by Danelle Karth

Created on: March 11, 2008

Macrame has long been a tradition of making items with a wide range of different types of knots. There are many different materials that can be used for making knots of all sorts and jewelry is just one option for things you can make with these knots. In the 60's and 70's macrame of all sorts was a huge thing and you could see plant holders, vests, and even tables made of knotted cords. Now a days, macrame hasn't come back as big as it was, but hemp jewelry made of macrame knots is fairly large.

You can make jewelry of all sorts using hemp cords and a few basic knots. Projects you can make include necklaces (especially chokers), bracelets, key chains, zipper pulls, purse decorations, and even earrings if you choose. It only takes the use of a couple of different knots and you can come up with a log of great designs that fit you and your personality.

Hemp cords can be found in a variety of thicknesses. The thicker your hemp the courser it tends to be. You can use a medium to a thin hemp cord for easiest manipulation of knots for your projects. You can also get a wide range of colors should you choose, or stick with the natural dull brownish gray color. Hemp can be found at many craft stores and at craft departments in many department stores. It isn't expensive and this can be a fairly inexpensive project. Beads can also be added for unique looks and changes in the pattern. Glass, clay, wood, and shell beads are some of the popular types added to hemp projects. The choice is really yours.

Setting Up the Project.
Macrame knots are done by knotting your two knotting cords around one or more base cords. Your base cords add stability to the project. But it is also set up so that you can switch your knotting cords for unique looks, such as color changes, and knot variations. To start this project you will want at least three cords of a good length depending on your project. You will then want to knot them at the top (if you are finishing it in a unique manner make sure your initial knot is a loose one). Then tape it to the table or pin it to a pin board.

The Knots.
There are two basic knots used for making hemp jewelry. They are the half knot and the square knot. Both are easy to use and if used for a variety of purposes can create some awesome looks.

The Half Knot.
The half knot is one that creates a rounded appearance with a swirl that twists its way around the piece. This is the knot that a great number of friendship bracelets are made of. To make this knot you will hold

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