I was in London recently and visited one of my favourite venues, the British Film Institute. In the cafe, I noticed a young man engrossed with his lap top but he was braiding. I went over to chat to him. He was making macrame friendship bracelets for his friends.
I had tried macrame many years ago and had been looking recently at a pretty macrame band with a diagonal pattern. I was thinking of trying to make one myself. Meeting this enthusiastic and skilled young man has spurred me on to try.
He recommended a YouTube video from Masha Knots who produces very clear and numerous videos on making different patterns. Here is the link.
Basic friendship bracelets knots. Masha Knots
https://youtu.be/bClGNDcndMg?si=alcrIVK4dZnNcwbn
I watched a number of her videos on the train journey home and could not wait to start that evening.
There are four basic knots that she uses for her simple braids - the forward knot, the backward knot, the forward-backward knot and the backward -forward knot.
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| My first three macrame knots |
I am enjoying the exploration of a different technique. I have been wondering if I could use these knot patterns to finish woven bands. I usually plait the warp ends together then whip the ends.
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| My first macrame bands. |
I decided to try a flower pattern - I think that it is known as a daisy chain. This might be promising as another decorative band end. Here is my attempt.
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| Daisy band |
I like the pattern but I need to practice this technique. My loops are not even.
I tried a three strand textured macrame band but I was not entirely happy with the result.
I was on a plan recently so I had prepared some warps for practising macrame. I was wondering if this is a craft to while away a plane journey.
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| Attached to the chair back |
I also tried clipping it to my handbag on my lap in the airport waiting area.
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| Clipped to my handbag |
Here is my result.
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It is so much fun trying a different craft. So much to learn.
Happy crafting.
Susan J Foulkes
July 2026
