How to measure your Macrame Rope?
Hello!
Let's start by giving an example - suppose you came across a beautiful macrame piece and you think to yourself, "let's try making one with my own hands!" You have brought the correct ropes and are now ready to make one. But ....wait a second... How to measure your rope? How would you know how much and how many ropes to cut?!?
Well, this is indeed one of the most commonly asked questions and the biggest dilemma for every macrame beginner.
This can be pretty confusing when you are starting out because there is no one thumb rule that applies to all projects. There is no mathematical equation or formula that could be applied. It's a lot of trial and error. None of us want to run out of ropes while working on it or have extra rope and then waste it, as we all know ropes can be a little expensive. So what to do?
Here is a little something that I came up with after a lot of trial and errors and alot of reads. There are alot of other ways, tips and tricks to estimate the length of the rope required. Whatever works best for you as per your comfort and understanding.
But if you ask me personally, this is how I do it.
If you are working on a big project, it is always advisable to make a smaller version of it for better estimation and calculation for the final product.
Let me start by introducing you to the thickness of ropes I use for my projects. Always good to be knowledgeable about it when you go shopping for macrame supplies.
So for a project that is small or a big flowy project more like a boho project, I would recommend a 2mm - 4mm rope.
For a more structured look to your project or a bigger project I would recommend a 6mm - 8mm rope. Thicker ropes is not advisable for smaller projects, while you can always use thinner ropes for a big project.
Ropes, Strings and Cords come in different variations and thicknesses.
Macrame Ropes are twisted strings that come in different strands/ply like single strand, 2-ply, 3-ply or 4-ply.
Macrame Cords are those cords that are tightly braided together and are much stronger and tougher on your hands while working. Good for weight bearing projects.
How to know what length to measure or cut?
Always know the final product length you need for calculation and estimation.
So let me split this in two for you guys.
1. For projects using single strands or projects where you don't double up the cords:
You need to multiply the final length of product to 4 to 8 times depending on how closed or open your project is.
For a Open Project: Final Length x 4-5 times.
For example: if the final length of your project is 12 inches.
Each rope you cut would be 12 x 4 = 48 inches rope.
For a Closed Project: Final Length x 6-8times.
For example: if the final length of your project is 12 inches.
Each rope you cut would be 12 x 6 = 72 inches rope.
2. For projects using double cords or when you tie a lark's head knot:
You need to multiply the final length of your product, double it and then multiply it to 4 to 8 times depending on how closed or open your project is.
For a Open Project: Final Length x 2 x 4-5 times.
For example: if the final length of your project is 12 inches.
Each rope you cut would be 12 x 2 x 4 = 96 inches rope.
For a Closed Project: Final Length x 2 x 6-8times.
For example: if the final length of your project is 12 inches.
Each rope you cut would be 12 x 2 x 6 = 144 inches rope.
By Open Project I mean more of a loose design where there are more gaps in between your knots.
A Closed Project would be something with the knots closer to each other hence without any gaps.
If you are working on a big project, it is always advisable to make a smaller version of it for better estimation and calculation for the final product.
NOTE: When you measure and cut your rope please remember to tape the ends of your cords/ropes so they don't untwist or tangle into one another while you are working on your project.
I hope this blog helped you clear a lot of questions on how to measure the ropes for your macrame projects. Please leave a comment if it did help you or you need any more macrame related questions to be answered. I will try my best to answer them.
Be Kind,
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