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 as well as Micro-Macrame designs.
You can click on the images and a large pictures
will come up in a new window. |
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Buttonhole Clasp
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Step 1: Cut 2 cords, each at least 45 inches long. One should be cut 10 inches longer. Locate the center of them, and secure them to your work surface.
Choose the short strand to be the holding cord, also called the "core". The long one will be the working cord. |
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Step 2: Tie a Vertical Larks Head knot with the working cord, onto the core.
Even though the cords are horizontal, you still have to make the Larks Head in two parts, so it's called a Vertical LH. |
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Step 3: Make
a series of Vertical Larks Head Knots, also called a sennit. The number of knots will vary, depending on
how large the clasp 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 4. Remove
the pins or tape. Form a loop with the knots you just tied, which is called a scallop.
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 5: To finish
the Buttonhole Clasp, use the 2 working cords (pink) to tie
a Square Knot around the other two cords (fillers). Tighten the SK firmly. |
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Step 6: On the
other end of your jewelry design, you need to attach a button or bead to complete
the clasp.
Below are three Button Knots that can be used instead of a regular button. Click on the images learn how to tie them. |
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Matthew Walker Knot |
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Chinese Button Knot |
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Celtic Button Knot |
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Sliding Clasps
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| Sliding jewelry clasps are very popular, so I have written a page devoted entirely to this type of necklace or bracelet closure. Be sure to check it out, since there are a number of knots that can be used. |
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This Wrapped Knot Sliding Clasp is described on that page, which is called Sliding Clasps. |
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Simple Overhand Clasp
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You can’t get much simpler
than this:
Tie an Overhand
Knot, right where you want the clasp to begin. 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. |
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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. If you prefer, you can also use other decorative knots, such as the Barrel Knot. |
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Hanger Knot Clasp
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| The Hanger Knot is essentially two Overhand Knots linked together in the
center of a cord. When the knots are tightened, there are stable loops available, to be used as jewelry clasps. Even belts can be made using this technique. |
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Fold a cord in half. Take the left strand and make an Overhand knot, heading
counter-clockwise. Tie another with the right strand, moving clockwise.
The right end goes through the loop 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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O-Ring Clasp
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Most jewelry clasps are easy to create, like this one called the O-Ring Clasp.
I found it in a book called "Decorative Fusion Knots" by J. D. Lenzen.
It's essentially a wrapped Overhand knot, and you can make it just about any size. You would make it on one end of the bracelet or necklace. At the other end, use a bead, regular button, or a button knot. It's best to make it first, then create the rest of the design with the two ends. |
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Step 1: Tie an Overhand knot the size
you want to clasp to be. Make sure the right end passes over the left to make the crossing point, which should be at the bottom. |
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Step 2: Wrap
the right end of the cord around the right portion of the
loop several times, until you reach the top central area of the loop. |
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Step 3: Wrap the left half of the loop with the left end of the cord. |
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Step 4:. Push the coils together, so there are no gaps. You may need to add a few more wraps as you tighten the design.
Tie an Overhand or Square Knot to secure the clasp.
Note that I flipped the jewelry clasp so the final knot is at the bottom. |
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Free Macrame Patterns has an official online store called Acajou Crafts. There are many unique
items, including a variety of cord materials, beads, pendants, and more. There is FREE SHIPPING
for most of the items. Just click on any of the Acajou banners, and you will be sent to the store.
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