Tutorial: Simple Half Knot Macrame Bracelet

I made this macrame bracelet using a ordinary jute twine (available at any hardware store) which I dyed dark blue and gray. This bracelet uses only one knot and takes very little time to create, making it a suitable project to do with kids.  For a more delicate look, use a thinner cord or yarn instead of  jute.

Note on dying: Jute appears to take dye very well. I used Rite dye. I would suggest cutting it to length (a bit longer than you need, because the ends will fray) before attempting to dye it. I tied my bundles of twine together too tightly when I did the gray, you can see sections where the dye didn't take.

You will need:

Two 2 foot (60cm) lengths of jute for filler cords (dark blue in example).

One 7 foot (2.5m) length of jute for knotting cords (gray in example).

Large bead.

Clip board or other method of securing piece as you work.

To begin, at the halfway mark of both filler cords create a loop a suitable size to fit your bead.

 Slip loops under clip of clipboard

 At the halfway mark of your knotting cord, knot around filler cords as shown. Pull very tight and slid up tightly against clip.

 If you remove the cords from the clip if should look this.

 Begin your series of half knots. They are made as shown. This is the only knot you will use for the bracelet. As you repeat these knots the bracelet will begin to twist. This is what is supposed to happen. When knotting becomes awkward, remove bracelet from clip and turn it over. If you get confused, remember that you always begin the knot with the left cord.

 

At the very end of the bracelet, I switched colors by moving the two light gray cords to the middle to function as filler cords and taking two of the filler cords and using them as knotting cords. This is not necessary, but does add a little visual interest.

When you reach the desired length for your bracelet, cut off the filler cords flush with the end of the bracelet and thread the two knotting cords through the bead. Secure the bead by knotting the cords very tightly together and clip off the excess cord (or fluff out for a tassely effect).