Tips in Making Macrame Jewelry With Kids

Kids love macrame jewelry designing because it stimulates their imagination as well as gives them opportunities to create beautiful jewelry they can wear and show off to friends. They enjoy making unique fashion accessories, such as friendship bands, anklets and necklaces, which they can either sell or give away as gifts.

Macrame jewelry, like anklets and bracelets, are especially perfect for summer wear! They are not only appropriate for the beach, but also the best accessories at summer camps. They are easy enough to do for children of all ages, especially the girls. The following are tips for kids to keep in mind while making their macrame summer project.


Making macrame jewelry needs cords, which are the most important materials for this kind of craft. The type of cord, such as hemp, jute or cotton, will determine the colors of the beads and the types of knots to use in making the jewelry. The cord colors should match the beads, charms and buttons. To keep your materials organized, store them in boxes or plastic cases, and then, label them accordingly.
The first step in making macrame jewelry was to visualize the design. Have the kids draw or sketch the design, and then list the type of cords and beads to use. The adults can guide the kids in selecting the cords and beads at the craft store.
When purchasing the macrame cords, adults should help the kids in measuring the length of the cords needed. Measure the size of the wrist or ankle of the kids; this will be the length of the final piece. The ends of the cord should be 4 times longer than the length of the final piece. Multiply the cord length to 7 or 8 times longer because of the knots and beads.
The children should learn the basic knots, especially the square knot, which is the most commonly used when making macrame jewelry. It uses only four cords and the procedure is pretty simple. The cords should be knotted alternately to prevent twisting. However, if the design needs a twisting cord, use one knot only on one side. This will force the cords to twist like a helix.
Kids can insert one or two beads in between sequences of knots. They can place a pendant in the middle of the piece. Approximate this placement after about 20 or so knots, including the knots for the beads. The spacing of the beads would depend on the macrame pattern the kids designed.

As soon as the kids are done, they should learn to clean their workspace and put back excess materials into their storage cases. Trash should be disposed of properly. This way macrame jewelry making is not only a fun activity, but also a productive hobby that kids can learn good habits and build camaraderie with other kids.

Melissa Cordstone is a passionate macrame lover for more than 20 years. She loves to write about macrame cords, knots and patterns in making macrame jewelry and macrame plant hangers. She owns a blog called Macrame Lovers and works hard to build a strongly knotted community of macrame lovers from around the world.