New Macrame Purse Tutorial

Just finished this BROWN MACRAME PURSE and thought I would share the design with you. It is my own creation. One of those ideas floating around in my head for years. A “what if” I did this or “what if” I did that.

I wanted to try out a different way of attaching the rings (handles) instead of the usual way.

This tutorial doesn’t go into great detail on making the knots. If you need that, then go to one of my other macrame tutorials. See sidebar under Tutorials.

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Materials used:

• 100 yards of 3 1/2mm brown braided macrame cord

• 2 – 5″ brown Marbella plastic round rings

Supplies needed:

• macrame board or covered ceiling tile (which is what I use)

• T-pins

• craft glue

• scissors

• tape measure or ruler

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Cut 56 cords 1 3/4 yards long and two 1 yard cords. (Put aside one yard cords for later.)

Step 2: Find centers of the 1 3/4 yd cords and pin to macrame board side-by-side with T-pins.

Step 3: CREATING SQUARE KNOT SECTIONS. Tie a Square Knot (SK) with each pair of 2 cords to create 28 square knot sections. (14 for front and 14 for back)

Remove each from the board after tying and tighten, removing any loops formed at the tops. Set aside. Continue tying until you have 28 SK sections.

Step 4: TYING ALTERNATING SQUARE KNOTS. Line up all 28 square knot sections on board side-by-side.

Begin tying knots. Alternating square knots (ASK). Take 2 cords from one square knot section and 2 cords from the next square knot section. Tie one SK. Continue along this row. When finished drop down and continue doing the same for the next row. (You will have untied cords on the sides. Not to worry, those will be filled in when sides are joined.)

Step 5: FORMING A CIRCLE. After you have tied a few rows, remove knotted section from the board and form a circle. You will begin tying in the round. Join the two sides by tying one SK with 2 cords from the left and 2 cords from the right. (See photo)

Step 6: Continue tying SK’s. Fill in any missing SK’s in each row.

Step 7: Now continue tying alternating SK’s in the round until you have reached about 9″ in height. (For me, that was 24 rows) Or continue tying until you reach your desired height, remembering to allow enough cord to tie up the bottom. Make sure the knots in the last row are tied really tight.

Step 8: ATTACHING PURSE HANDLES. OK, purse is almost done. Knots are tied and you are ready to add the handles.

Position the rings (handles) on top of SK sections #5 and #10. Make note of which holes you will be weaving in and out of to attach the handles by looking at which holes the ring overlaid. Take one of the 1 yard cords and start attaching one ring. Starting on the top left. The first hole. Go in the hole, around the ring and out the SAME hole. Go on to the next hole and the next, following the ring. Repeat for the other side. Secure the cord on the inside either by knotting the ends or tying the 2 cord ends together.

Step 9: Turn purse inside out. Press flat with tops of the front square knot sections matching up with the back tops. You should have 14 on front side and 14 on back side. Line up the sides and tie an overhand knot ON THE ENDS in the 2 cords on each side. To mark them. Doing so will help you align sides correctly when tying up the bottom.

Step 10: TYING UP PURSE BOTTOM. Put purse between your knees, bottom up. With the 2 side cords OUT OF THE WAY, get the cords in position to begin tying knots. Make sure cords are all dangling on the sides. Be careful not to “drop” any that may be buried on the inside. Start tying a SK with 2 cords from the left side of the purse and 2 cords from the right side of the purse. Continue tying SK’s. Always 2 from the left, 2 from the right. When you reach the end, there should be 2 leftover cords. The 2 side cords you tied overhand knots from Step 9. Finish them off with a tight knot at the top.

Step 11: This step is a BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY step. Turn purse with the OUTSIDE out. Inspect the bottom. Are the sides aligned correctly and not lopsided?

Is the purse straight and able to stand up?

If the purse is not lopsided, you are good to go!! Turn purse back inside out. Sorry. (Remember, better safe than sorry.)

Step 12: FINISHING UP. You are almost finished!! Since you are happy with the bottom, you can now tighten up the bottom knots. Apply craft glue to both sides of each SK that tied up the bottom. Allow to dry.

Step 13: Cut cord ends leaving about 1/2″ to 3/4″. Melt cord tips (ends) slightly to prevent fraying. Using matches or a cigarette lighter, touch cord a nanosecond, making sure not to burn or scorch cord.

Step 14: Turn outside out and pat yourself on the back. Enjoy your new creation!!

Measurements: 8 1/4″ H, 11″ L, 1″ W