Simple Macrame Necklace

This necklace is part industrial, part retro, and part pretty. Using a clipboard, you’ll knot strands of cotton twine to a bronze ring with hex nuts intermingled throughout the macrame. You’ll then hang the pendant from a long chain. Sound good? Let’s get started! NOTE: For more information, visit the original DIY on my blog at www.melmariadesigns.com/macrame-necklace-tutorial

You'll need:

• 1.5″ ring (these are usually sold in packages at Michael’s in the jewelry section, sometimes in varying sizes)
• Cotton twine string (mine is from Lowe’s)
• Hex nuts in gold or silver – get ’em from your local hardware store!
• 18″ jewelry chain with lobster clasp
• Jewelry pliers
• A few jump rings (you only need one, but you know.. in case you lose one)

First, cut four 18″ lengths of the cotton twine. You’ll loop these around the ring.

Next, clip your ring firmly to your clipboard and get ready to knot!

Now you’ll begin the simple macrame knots. Separate four strands to the left and four strands to the right. Begin knotting the four strands on the right as shown in the photos. You’ll do two repeats of that square knot, and then repeat for the four strands on the left.

Great job! Now separate the outer two strands on either side, and start knotting the center four strands.

You’ll make one square knot. Now slide a hex nut up the center two strands…

... and continue to knot below the hex nut, creating one more square knot.

Keeping your strands somewhat loose so that the pendant hangs nicely, repeat the hex nut step on the outer four strands until you've created the pattern in the photos. Finish by knotting off two strands at a time as pictured. Trim the ends and add a little fray check if you want. Using the jewelry pliers, attach the macrame pendant to the chain with a jump ring.

And you’re finished! Try this necklace with wooden beads, a different fiber, a smaller or larger ring – the possibilities are endless!