Macrame Terms
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In Macrame Terms
you will begin the process of learning the different definitions
and abbreviations used in Macrame. Unique words that start
with the letters A through E are on this
page. Please see the other pages in this section for more
Macrame terms and their definitions.
Click on the images and/or links and you will be
re-directed to other pages that apply. |
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A
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Adding: Refers to the process in which the number of cords is increased in a pattern, after the mounting process. Several important techniques are described in Adding Cords. |
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Adjacent: This means the same as next-to. When tying Alternating Square Knots, you use 2 strands from adjacent knots to tie the next row. The cords in the middle are the fillers, and they are next to each other as well. |
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Alternating:
Patterns where the quantity, or type of knots used, change
back and forth with each new row. This term is also used
when you switch back and forth between 2 different cords,
as you create the design. See Alternating
Square Knots (ASK) for an example of this type of pattern. |
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Amount: You’ll
see this term used in instructions for larger projects. It
refers to how much cord you need to obtain for the entire
project. The amount will be indicated in yards. See
Macrame
Cord for more details. |
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Around: This Macrame term is used when describing the direction cords need to go to make the knot. For example, to make this Lanyard Knot, you must move each group of strands around the others in specific directions. |
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B
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Band: This Macrame Term is used to describe a chain of knots that are wide and relatively flat. There can be any combination of knots making up the band. Sometimes only one type of knot is used, such as in this DHH band used in the Macrame Charm Bracelet design shown. |
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Bangle: A
type of bracelet that is designed with a continuous pattern,
usually made of few knots. This Bangle
Bracelet was made with the Turks
Head Knot. |
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Bar: Tying
a series of knots that form a distinct, raised area in the
pattern. They are described as horizontal, diagonal, or vertical.
See Double
Half Hitch for more information. |
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Body: This
Macrame term is used to refer to the main section of the work,
rather than the mounting or finishing steps. The body of this
Ribbon
Handbag, for example, is the portion between
the handle and the bottom. |
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Braid: This
term is used to describe the process of weaving cords together
in an alternating pattern. Another term for
it is a Plait. See Interlaced
Plaits for more details. |
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Braided Cord: A
type of Macrame cord in which the individual fibers are braided
to form the cord. The image shows a close-up of what it looks
like. For more information, see Macrame
Cord. |
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Bundle: Refers to a group of cords, often used together to create a design. In this Watchband Design, the cords end up in a group behind the buckle. This term can also be used to describe the action of collecting the cords together. |
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Button Knot: This
is one of several Macrame terms that are unique to this craft.
It is a specific type of Macrame Knot that is round.
Button Knots are easy to tie, but challenging to tighten.
To see examples, go to Celtic
Button Knot, and Oysterman
Knot. |
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Buttonhole (BH):
A type of clasp that is designed so a button can pass through
it. In the early days of Macrame, the Larks Head Knot was
called the Buttonhole Knot, which is where
this clasp gets its name. See Jewelry
Clasps for more details. |
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C
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Celtic: The
artistic patterns and designs that originated in Europe, particularly
Wales, Ireland and Scotland. The Macrame knots from these
designs have interlocking components, and are quite unique.
They are rich in symbolism, and very attractive. In Learn
Macrame there are several Celtic Knots for you
to use and enjoy. |
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Center: This Macrame term is used in 2 ways. The first is to indicate the knot, strand, space, etc. that is in the middle. It is also used to describe the action of placing one cord under another so there is the same length on either side. See Adding Cords for more details. |
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Chain (CH):
This term means a series of knots tied one right after the
other. Also called a Sennit. The term Band
is sometimes used as well, particularly if the knots form
a flat pattern. Go to Half Hitch Patterns to see several types of
Macrame sennits. |
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Charm: A small,
detailed bead made of metal or other material, that is designed
to dangle. Charms are used in bracelets, necklaces and even
earrings. They usually have a hole or tab at the top. See
Charm
Bracelet for an example. |
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Chinese: Refers to Macrame knots and designs that originated in China. This Brocade Knot is one of several Chinese knots described in the area of this site called Learn Macrame. |
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Cloisonne: A
type of bead that has metal filaments, which are added to
outline a color or design. These beads are made of metal and
are usually colorful. Oriental designs use these beads often.
See Macrame
Beads for more information. |
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Coil: This
is one of the most commonly used Macrame Terms in this site.
It is used to refer to individual portions
of the cords that you go over and/or under when tying the
knot. In the image, the numbers represent the different
coils, which are in the form of loops. See the Celtic
Circle Knot for an example of how this term
is used. |
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Combination Knot: Chinese Macrame features the technique of combining different types of knots into unique designs. This knot shown is made up of Cloverleaf Knots and Button Knots, a popular combination. In Learn Macrame there are several types of Chinese knots you can practice to learn how to tie these interesting designs. |
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Composition:
This term is used to describe what the cord material is made
from. The ball of cord in the image is made of Cotton, a natural
fiber. Hemp, Jute, and Flax
are other types of cord, all composed of different fibers.
See Macrame
Cord for more details. |
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Cord: The
material you use to tie the Macrame knots. Leather, nylon,
cotton, hemp, silk, and yarn are all different types of
cord, made with a variety of fibers. This term is also used
to describe specific cords in a pattern.The
image shows rolls of Opelon Floss cord.
For more information, see Macrame
Cord. |
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Core: This
Macrame term refers to the specific strands that hold
the knots. The working cord makes the knot around it. Also
referred to as a filler cord. In the image,
the blue cords are the core. See Basket
Stitch for an example of how this term is used. |
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Cross-Pin Technique:
This is one of several Macrame terms I came up with to describe
this technique, since it did not have a name. This method
of securing cords to a project board uses pins that cross
each other. Highly recommended when using Leather.
For more information, see Knotting
Tips. |
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Custom Patterns:
Macramé instructions that are specifically written
for an individual who suggests them. I specialize in writing
patterns that are modern, easy to follow, and unique. The
Angel
Door Decoration in the image was one of many
custom Macrame patterns I wrote in 2008. |
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D
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Diagonal:
A cord, or row of knots, that runs from upper right to lower
left, or the opposite direction. The image shows a row of diagonal
Double Half Hitches. |
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Diameter:
The width of a strand of cord, described in millimeters. When
you choose materials for your Macrame projects, you will need
to know the diameter of the cord you are purchasing. For more
information, see Macrame
Cord. |
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Disk Bead:
A type of bead with an oval or round shape that has a flat
profile. Because of this, these beads usually have small
holes. See Macrame
Beads for more information. |
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Double (DBL):
The action of combining 2 knots, cords, etc. and using them
together. This term can be used to describe cords, loops,
folds, etc. A Double
Half Hitch, for example, is made up of 2 Half
Hitch knots. In the image, double loops of cord are joined together
to make Linked
Overhand Knots. |
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Double Half Hitch (DHH):
This is one of many Macrame terms you won't see in other crafts.
Since these decorative knots are one of the primary knots
used in Macrame, it is essential that you learn how to tie
them. See DHH
Patterns for unique ways to use this important technique. |
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Drop Bead:
A type of bead that has the hole running through it near
the top, so is dangles below the cord. Pendants and Charms
are similar to drop beads, which are often teardrop shaped.
See Macrame
Beads for more information. |
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E
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Essentials: Craft
and Macrame supplies that are necessary to make any project.
Items like cord material, scissors, and reference books are
needed before you start a project. See Macrame
Essentials for more information. |
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Excess: Refers to the cord material left over after a design is completed. These strands are usually cut off and discarded. The image shows the wing design for the Angel Ornament. |
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| Finished learning
the Macrame Terms on this page? Click on the links
below to move on to the other pages in this section. |
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