Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
on “Using Vintaj Patinas”:“Has anyone tried to use the patinas on coins?…” read »
- on “Using The Magic Finding”:
“Where can we buy the magic finding. It is not in your product list.…” read »
- on “Quick and Easy Ornament Hangers”:
“These are so pretty. I've been looking for a "template" for ear wires/cuffs. I think these…” read »
- on “Hammering Texture on a Blank”:
“Do you sell textured hammers and blocks I can't find?…” read »
on “Using a Hand Punch”:“Can I use it to open holes in Saint medals???…” read »
on “Using a Leather Cord Crimp End”:“A good starting point for necklaces would be 2mm(ideal for .5"-1.5" pendants). For larger pendants(1.5"+) 3,…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“To cover a sz 2 crimp tube, 4mm would be ideal. 3mm would fit, but it…” read »
- on “Using a Leather Cord Crimp End”:
“Hi, I am new to working with leather and end caps or any other finishing findings,…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“What size of a crimp cover would you use, for a size 2 crimp tube?…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“Excellent tutorial and superb photos. Cute bracelet!…” read »
- on “Coloring Metal with Alcohol Inks”:
“I just started working with alcohol inks. Most people who use the medium use Krylon Kamar…” read »
on “Crystal Clay”:“Tried to be good…” read »
- on “Non-Identical Twins”:
“I have always loved this idea! It really resonates with me. Interesting to see…” read »
- on “String a Guru Bead on a Mala Necklace”:
“I, too, need to know how to attach a tassel to the guru bead.…” read »
- on “Wire Wrap a Bail on a Teardrop”:
“thank you. I've always wanted to try this…” read »
on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:“I made one bracelet for my granddaughter and one for myself. They are easy and…” read »
on “How to make a paper bead”:“Interesting that paper beads are "in" again... Nearly 50 years ago, crafters (including my grandma) were…” read »
- on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“Because of the constant abuse they usually get, glue is not an ideal hold for jump…” read »
- on “Wrap Loom Basics”:
“Moogie is right, if you need an answer from Lima you'll need to use the customer…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I’ve read in other tutorials to cut the elastic cord length needed and lightly pull each…” read »
- on “Using the Square Knot”:
“Perfect illustration and instruction for a knot-challenged brain …” read »
on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:“These look like fun to make bracelets, and even more fun to wear.…” read »
- on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:
“I completely fell in love with the color of these little LillyPilly sheets and ordered my…” read »
on “The Simple Wire Bracelet”:“Nice tutorial. For me, I would need more visual. The camera needs to be closer…” read »
- on “How to set a Nunn Design Glass Dome”:
“Beautiful design!…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“Tip:If I have miss judged my project, I have found I can use a crimp cover…” read »
on “How to Use Colorful Enamel Accents”:“Looks like great stuff! Might try it.…” read »
on “Using ‘Swellegant’ Metal Coatings & Colorants”:“Has anyone tried the clear sealant on glass beads with special finishes? I'm thinking of Czech…” read »
- on “Preparing and Using Resin”:
“How do you use resin with an open frame and transfer sheet?…” read »
- on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“i'd like to hear about securing jump rings closed too. thank you, debi…” read »
on “Wrap Loom Basics”:“If you need an answer from Lima, use the customer service link. I don’t think they…” read »
- on “Wrap Loom Basics”:
“Did you ever receive an answer about them not answering questions???…” read »
- on “Finishing Large Acrylic Chain”:
“Great post! Thank you!…” read »
- on “Using the Square Knot”:
“Hi size of hemp twine ??…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“Are the beads large hole beads? I'll be trying this also I just book marked the…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“DISCLAIMER—I haven’t actually put a decorative bead in the middle of a sliding closure, but I…” read »
- on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:
“Can these sheets be die cut on a Big Kick/Big Shot machine using normal dies or…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“How do you get that decorative silver bead in the middle of the square knot? Also, can…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“How do you get that decorative silver bead in the middle of the square knot?…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“looking forward to learning this!…” read »
About this Tip:
The square knot is one of the most basic knots you can learn when you're starting macrame. This video will show you how to make a bracelet using hemp and a few beads.
Components:
The products featured in this tip are listed below.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Step 1: Start with 4 lengths of cord that are about 7 times your bracelet size. |
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Step 2: Create an overhand knot at the fold, leaving a loop. Before you tighten the knot, make sure it's large enough to fit your clasp. |
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Step 3: Secure your knot to something that will allow for some tension when you're tying the knots. For this bracelet, we used a clipboard. Make sure the 2 short strands, or core strands, are in the middle and the longer strands, or working strands, are on the outside. We'll use those for knotting. |
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Step 4: Create the shape of a number 4 using the working strand on the left. |
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Step 5: Take the working strand on the right and pass it over the top of the left working strand, keeping to the right of the core strands. Pass the working strand on the right behind the core strands and through the loop created by the working strand on the left. |
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Step 6: Pull both working strands to tighten the knot. Make sure you're keeping tension on the core strands. |
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Step 7: With the working strand on the right, make the shape of the letter "P." |
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Step 8: Take the working strand on the left and pass it over the top of the right working strand, keeping to the left of the core strands. Pass the working strand on the left behind the core strands and through the loop created by the working strand on the right. |
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Step 9: Pull both working strands to tighten the knot. Make sure you're keeping tension on the core strands. You have now completed one full square knot. Repeat steps 4-9 until you've reached your desired length. |
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Step 10: To insert a bead into your square knot design, simply string the bead onto the two core strands. Round beads and cubes with large holes work best. |
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Step 11: Once your bead is strung, pull the working strands around the sides of the bead and continue on with your square knots. |
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Step 12: To finish the piece, string your clasp onto the core strands and secure it with an overhand knot. |
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Step 13: Trim excess cord and dab the knot with epoxy. |
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On Oct 11, 2011 at 9:40 am #
tori2tu says:thanks for the tut, but it doesn’t address the ‘short’ core strands. the instructions say to cut 4 lengths of cords, all same length. i’m confused!
On Jan 26, 2013 at 7:31 am #
C Taft says:This is easy to follow. I think the four core strands are what you have after making the first loop. carol
On Nov 06, 2018 at 6:45 am #
tgill0181 says:Thank you for this video!!!
On Apr 03, 2020 at 12:33 pm #
Jules H says:Hi size of hemp twine ??
On Jan 17, 2021 at 5:33 pm #
K Manley says:Perfect illustration and instruction for a knot-challenged brain