# Macramé and knotting in jewelry

> Macramé creates bracelets, necklaces and pendants by knotting cord; basic knots (square, lark's head, sliding), materials and adjustable clasps.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/macrame-and-knotting-in-jewelry/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-09-17
- Updated: 2026-09-23
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/macrame-y-nudos-en-joyeria/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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Macramé is the art of making textiles with knots, without a loom. In jewelry it serves for bracelets, anklets, necklaces and to hold stones.

![Steps of the technique: Cut the cords, Fix, Square knot, Repeat, Add beads, Finish](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/macrame-steps.en.svg "Summary of the steps")

## Basic knots

- **Square knot:** the most used, forms a flat strip.
- **Lark's head:** to start and anchor cords.
- **Half knot spiral:** gives a twisted braid.
- **Sliding knot:** lets you adjust the size without a clasp.

## Materials

Waxed, cotton, hemp or nylon cord; beads and stones. See [rope and cord](https://www.711grados.com/en/rope-and-cord/).

## How it is done

The cords are anchored to a base (board or cushion), knotted following the pattern and finished with a clasp or sliding knot.

## Tips

Start with a 1-2 mm cord and a simple pattern; seal the ends with heat if it is nylon.

## Step by step

1. **Cut the cords.** About four times the final length.
2. **Fix.** With a lark's head knot to a base.
3. **Square knot.** Cross left and right.
4. **Repeat.** To the desired length.
5. **Add beads.** Slide them onto the center cords.
6. **Finish.** With a sliding knot or a clasp.

## Tools and materials

- Waxed, cotton or hemp cord
- Macramé board or cushion
- Scissors and tape measure
- Beads and clasps

## Common mistakes

- Uneven tension: it ends up wavy.
- Cord too thin.
- Cutting short: none left to finish.
- Not sealing nylon ends.

## See also

- [Rope and cord](https://www.711grados.com/en/rope-and-cord/)
- [Silk and textile threads](https://www.711grados.com/en/silk-and-textile-threads/)
- [Cord necklaces: materials, knots and clasps](https://www.711grados.com/en/cord-necklaces/)
- [Bead weaving: peyote, brick and loom](https://www.711grados.com/en/bead-weaving-peyote-brick-and-loom/)