Macramé The power of knots

Ho, a self-taught macramé artist, content creator, and founder of the online supply store Miss Knottie Macramé, has created a wonderful resource for both seasoned artists and readers new to this craft. With a list of commonly used materials, and why and when to use them, this book answers questions many beginning crafters often ask. It offers detailed steps with accompanying photos that guide crafters through learning a tremendous variety of knots. The book's projects and designs, suitable for all skill levels, include items that can be worn or used for decoration. There are helpful step-by-step instructions for creating them, plus clear photos. The author wanted to provide the help that she couldn't find during her early years of learning macramé, and she succeeds. VERDICT A wonderful resource for beginning and advanced macramé artists. Ideal for well-circulating DIY craft collections.--Elizabeth Majka

From the "Basic Knots" chapter Berry Knot One of the most popular decorative knots used in macramé, the Berry Knot will add details and bring depth to your projects. Berry Knots are basically made of a Square Knot Sinnet (SKS) with a twist at the end. In this example, I tied the SKS using 3 Square Knots to create the Berry Knot. You can change the size of your Berry Knot by adding more SK to the sinnet. Keep in mind this knot will need longer cords than the typical SK. Step 1: Leave a small gap before tying the first SK. Proceed to tie a SKS with 3 Square Knots. Bring the ends of both filler cords up front and pass them through the gap in between the first and second pair of cords. Step 2: Pull the filler cords, rolling the Square Knots of the SKS into a ball shape. Step 3: Finish the Berry Knot by tying 1 more SK below the ball to secure it. Barrel Knot The Barrel Knot, sometimes referred to as Coil Knot, is a decorative knot that uses a single cord. This knot can also be used to prevent cords from fraying. In this sample I'll wrap the cord 3 times, but please note that you could wrap it more times to get a longer Barrel Knot. Step 1: Take the end of the cord and bring it up and over itself to create a circular loop. Step 2: Pass the end of the cord through the loop from behind. Step 3: Repeat the last step 3 times (or as many times as you need to achieve the desired length). Do not pull nor tighten the cord during this step. Step 4: Now, to finish the Barrel Knot, pull both ends of the cord away from the knot to tighten it. Excerpted from Macrame: The Power of Knots by Nghi Ho All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.