New ideas are constantly coming to the fore in the realm of
needlecraft; and the simpler and more rapidly executed one is the greater the
favor accorded it.
A little account of macramé weaving will be sure to
interest the needleworker who delights in “trying new things.”
The work is done on linen with twine-colored linen
thread. Mark out with a pencil a square
which runs with the weave of the goods.
Cut the lines and buttonhole the edges in a border about one eighth of
an inch wide. From the opposite corners
run thread to simulate the diagonals of a square. Make four of them so as to have a firm
foundation for your work.
Now use four threads to indicate each diameter of the
square and catch all the cross lines together at the center.
From this begin to weave a central star, a point on each
ray of the framework. Go over and under
the four threads, which you have divided in two; under two, over two, turning
around and weaving back and forth until you have mad the section the length
desired. Tighten the threads at the end,
and pass on the wrong side back to the center of the square. Continue this way on each of the radiating
lines. When you have finished you will
have eight points for the star.
Run cross threads that connect the ends of the diameters
and parallel lines which are halfway between these and the corners of the
square. You have now made a fairly good
framework on which you can weave a very attractive design.
At each corner make a four-pointed star, that on account of
its short petals will look like a small flower.
Use a latticework idea to fill in the spaces between these
woven motifs. Add lines of thread, and
whip back along them, securing at the buttonholes edges of the square. Little knots and loops will break up the
work, giving a lacy effect.
When you have a sufficient number of crossed lines, weave
as you would in darning a stocking. Let
the threads be fairly open when finished.
Little squares of this darned work will make a beautiful pattern. On them you can apply stars of woven design
made just like the central star.
Finish the whole motif by circular threads, which are run
around the spokes and caught at every one by knotting. Pillows, scarfs, and centerpieces enriched by
this kind of needlecraft are things of beauty.
The work is particularly effective over contrasting
satin. It can be done in colors on gray
or tan linen, the shade of embroidery being matched by the slip under the
pillow or an inset panel under a runner.
One attempt will show how decorative this macramé work
is. It will be an easy matter to ring
the changes on the pattern given.
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