Today’s tutorial will show you how to make a headband with two different closures. Back 1 and Back 2.
I am using 3 1/2 mm braided macrame cord since that is what I prefer to work with for headbands, belts and purses.

This is the headband I will make today. Like this one but with different color dice. You will have a choice of closing the back with a slide closure (Back 1) or with an elastic ponytail holder (Back 2). I have labeled the photos as such where necessary.
OK. Ready? Pick a back closure and let’s get started.
Supplies/Tools Needed

- 15 yards of 3 1/2mm braided macrame cord
- beads or other adornments
- macrame board or covered ceiling tile
- T-pins
- ruler/tape measure/yardstick
- scissors
- large hole steel embroidery needle
- ponytail elastic (the thicker, stiffer kind) for Back 2
Directions To Make Macrame Headband (2 closures)
Step 1.
Cut 2 cords 4 yards in length.
Cut 2 cords 3 1/2 yards in length.
Step 2.
Find the center of the two 4 yard cords and mount to macrame board using T-pins.

Row 1. Tie one Square Knot (SK) with these cords.

- Back 1: Leave 1/4″ loops at the top of SK. Don’t pull all the way down.
- Back 2: Pull down tight on the top to eliminate any loops formed.

Step 3.
Working with the two 3 1/2 yard cords, measure down 44″ on one side and mount one cord to the left of the SK created in Step 2. Long side on the end. Repeat for the second cord but mount it to the right side of the SK on the macrame board. Long side on the end.

Row 2. Tie a SK with the 4 cords on the right and a SK with the 4 cords on the left. Number cords 1-8.

For Back 2, place one end of the ponytail holder UNDER Cords 4 & 5. See photo for assistance.

Step 4 – Rows 3 through 22 .
Continue tying square knots, alternating between one SK and two SK’s. Row 3=1 SK. Row 4=2 SK’s. Etc. Until you have 22 rows of Alternating Square Knots.

The last row in this step should have TWO square knots.
Step 5.
Add a dice/bead to Cords 4 & 5.

Tie 3 rows of alternating square knots under the dice/bead.

Repeat until six (6) dice/beads have been added.

Step 6.
Continue alternating rows of square knots, beginning with 2 SK’s under the last dice/bead. Next row, 1 SK, Next row, 2 SK’s. Repeat until you have 22 rows of ASK’s for Back 1 and 21 rows of ASK’s for Back 2.
Step 7 – The Back Closure.
This step shows you two different ways to close up the back. Cords 4 & 5 slide to close for Back 1. Cords 4 & 5 loop around the ponytail holder for Back 2.

Back 1 Closure. Slide Cords 5 & 6 through the loops created at the top in Step 2. Pull on cords to open and close the back.

Back 2 Closure. Flip your work so you are working on the underside. Tie one square knot with Cords 3-6 to secure ponytail holder. See photo for assistance.

Step 8 – Burying Tail Cords.
This completes all knot tying. This next step is the hard part. It probably takes just as long as the knot tying. BUT for a finished look, the extra cords need to be BURIED into the knotwork.
You want to be careful to always go up through a knot to “catch” the cord. You don’t want to undo your knotwork and pull the knot out. Refer to photos for assistance. Work each cord upwards of the knotwork. One cord at a time. You can decide how far to go up. The further up, the better secure the back will be.
Flip your work. You will be working on the backside.
Step 9. Back 2 Closure.
All 8 cords need to be buried. I always start with Cord 5 (not sure why, I just do). Pull Cord 5 through opening of large-hole embroidery needle.
Burying Cord 5.

Burying Cord 4.

5 cords buried.

All 8 cords buried.

Pull up tight to smooth out. Trim cords close to the knots.

Step 10. Back 1 Closure.
Bury only Cords 1-3 and 6-8. Cords 4 & 5 are used to slide close the back.
Basically you will follow the same steps as for Back 2, just have two fewer cords to bury.
Burying Cord 7.

Burying Cord 1.

6 cords buried.

Pull up tight to smooth out. Trim cords close to the knots.
Tie overhand knots in Cords 4 & 5, trim ends. Slide to open and close.

ALL DONE!! Enjoy.
Here’s a photo of both headbands. Completed length for both is 20″.
