Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
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 »
- on “DIY Pom-Poms”:
“Hi....my question is in regards to the ring used.....what is the gauge...or do you have it…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“Great tutorial, looks easy. Now I want to try it. Thanks Ali.…” read »
- on “Making a Memory Wire bracelet”:
“Good morning all, hoping to learn from everyone here. I love beads, and am hoping to…” read »
on “The Simple Wire Bracelet”:“I'M HAVING A PROBLEM KEEPING THE WIRE PROTECTOR IN PLACE ...USING ECONOFLEX NYLON COATED .019IN. WIRE.CAN.T…” read »
- on “Making a Memory Wire bracelet”:
“I love making and selling memory wire bracelets. I advertise them as "One Size Fits Most."…” read »
- on “Using The Magic Finding”:
“I have seen the crimp beads here made in gold plated brass, which are much cheaper…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“I've made a lot of these...using gemstones & Fireline doubled (2 strands). Gemstones are very hard…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I used the elastic cord for awhile,but switched to the nylon cord for more strength(.05mm),because my…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“I like the crimp tubes better than the beads,myself,and use a crimp cover closer to give…” read »
- on “Making a Shamballa Bracelet”:
“What kind of glue is being used in this project?…” read »
on “Using a Crimp Cover”:“Great advice! I’ve been doing it wrong for so long and getting so frustrated and wasting…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“B Tuttle - ibuse Fireline on a regular. It’s durable and can stand the pulling…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“Gabriele P: the stretch cording comes in black and clear. They used black here.…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“best tutorial I've read in a long time. i'll be making some tonight!…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I enjoy the tutorials.…” read »
on “Wire Wrapped Cover on a Teardrop”:“I like the messy look! I think it's a lot more fun to create whimsical piece!…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“What about fireline? I know that the colors are not as plentiful as all the others.…” read »
on “Finishing Large Acrylic Chain”:“I love those! Thanks!…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“The stretch material used in this tutorial doesn’t seem like the one listed. Can someone please…” read »
- on “Using The Magic Finding”:
“After watching the videos, I decided to purchase tool and components and try it myself. A…” read »
- on “String a Guru Bead on a Mala Necklace”:
“Yikes, I’m having the worst time trying to string that 20mm African turquoise guru bead. This…” read »
- on “Make a Birthstone Pendant”:
“They don’t carry it anymore:(…” read »
- on “Make a Birthstone Pendant”:
“How can I buy the bezel tag? I cannot find it on your site! …” read »
- on “Making a Fish Tail Braid”:
“Wonderfully easy to follow tutorial! Love the design results! Will be trying this knot.…” read »
- on “Making a Shamballa Bracelet”:
“Does the cord used have to be Chinese Knotting Cord or would C-Lon work?…” read »
- on “Make a Birthstone Pendant”:
“Love the idea, where can I find the bezel tag. Every time I search for bezel…” read »
- on “Preparing and Using Resin”:
“Please try using customer service to ask your questions!…” 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. |
Designs using this Technique:
Buy Products from this Technique
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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 ??