Lesson 2

Terminology and Abbreviations

Macramé Terminology


Each textile art has its own terminology. The list below includes common macramé terms, but does not include all macramé terminology. It is important to refer to your pattern to see if any other macramé terminologies are referred to.



Anchor Cords
Anchor cords are those cords in the center of the square knot.
Bundles
A group of cords that have been gathered together.
Butterfly
A butterfly is cord wound around the thumb and little finger in a figure eight. It eliminated awkward unwieldy long yarn.
Core
The cord/s that run through the center of a project and are knotted around. They are also called fillers.
Knotting Cords
Knotting cords are the cords used for tying knots.
Mount
A ring, frame or handle that is used as part of a macramé project.
Mounting Board
A mounting board is the support on which other cords are tied.
Standing End
The end of the cord that is secured to a macramé board or other surface and is not used in constructing knots.

Weave
Weaving cords means to place them so that they pass under or over each other.
Working Cord
This is the knotting cord. The cord that you are currently working with.

Macramé Abbreviations


The list below includes common macramé abbreviations, but does not include all macramé abbreviations. It is important to refer to your pattern to see if any other macramé abbreviations are referred to.



Term

Abbreviation
alternating square knot ASK
button hole BH
overhand knot OH
square knot SK
double half hitch DDH
larks head knot LH