Macrame Definitions
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These
Macrame Definitions cover any unusual words or abbreviations
used in Macrame, which start with the letters F
thru M. You'll also find words that are used differently
in this craft than in others. Please see the other pages
in this section for more terminology.
Click on the images and/or links and you will be
re-directed to other pages that apply. |
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F
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Filler
Cords: This Macrame definition is unique to this craft. It means the specific
strands that run through the center of certain knots. For
example, if you are using 4 cords to make a Square
Knot, the inner two are filler cords. Also referred
to as the Core. |
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Findings:
Fasteners or closures for necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
They are usually made from some type of metal, but some
can be made from Macrame knots. See Decorative Fasteners for more details. |
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Finishing knot:
A specific type of knot used at the ends of the cords to secure
them, and prevent unraveling. The Barrel
Knot in the image, for example, is one of several
useful finishing knots. |
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Finishing Touches: Techniques used in the final steps of Macrame projects. These methods include tying knots, weaving the ends into the pattern, making fringe, etc. Glue is often used in the process, and the best type to use is puzzle glue (liquid). |
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Flax Linen:
A type of fiber that is made from the same plant Linseed Oil
comes from. This soft, luxurious fiber has been used to make
clothing for over 5000 years. It is not easy to find, but
many people in Ireland spin this type of material into yarn and
cordage. See Macrame
Cord for more details. |
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Folds: This
term refers to loops that are narrow and/or
elongated. In the image is a Cloverleaf
Knot, before tightening. The inner portion has
the folds. The round Loops are along the
outside of the design. It's important to recognize the difference
between loops and folds. This is one of several Macrame definitions
specific to this craft. |
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Fringe:
A decorative feature that results in a large group of dangling
cords. This technique was very popular in the 1970s. See
Making
Fringe for more details. |
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G
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Gemstones:
Semi-precious stones that are polished and shaped into chips,
beads and pendants. The stones in the image are Amazonite.
Turquoise and Quartz are other types of gemstones. See Macrame
Beads for more details. |
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Gusset: This is a term used to describe the sides of handbags and purses. Most patterns will have you add cords to widen the sides so the purse will not be so flat. See the Teardrop Purse for an example. For more information, see also Adding Cords. |
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H
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Hemp: A
tough, natural fiber that you can use to make Macrame projects.
This type of cord has been popular since the 1960's. Today
it is used to make friendship bracelets and other types
of casual jewelry. See Macrame
Cord for more information. |
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Hitch: A type
of knot that is designed to attach to another object or cord.
The image shows a Cats
Paw Hitch, which is unique. The Larks
Head Knot and the Double
Half Hitch are commonly used for this purpose. |
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Holding Cord:
This is another unique Macrame definition you won't see elsewhere. It means the specific cord
that the knots are attached or mounted to. In the image, the
black cord is the holding cord for the Josephine Knots (pink).
See Unique
Mounting Designs for more examples. |
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Horizontal:
A cord, or row of knots, that runs side to side within your
Macrame project, parallel to the floor. The image shows the
Flower
Bracelet resting horizontally on a table. |
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I
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Interlace:
This is another Macrame definition you won't see very often
in other crafts. It is a pattern where you intertwine and
weave the cords together. Celtic Knots feature this type of
pattern. The image shows the Celtic
Circle, which is made up of interlaced loops.
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Inverted: This term means upside down. In this Alternating V Pattern, the shape is inverted so the point is at the top of the design. |
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J
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Jute: A
strong, coarse fiber that you can use for Macrame projects.
It is particularly suited to making outdoor furnishings.
Burlap sacks are made from this material. For more information,
see Macrame
Cord. |
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Empress Josephine: Once married to Napoleon Bonaparte, this lovely woman was drawn and painted by many artists. The Josephine Knot was named after this popular Queen of France. |
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K
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Knot (K):
What Macrame is all about! There are many types of knots,
but the ones used in this craft are often called Decorative
Knots. The image shows one of several Linked
Overhand Knots. |
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L
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Lampwork:
Handcrafted beads that are made by heating glass rods and
winding them into basic shapes. Intricate details and colors
are then added to create a variety of beautiful designs.
See Macrame
Beads for more details.
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Larks Head (LH):
One of the most common Macrame knots used to attach cords
to rings, dowels, and other cords. It's sometimes called a
Mounting Knot. It can rest horizontally, vertically, or as
part of a chain. See Larks
Head Sennits for unique ways to use this decorative
knot. |
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Leather:
A type of Cord material that is made from animal hides.
It is usually round or flat, and somewhat stiff. The Basic
Bracelet in the image was made with Leather
cord.
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Loop: Understanding
this Macrame definition is vital. It is a circular or oval
shape usually made by overlapping two ends. Different from
the term folds, which are narrower and longer.
The image shows the loops involved in making the Brocade
Knot, which is a good example for how this term
is used. |
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M
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Macrame: The
craft of tying knots in cords, in a variety of patterns, to
form artistic decorations, clothing, furniture, and jewelry.
This Vintage
Basket is made using several types of Macrame knots. |
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Metallic:
A type of cord that looks like gold, silver, or brass metal.
This twisted cord is a combination of silver and gold strands.
See Macrame
Cord for more information.
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Micro-Macrame:
Making Macrame projects using very delicate cords, such as
silk. Particularly suited to creating handcrafted jewelry.
These Celtic
Circle Earrings are dainty, and made with fine
leather cord (0.5mm diameter). |
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Migrama: The term Macrame is derived from this Arabic word, which means "ornamental fringe". When this craft began, artisans would make knots along the edges of scarves and shawls that they created. This practice eventually evolved into the craft of Macrame. |
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Mount: This Macrame definition is seldom used in other crafts. It refers to the
process of attaching cords to a ring, handle, frame, or another
cord. The image shows a Spiral design that is mounted to a
horizontal cord. See Unique
Mounting Designs for more examples. |
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| Ready to learn
more Macrame Definitions? Simply click on the following
links to go back to words starting with A thru E, or move
forward to letters N thru Z. |
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