Knotting and macrame has always been intertwined with the surfing world, probably because the pastime of decorative knotting began with the early mariners of the sea.
A wise sailor would learn various knots to get his job done well as a part of a crew, and practice was important to retain that critical knowledge. During a lull or break in the crew’s daily tasks, many sailors would hone their skills and make some money by using those utilitarian knots to make decorative items.
My well used foam macrame board
This goes for surfers, too. Many of us enjoy these knotting crafts when it’s flat, hot, or stormy outside. This craft is very useful to learn for anyone who spends a lot of time on the water. Surfing, SCUBA, boating, wake boarding, etc. all use knots to some degree.
One of my current bracelets, it’s SO hippie
Using those basic knots, you can do lots of variations. I like browsing through macrameschool.com to get ideas and inspiration, but if you are learning to macrame, it’s also great resource since they have short how-to videos on a lot of basic to advanced styles.
I made this for myself too using Olivewood beads. They’re holding up in the water ok
My favorite cord to use is Linhasita since it is colorfast, available in lots of colors, and durable in salt water. Hemp cord is used often also, but when you get it wet, hemp loses the distinct knots and can disintegrate into a fiber mess.
Linhasita cord
Some micro macrame earrings I made
I’m stocked up with cord now, ready to knot after surfing in the Summer afternoons when the thunderstorms roll through or when the hurricanes get too close to be fun anymore. I’m no sailor, but I have been long time friends with Cap’n Crunch and Captain Morgan….
That’ll work.
I haven’t done macrame in years! I recently bought some nylon cord because learning to tat has made me have a hankering to do some macrame. My nautical skills have all been of the Cap’n and Captain’s variety too – sometimes together depending on what other snacks were in the house!! I will need to check out some videos to get me back in the groove! Thanks for the tip on hemp – I have some hemp cord and it did not occur to that it wouldn’t hold up when wet. Love the bracelets, especially the beaded one! 😀
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Thanks so much!!! Yeah, I found out that hemp will barely last through the Summer if you surf everyday. 😳
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The bracelets are sooo pretty. You’re great at making them!
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Thank you!!! 💕💕💕
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You make bracelets too! You are super talented!
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Thanks! It’s lots of fun to do when it’s raining 🤗
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Have you crocheted with the linhasita? I’m always looking for new fibers, and I want to make some outdoor items. I live in Iowa, where it is ridiculously humid because of the corn. (I know, most people don’t think of a landlocked state as humid, but we have the WORST of all climates here.)
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Yes! In fact, I wanted to make some tiny hanging baskets for my garden with it for a post soon! 🤗
Since the Linhasita is waxed polyester, it holds up GREAT outdoors, and keeps colorfast even with direct sun. It’s a little tricky (and sticky) to work with at first. I always use a metal hook with it- plastic just doesn’t cut it.
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I’m going to have to try it! Thanks for the recommendation!
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