Features
One of the important points in needlework are the following:
you need to clearly imagine what you want to get at the end;
it is necessary to know the designations of the schemes (if you work with them);
it is worth being able to choose the right threads for each product.
There are many different types of working raw materials (threads) that have their own characteristics. Therefore, before you start working, you need to figure out which threads are needed.
Which ones are needed?
Threads with certain characteristics are suitable for each type of product. For example, rugs, curtains, napkins, coasters and panels can be woven from thick threads. The average thickness of the material can be used to create decorative vases – you can decorate a jar or bottle in a similar way. Pendants, earrings or even pendants can be made from fairly thin threads of floss or nylon, silk, cotton.
What are the requirements of threads for macrame?
First of all, the material must be of high quality. If the product is supposed to be colored, then the coloring is preferably a pleasant, soft shade and resistant, because the product can come into contact with sunlight, water, the human body – this can lead to the fading of the material or the development of allergic reactions in the carrier. The thread must be safe.
It is also advisable not to use dark shades or, conversely, too light (although needlewomen resort to them quite often), as well as" poisonous " thread tones. Masters say that it is difficult to make out the pattern in such products, and it is also quite difficult to fit them into the surrounding interior or combine them with clothes (if it is a bracelet, for example).
The needlewoman should know how to combine colors correctly in the event that the thing is polychrome (two or more shades).
The material must have sufficient strength and elasticity.
The section of the harness should be round. This will ensure the volume of your knots and the beauty of the product.
For the convenience of weaving and knitting knots, as well as to make the product last longer, it is advisable to use moderately slippery fibers. Synthetic threads are most often "famous" for their increased slipperiness.
As mentioned above, you need to understand which fiber is suitable for creating a product. This takes into account the thickness, color, nature (synthetic or natural material), the strength of the thread. And you also need to understand the purpose of the craft, what is the method of use, location (for example, in a room, on a nightstand). Taking into account these and other factors, it is easier to choose the working material.
Also, the fiber should be pleasant to the touch. This is important both for the needlewoman herself, and if the product is intended for skin contact.
Fluffiness in macrame will be superfluous. It will not allow you to consider the pattern, and the appearance will also seem sloppy. But the volume of the thread or its "plushness" is quite suitable.
The threads must have a certain rigidity and torsion. This allows you to create beautiful knots and strong things. If the material is too hard, it must be pre-softened before starting work. To do this, it is placed in water and boiled for several minutes.
Also, the threads should be of the appropriate length or slightly longer than necessary. This, of course, increases the expense and cost, however, if the thread turns out to be short, the needlewoman will be forced to start all the work again.
And, of course, you need to prepare all the necessary tools in advance (scissors, needles, large knitting hooks, fasteners for fiber, pins with large heads, an awl and knitting needles so that you can dissolve the knot; a centimeter tape, a diagram or a sketch of a craft, a weight to align the thread, glue, if desired, use decor for decoration-beads, beads, buttons, feathers, buckles, balls made of wood).
Of course, it is not necessary that they will all be needed, but it is better to have everything you need at hand.
Our store offers you a wide selection of threads for your creations
Kinds
All threads for macrame can be classified according to several characteristics. So, one of them may be the origin of the working material-natural (for example, cotton or wool thread) and synthetic (polypropylene or polyester fiber). According to the thickness, you can distinguish such types – thin, medium and thick materials. In cross – section-flat and round, in the structure of the fiber – straight and twisted. Even by the price range, you can divide the threads, there can be many examples of grouping. Of course, it is impossible to say unequivocally what is better. This issue is solved in each individual case by a needlewoman.
Cotton cord is suitable for making such crafts as earrings, pendants, bracelets, necklaces. However, you need to remember that such things are natural, safe (if toxic dyes are not used, but their service life is much shorter). An important nuance is the price issue. Cotton thread is quite inexpensive. However, its end does not melt on fire, to fix the threads, you need to use glue, not a lighter. The thickness can vary from 1 to 5 mm.
The thread can be waxed, in this case more rigid than ordinary cotton thread.
Floss threads are most often used in weaving bracelets or baubles. The advantages of this material are the low cost (from 10 rubles for one skein), as well as the presence of a large selection among the color palette. The threads are pleasant to the touch. However, they can lose their color over time.
Nylon ones can also be waxed. Previously, they were used mainly for stitching the soles of shoes, however, their strength allows them to be woven in the macrame technique. This is a material of synthetic origin, it has strength, and due to this, products made of it are durable. Also, the ends of the fiber melt in the fire. Therefore, the edge of the product can be processed with a lighter. Due to waxing, it acquires a certain rigidity.
Sisal thread also refers to natural materials. It is characterized by high rigidity, so when working with it, it is desirable to soften the material beforehand.
Macrame is a material of Turkish production (mainly). It is characterized by optimal sliding, a wide choice in colors. The fiber thickness is about 1.5 mm. This option is perfect for novice needlewomen.
Polypropylene rope is most often a strong cord. It can be of different shades, also presented in a soft version (so it is advisable not to confuse them). The thickness is also small 1-2 mm.
Silk: a beautiful, pleasant to the touch, natural material (although there are also synthetic analogues). It is used to make small things that require tenderness, elegance – small handbags, clutches, earrings. However, it should be remembered that the ends do not unravel, the threads need to be treated with glue and make a knot. In the work, it is worth using PVA glue.
Jute rope is a fairly thick, heavy thread, also of natural origin. It has a fleecy, roughness. Its thickness ranges from 1 to 4-6 mm. Therefore, you can create different products. With a thick thread, you can quickly make decorative items, for example, vases or flower pots.
Some also use fishing threads. They have sufficient strength.
How to calculate the length?
The calculation of the required thread length, as well as the required number of threads, is an important point. It is usually advised to take a little more than necessary, so that later there is no need to lengthen the thread (increase it). Usually, the diagrams indicate the length of the thread, its type, which should be used in the process of work.
It is necessary to determine whether the product is one-piece or consists of several patterns. Also, first you need to make a sample. Approximately imagine the size of the finished product, the thread should be about 6-7 times longer than the thing. If the canvas consists of several separate patterns, then the length is calculated for each of them separately.
There are a number of tables, based on which you can determine the required length and number of threads. For example, to weave a craft with Herculean knots, you need to measure a thread 5 times longer than the finished product is supposed to be. Let's assume that a bracelet made in such a technique is equal to 15 centimeters, which means that the working laces for its creation should be at least 75 cm.
And when working with the reps knots technique, the working cord should be at least 4 times larger than the nodular one (the one on which the knots will be woven). That is, let's say the length of the baubles is 13 cm, then the length of the lace will be 52 cm.
Tips for use
Before you start the weaving process, you need to prepare beforehand. To do this, calculate the length and number of threads, fix them to the base. The threads should be smooth, but if they are crumpled, then you can smooth them out by holding an iron under steam. To cut them correctly, it is worth putting a skein on a centimeter tape and cutting off the desired length, while the thread should lie calmly, without excessive tension.
Of course, you need to choose the right material for the work. However, some problems can be fixed in the process of work. For example, if the thread turned out to be more rigid than necessary, then it can be softened. To do this, it is enough for her to boil in water for 5 minutes. And on the contrary, if you need to make the thread stronger and tougher, then you can soak it in a gelatin solution and let it lie down for a couple of minutes. This is necessary in the case when the product must keep its shape.
To protect your hands, you can use cotton gloves, and after work, lubricate your hands with cream, then there will be much less calluses, and the needlework process is more pleasant. If silk is used or a product made of paper twine is woven, then hands should often be moistened in warm water. After finishing the work, it is desirable to iron the product from the wrong side, while it is covered with slightly damp gauze.
Macrame is an interesting type of needlework, which has many important preparatory moments, which it is desirable to always remember. Then the products will be beautiful, and it will be easy and pleasant to work.