Adjacent

Alternating 

ASK = Alternating Square Knots 

Backward

This term describes the movement or position of cords that are heading towards the back of the board, or away from you.  (Segment B)

Band (or Bar)

Bight 

Body

Macrame terms are often used differently than in other crafts. 

The body of a Macrame project is the main area.  

For this Hammock Chair, that would be the back and seat.

Braid

Also called a Plait or Braiding, this term refers to a type of knot design made by weaving and crossing several cords.

Several styles are located in the Learn Macrame page, in the Braids and Bars section.

Braided Cord

A type of material in which the individual fibers are braided to form the cord. 

Bundle

Refers to a group of cords gathered together.  Usually a knot is tied around them.

This is frequently seen at the top and bottom of Plant Hangers, like this Two-Tone Planter.

Button Knot

A type of decorative knot that is round and firm, like the Celtic Button Knot shown here.

Macrame terms like this are unique to this craft.

BH = Buttonhole

The Vertical Larks Head knot is used to create loops that are sometimes called "Buttonhole designs".

See Buttonhole Clasp for more information.

Celtic Knot

Artistic knot patterns and symbols that originated in Europe, particularly Wales, Ireland and Scotland.

The Celtic Triangle shown here is derived from the symbol for the Trinity Knot.

Center

Chinese Knots

Decorative knots that originated in China.

Many of these elaborate knots feature beautiful woven areas and loops.

This is the Good Luck Knot.

Cord Material

Core

A group of several cords that run through the center of a knot.    

The working cord(s) are used to tie the knots around the core.

Crook

The rounded area on loops, directly across from the crossing point.

In this image, a pin was placed at the crook of each loop.

Diagonal

A cord, or row of knots, that runs from upper left to lower right (or the opposite).

This is the Owl Pouch, which has several areas of diagonal designs in the head, body, and wings.

Diameter

The measurement of a bead, ring, or cord from edge to edge (or side to side).

This size is usually described in millimeters, especially for cord materials and beads.

DHH = Double Half Hitch

This abbreviation is commonly seen in both Macrame and Micro-Macrame projects.

A Double Half Hitch is made with two Half Hitches, which are the two loops shown here.

Excess Material

The cord material left over at the completion of the Macrame project.  They are usually finished off in some manner.

See Finishing Techniques for more information.

Filler Cords

One of the most frequently used Macrame terms, this describes cords that run through the center of certain knots.

Also called FILLERS.

Finishing

Finishing Knot

A class of knots used to tie off cords at the end of a Macrame project.  They are easy to tie and have a strong hold.

The Overhand knot shown here is the most common finishing knot.

Folding

Macrame terms like this one are frequently seen.

When you are asked to fold a cord around another, you bend the cord, then turn it upside down. 

The bottom surface that was touching the board should be face up.

Forward

This term means the cord is heading towards the front of the project board.

This is the Crown Knot. The dark green cords are heading forward and backward.

Fringe

A finishing technique in which the ends of the cords are unraveled or beaded.

Unraveled cords can be brushed smooth, or left wavy, as seen in this Snow Owl.

Fusion Knots

Visit the Fusion Knots website for details.

Grommet

A silver or gold metal piece that lines the hole of some European beads.

Gusset

A knotted area on the side of a handbag that expands it, so the front and back are separated.

Sometimes the shoulder strap is used to create space between the back and front.

Hitch

A class of knots that are attached to an item like a ring or dowel.  They can also be attached to holding cords.

The Double Half Hitch (DHH) is the most common type used in Macrame.

Holding Cord

This is one of the most frequently used Macrame terms.  It's used to describe one or more cords that hold and support the knots made by working cords.

Also called the knot bearer in vintage patterns.

Horizontal

Interlaced Pattern

A pattern where you intertwine, braid, or weave the loops (or cords) together, to link the different areas.

The top image is the Celtic Circle, and the one on the bottom is called the King Solomon Braid.

Inverted

Term used to describe something upside down. 

For example, a V shape normally has the narrowest area (point) at the bottom.  In this image, the V is inverted, with the narrow area at the top.

Jewelry Findings

Fine metal connectors used in jewelry making, such as hooks, clasps, hoops, etc.

Jump Ring

A small metal ring with ends that are not soldered together. 

The two ends can be separated, then crimped shut with jewelry tools.

LH = Larks Head Knot

The most common mounting technique is the Larks Head knot.

It's used to attach cords to rings, dowels, and other cords.

Loop

This is one of the most important Macrame terms on this site.

A loop is a circular or oval shape, and is made by crossing one part over another (crossing point).