Macrame Pattern: Beginner-Friendly Coasters
Welcome to the wonderful world of macrame! If you're just starting out, these easy-to-follow macrame coaster instructions are the perfect project. They’re a great way to practice basic knotting techniques and add a beautiful, handmade touch to your home.
What You’ll Need
- Cord: Approximately 30-40 feet of 3mm cotton cord (or similar) - a natural color looks lovely!
- Scissors
- Measuring Tape or Ruler
- Optional: A flat surface to work on (like a table or cushion)
Understanding Your Materials: The type of cord you choose will affect the final look and feel of your coasters. Cotton cord is a popular choice for beginners because it’s easy to work with and holds its shape well.
The Knots We’ll Use
This pattern primarily uses the Square Knot. Don’t worry if you’ve never done one before! We’re breaking it down step-by-step below.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cutting the Cord
Cut four lengths of cord, each approximately 8-9 feet long. This gives you plenty of cord to work with.
Step 2: Creating the Foundation
Gather the four strands and fold them in half. You’ll now have eight strands hanging down. Arrange them so that four strands are on the left and four on the right. This is your starting point.
Step 3: Tying the Lark’s Head Knot (Optional, but recommended for a cleaner look)
This step secures your cords to a central point, but you can skip it and simply start knotting directly if you prefer.
Step 4: The Square Knot – Round 1
Here's how to tie a Square Knot:
- Take the left-most cord (let's call it Cord 1) over the other three cords, going towards the right.
- Take the right-most cord (Cord 4) under the center cords and up through the loop created by Cord 1.
- Pull both Cord 1 and Cord 4 tight. This is half of the Square Knot.
- Now, take Cord 4 over the cords towards the left.
- Take Cord 1 under the center cords and up through the loop created by Cord 4.
- Pull both Cord 4 and Cord 1 tight.
- You're done with one full Square Knot!
Repeat this process, tying Square Knots approximately 1 inch from the folded end. Tie 2-3 Square Knots in total for a solid base.
Step 5: Expanding the Coaster - Rows of Square Knots
Continue tying Square Knots, moving down the cords, to create a circular or square shape. Aim for about 3-4 inches in diameter (or the size you prefer for your coasters). The number of rows will depend on how thick your cord is and how big you want the coaster to be.
Step 6: Finishing the Coaster
Once you’re happy with the size of your coaster, tie off the cords. There are a few ways to do this:
- Simple Knot: Gather all the cords together and tie a large knot at the end.
- Braided Tail: Braid the loose ends of the cords for a decorative finish, and then tie off with a knot.
Tips & Troubleshooting
- Keep Tension Consistent: Consistent tension is key to a neat-looking coaster.
- Untangling Cords: Macrame cords can get tangled easily. Take breaks to untangle them as needed.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t be discouraged if your first coaster isn’t perfect! Macrame takes practice.
