
Knot for more details.
Step 4: Since this jewelry clasp is adjusted
by sliding the cords through the knot, test it to make sure
it’s not too tight. The remaining ends need to be
treated in some way to prevent them from fraying. See Finishing
Touches for ideas. |
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Overhand Simple Clasp
You can’t get much simpler than this: Tie an Overhand
Knot. Leave enough space for the button or bead you
intend to use on the other end. Tie another one. Cut the
remaining cord close to the second knot, and apply glue
to secure.
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| These Jewelry Clasps work great when using buttons
or large beads on the other end. They are also also nice when
working with leather cord. |
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Hanger Knot Clasp
The Hanger Knot Jewelry Clasp is essentially two Overhand
Knots linked together in the center of a cord. You make
one with the left strand heading counter-clockwise, and
another with the right strand, clockwise. The right end
goes through the knot on the left to link them.
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Two lengths of cord will remain
for you to make a necklace or bracelet. At the opposite end,
add a button or bead that fits through the loop. See Hanger
Knot for more details.
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Barrel Twist Clasp
Step 1: Make an Overhand knot the size
you want to clasp to be. Make sure the cord crosses over
itself at the top part of the circle. |
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Step 2: Wrap
the right segment of cord around the right portion of the
loop several times, until you reach the bottom of the circle.
Step 3: Do the same number of wraps with
the left segment of cord, around the left portion of the
loop.
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Step 4: Some
types of cord will cause the design of these types of jewlery
clasps to twist. If this happens, adjust as necessary. Secure
the loop to your work surface. Tie a regular square knot to
secure the loop. Make it very tight. It should rest in the
back of whatever you are working on. Apply glue to the knot
and when dry, cut off any remaining cord.
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