Free Macrame projects: how to get started

How do I get started?

It is absolutely amazing, but for Macrame you don't need anything except yarn or cord - and, of course, your hands! You can anchor the threads to a couch cushion, door handle, chair's back... But for your comfort I would advise you to make a special pillow.
It should have a hard stuffing (like a rolled up blanket) and striped or checked case's pattern, for example, like on the picture. It will help you to make even rows of knots and center your Macrame knots.

You will also need from time to time the following items while working on Macrame: scissors, pins, beads, rings and other decorative items.
Now let's try measuring and mounting the yarn!

How to mount the yarn

First of all, you need to measure the length of the yarn that you will need for your work. Here is a rule (not strict, but useful) - the length of thread must be about 4 times longer than the piece you want to create. If you double your cord - the length must be 8 times more. But also the yarn length depends on design of future work (what knots are being used, how many of them) and on the thickness of the yarn (thicker cord - more length).
After you have measured the length of the yarn, you should anchor each thread to the pillow.

Here is the most common method to do it (doubled thread makes two ends), which is called the Lark's head knot.	Sometimes you need to anchor each thread separately. Look, how easily you can do it. This method is called the Double Half Hitch. Later you will learn that it can be used not only for mounting, but also for creating Macrame patterns.
Here is the simplest way to mount the yarn - just fasten it with pins! This method is good, if you create a narrow Macrame item (belt, bracelet, etc).	And finally, there is an example of decorative mounting of the yarn. Just tie a Double Half Hitch knot, make a loop, then tie another Double Half Hitch knot. It is the Picot knot mounting.