Macramé I Show You Something Neat?

I have a tutorial for you. I make and sell these headbands on etsy, but Imma teach you my secrets. The knot is my own creation, but it's basically a doubling of the currick bend knot (which I learned from a macrame book that I got from a garage sale at a pet cemetery. This pet cemetery also had a sign reading, "UFO Meeting-Tuesday" I know this is a major digression, but I think people need to know about this place. In case they lose a pet, or are abducted, or just have their Tuesdays free). If you'd like to just buy one and not muddle through my directions, here is my shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SallyToeBelly

I haven't been listing them as much lately, and as I usually give directions to anyone who asks through etsy, the trick is no grand secret. Also, I'm fairly sure that only my immediate family reads this blog, so I'm not too concerned some entrepreneur with suck up my knowledge and make a million bucks off it. But even if they do, it'll give me something good to complain about well into old age. "Come children, listen how one blog post made granny a poor old delusional lady with only animals obtained off craigslist for company, instead of a multimillionaire." Here's how to tie the knot (literally. this is a craft blog, not a relationship advise column.) 

So, while you can use any string material, (yarn, rope, your own hair*) I use t-shirt string. You just rotary blade off a 1 inch strip of shirt and pull. Makes this very nice roll-y string. 

*Alright, listen, I just learned about Victorian hair jewelry from the Antiques Road Show. You should check this stuff out--it's just the right mix of lovely and creepy. I also read a book about it, "Love Entwined" I digress again. How knot-y. Back to the knot..

Okay, here we go. Lay your first string down like so (above). Notice where it goes over and under. I'm only using one string for clarity, but you can use as many as you'd like. I usually use three. 

You're second string will come up from the bottom like so. Keep everything loose, at then end you will cinch it all up nice and tidy. 

Uh, do this. Seriously, pay attention to whats going under and whats going over. Remember that an individual string will alternate under/over with each movement. Think weaving. 

Also, do this. Word instructions are hard. Use eyeballs.

And one last pull through…

3...2..1..headband!

Look-y-lou what we've got. With a final squeeze on all ends, there's your finished project. I make headbands with it, but you could make a purse or guitar strap, sew it onto a top for a cute detail, or make it into a bracelet. Go forth and use this knot knowledge for good, my people. 

For baring with me through this tedious post, I reward you with a picture of Maple wearing sunglasses. 

Super Cool.