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:
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
a series of
Vertical Larks Head Knots in the center
of the cords. 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 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 clasp. You can also use a Celtic
Button Knot, a Chinese
Button Knot, or a Monkey
Fist if you wish. |
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Wrapped Knot Clasp
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Step 1: To
practice, lay two or more cords horizontally
on your work surface. Use an additional strand to tie the
knot. 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 the instructions
for tying the Wrapped
Knot for more details.
When you are using this technique as part of an actual
jewelry design, the Wrapped Knot would be tied around the
cords making up the necklace or bracelet. Since this jewelry
clasp is adjusted by sliding the cords through the knot,
you will need to 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
Techniques for ideas. Also, you may want to tie
knots in the ends, to prevent the cords from sliding out
of the knot. |
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Overhand Simple Clasp
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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
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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
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Step 1: This Jewelry Clasp is also quite easy to create. Tie 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. Apply glue to the knot
and when dry, cut off any remaining cord. |
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