Senior High School

NOT

Macramé/Basketry
Quarter 1 – Module 1
Introduction to Macramé and Basketry
Home Economics (Macramé/Basketry) – Senior Highschool
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1- Module 1: Introduction to macramé and basketry
First Edition, 2020

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 Senior High School

Home Economics
(Macramé and Basketry)
Quarter 1- Module 1
Introduction to Macramé and Basketry

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 Table of Contents

What This Module is About------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ i

What I Need to Know-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ii
How to Learn from this Module------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ii
Icons of this Module---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ii

What I Know-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- iii

Lesson 1:
Development of Macramé and Basketry---------------------------------------------1
What I Need to Know-----------------------------------------------------------------------------1
What’s I know----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3
What’s In (kinds of macramé products) ---------------------------------------------------4
What’s In (kinds of basketry products) ----------------------------------------------------8
What Is It---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10
What’s New------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10
What I need to Know ---------------------------------------------------------------------11
What I Know-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15

Lesson 2:
Knots, Weaving Techniques and Patterns----------------------------------------16
What I Need to Know----------------------------------------------------------------------------16
What I Know --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19
What I Have Learned ---------------------------------------------------------------------------19

Lesson 3:
Methods and Procedures in Macramé and
Basketry Products-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------20
What I Need to Know----------------------------------------------------------------------------20
What’s In (Weaving Baskets with Newspaper/Magazines ----------------------- 26
What I Have Learned --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31

Assessment: (Post-Test) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32

Key to Answers----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------34
Summary------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------35
References----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------36
What This Module is About

This module contains information and suggested learning activities on

macramé and basketry. It consists of five (5) learning outcome that contains learning
activities supported by information sheets. This is designed to introduce students to
the range of skills appropriate to the teaching and learning of arts and crafts. Students
will be given opportunities not only to learn about the skills but also to apply them in a
variety of situations.
The following are the expected learning outcomes (LO) contained in this
module:
LO 1. Trace the origin of macramé and basketry
LO 2. Enumerate different kinds of macramé and basketry products
LO 3. Use basic tools in macramé and basketry
LO 4. Differentiate the kinds of macramé knots and basketry weaving
techniques and patterns

Your success in this exploratory course on macramé and basketry is shown in

your ability to perform the performance standards found in each learning outcome.

i
 What I Need to Know

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. Discuss history and development of macramé and basketry (TLE_HEHC9-12T
M-la-1)
2. Describe different products of macramé and basketry (TLE_HEHC9-12TM-lb-
c-2)

3. Identify materials, tools, and equipment for macramé and basketry

(TLE_HEHC9-12TM-le-f-4)

4. Demonstrate proper use of materials, tools, and equipment in macramé and

basketry (TLE_HEHC9-12TM-le-f-4)

5. Identify the different macramé knots and basketry weaving techniques and
patterns

6. Describe the different macramé knots and basketry weaving techniques and
patterns

7. Select appropriate macramé knots and basketry weaving techniques and

patterns

8. Demonstrate the different kinds of macramé knots and basketry weaving

patterns (TLE_HEHC9-12TM-Ig-5)

9. Discuss different methods and procedures in making macramé and basketry

products

10. Follow procedures and techniques in making macramé and basketry products
(TLE_HEHC9-12TM-Ih-6)

ii
How to Learn from this Module
To achieve the objectives cited above, you are to do the following:
• Take your time in reading the lessons carefully.
• Follow the directions and/or instructions in the activities and exercises diligently.
• Answer all the given tests and exercises.

Icons of this Module

What I Need to This part contains learning objectives that

Know are set for you to learn as you go along the
module.

What I know This is an assessment as to your level of

knowledge to the subject matter at hand,
meant specifically to gauge prior related
knowledge
What’s In This part connects previous lesson with that
of the current one.

What’s New An introduction of the new lesson through

various activities, before it will be presented
to you

What is It These are discussions of the activities as a

way to deepen your discovery and under-
standing of the concept.

What’s More These are follow-up activities that are in-

tended for you to practice further in order to
master the competencies.

What I Have Activities designed to process what you

Learned have learned from the lesson

What I can do These are tasks that are designed to show-

case your skills and knowledge gained, and
applied into real-life concerns and situations.

ii
 What I Know

Multiple Choice. Select the letter of the best answer from among the given
choices.

1. Its is a form of textile produced using knotting techniques.

A. embroidery C. basketry
B. macramé D. tailoring

2. Is the process of weaving or sewing pliable materials into three-dimensional.

artifacts, such as baskets, mats, mesh bags or even furniture
A. embroidery C. basketry
B. macramé D. tailoring

3. What is the most widely used knotting material?

A. cotton twine C. waxed linen
B. nylon/rayon D. abaca twine

4. This handicraft is proven to be a great natural therapy for those undergoing

rehabilitation processes.
A. cross-stitch C. pottery
B. macramé D. basketry

5. It is one of humankind's oldest art forms.

A. dress C. baskets
B. bags D. pouches

6. What cord is excellent for macramé jewelry?

A. Abaca twine C. waxed linen
B. waxed cotton D. waxed nylon

7. What is the most important material in basketry?

A. shears C. clamps
B. reed D. pattern

8. This is an elegant knot that looks best in long, lacy designs with many strands.
A. overhand knot C. Lark’s head knot
B. square knot D. Josephine knot

9. This is a weaving technique where two or more flexible weaving elements

("weavers") cross each other as they weave through the stiffer radial spokes.
A. coiled basketry C. twining basketry
B. plaiting basketry D. splint basketry

10. What is the most frequently used decorative knots in macramé?

A. overhand knot C. Lark’s head knot
B. square knot D. Josephine knot

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11. It is a vintage knot rarely seen in modern macramé patterns.
A. Lark’s head knot C. square knot
B. square knot button D. alternating knot

12. This is a finely woven rattan container with cover and straps, used to carry food
and serve as a “lunch basket” for some Filipinos.
A. tagga-I C. tupil
B. kabil D. bukug

13. It is a synthetic, silky-finish braid or cord that comes in thin sizes.

A. string C. abaca fiber
B. nylon/rayon D. cotton twine

14. This basketry product is used to separate rice from its hull.
A. lunch basket C. rice basket
B. winnowing tray D. basket tray

15. They were said to be the first who crafted macramé products.
A. painters C. doctors
B. sculptures D. sailors

iii
 Development of Macramé
Lesson and Basketry
1
What I Need to Know

At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

1. Discuss history and development of macramé and basketry
(TLE_HEHC9-12T M-la-1)
2. Describe different products of macramé and basketry (TLE_HEHC9-
12TM-lb-c-2)

Macramé’s roots are quite interesting, with a history dating back thousands of
years. It is a form of textile produced using knotting (rather than weaving or knitting)
techniques. The primary knots of macramé are the square (or reef knot) and forms of
"hitching": various combinations of half hitches. It was long crafted by sailors,
especially in elaborate or ornamental knotting forms, to cover anything from knife
handles to bottles to parts of ships.
Leather or fabric belts are another accessory often created via macramé
techniques. Most friendship bracelets exchanged among schoolchildren and teens are
created using this method. Vendors at theme parks, malls, seasonal fairs and other
public places may sell macramé jewellery or decoration as well. Either way, decorative
macramé first appears in carvings by the Babylonians and Assyrians that depict
fringed braiding used to adorn costumes
Macramé has also proven to be a great natural therapy for those undergoing
rehabilitation processes and again helps to strengthen the memory, making it a great
activity for everyone. Working with the cords and tying them strengthens the arms and
hands and helps to loosen the joints of the wrist and fingers. It also helps calm the
mind and spirit as it requires concentration and the repetitive patterns puts the weaver
in a meditative mood.

1
 Additionally, it is believed to release stress through the fingers, making
macramé knotting a relaxing activity. Macramé has the additional benefit of enjoying
the process of self-expression through the creation of the inherent objective hidden
within (Jim Gentry, 2002).

A Babylonian doing macramé

Basketry or basket making is the process of weaving or sewing pliable

materials into three-dimensional artifacts, such as baskets, mats, mesh bags or even
furniture. Craftspeople and artists specialized in making baskets may be known
as basket makers and basket weavers. Basket weaving is also a rural craft.
Basketry is made from a variety of fibrous or pliable materials—anything that
will bend and form a shape. Examples include pine straw, willow, oak, vines, stems,
animal hair, grasses, thread, and fine wooden splints. Many Indigenous peoples are
renowned for their basket-weaving techniques.
Basket weaving dates back a very long time. In fact, it pre-dates, some forms
of pottery and woven cloth. Evidence for this has been discovered in the form of stone
carvings from around 20,000 years BC. The materials used would have depended on
people’s surroundings and varied considerably, from willow to roots, brambles, vines,
oak, ash, hazel, bamboo, leaves, straw, rush and bark. Some things were woven,
others were coiled.

The basket is one of humankind's oldest art forms, and it is certainly an ethnic
and cultural icon filled with myth and motif, religion and symbolism, and decoration as
well as usefulness. Basketry, in fact, encompasses a wide range of objects from nearly
rigid, box-like carriers to mesh sacks. Baskets range in size from "burden baskets" that
are as much as 3 ft (91.44 cm) in diameter to tiny collectibles 0.25 in (0.64 cm) in
diameter.
Some baskets are manufactured by machines; however, part of the tradition is
that baskets are defined as receptacles that are woven by hand of vegetable fibers.
Although baskets may have distinct bottoms and tops, they are essentially continuous
surfaces. They are woven in that their fibers are twisted together, but, unlike the
weaving of textiles, tension is not placed on lengthwise threads (the warp) because
the fibers are less flexible than threads.

2
 Baskets are part of the heritage of nearly every native people, and types of
construction differ as radically as other customs and crafts. Uses for baskets may be
the most uniting feature. Dry food is gathered, stored, and served in baskets; liquids
are also retained in baskets that have been waterproofed. Basket-making techniques
are used for clothing, hats, and mats. Openwork baskets are made to function as filters
(for tea in Japan) and as sieves and strainers. Their variety and clever construction
also make baskets desirable as decorations in primitive cultures as well as modern
homes.

Basket weaving

What I Know

Answer the following questions on a piece of paper.

1. What is the importance of macramé and basketry in today’s evolution of handicrafts?

2. How are macramé and basketry interrelated to each other?

3. List five (5) benefits of doing macramé and basketry.

4. Is there a need to promote macramé and basketry?

5. As a student, how will you promote macramé and basketry in your locality?

3
 What’s In

Macramé knots and braiding are appearing as surfaces across many areas of
home interiors, from cushions and rugs to furniture, lighting and glassware. Below are
kinds of macramé products.

Cushion product

A variety of knotting techniques are being used to add tactile surfaces to

cushions. Macro sized yarns are twisted and knotted to form large-scale sculptural
cushions in soft felts. Knotted cotton yarns form dense cushion covers in minimalist
shades of white, navy and gray. Delicate linen designs feature single macramé motifs.
Tighter knotted designs in bright colors contrast with plain line bases.

cushion products of macramé

Rug product

Tightly braided yarns create a multicolored rug with handmade appeal.

Oversized felt yarns are knotted into free-form rug designs. Jute is tightly knotted into
sturdy rugs with a natural aesthetic. Intricate macramé knots in light cotton yarns are
individually stitched together into a geometric rug design. Flattened braids are further
knotted to create bold geometric rug designs.

rug products of macramé

4
Wall hangings and divider product

Macramé knot panels act as natural room dividers. Macramé techniques are
being modernized in new wall hanging ideas. Knotting techniques incorporate natural
materials such as driftwood and shell. Ultra-modern macramé uses neon and bright
color pop yarns for eye-catching hangings and screens.

wall hangings and divider products of macramé

Planters product

Different variations of macramé knots are rendered in fresh tonal yarns of green
and blue. Bright neon nylon yarns form heavy duty plant supports. More minimalist
designs encase faceted plant pots and feature fine simple yarns. Delicate yarns create
sculptural geometric shapes with simple macramé knotting techniques. More
traditional knots in raw string are used as a storage for the bathroom.

planter products of macramé

5
Glassware product

Knotted and braided coverings for glassware are adding a tactile vintage
aesthetic to the home. Wine bottle storage is formed from loosely knotted multi-colored
yarns. Raw jute, string and wire are knotted to form tight covers akin to fisherman’s
nets. Simple tealight glassware vessels are given a tactile edge with knotted threads.
Vintage bottles add a rustic appeal.

glassware products of macramé

Kitchen and dining product

Dining accessories are also incorporating the macramé trend across

placemats, napkin rings and runners. Loosely knotted designs in raw yarn form simple
placemat designs. Bright geometric designs are tightly knotted and wound in a circle.
Napkin rings use macramé knots to add a hint of pattern to dining tables. Flat knots
offer attractive alternatives for coaster designs.

kitchen and dining products of macramé

6
Bowls and baskets product

Knots and braids are being used to create intricate bowls and baskets for both
decorative and functional purposes. Thick yarns in vibrant colors are tightly knotted to
form tactile and flexible storage bowls. Braided handles add a playful element to
simple wooden bowls. Knotted bowls form sturdy supports for plant pots.

bowls and basket products of macramé

Seating product

Furniture designers are employing traditional craft techniques to form

innovative new chair designs. Braided hammock-style hanging chairs use simple
macramé patterns to form supports. Oversized yarns create playful looped and free-
form sofa designs. Simple metal frames are transformed into tactile sofas with tightly
knotted padded yarns.

seating products of macramé

7
Lighting product

Lighting designers employ novel ways to reinvent macramé techniques for

modern lighting products. Knotted neon plastic threads create a thoroughly modern
take on the macramé aesthetic. Knotted lampshades mimic traditional chandeliers.
Lightbulb flexes are intricately covered in natural jute macramé.

lighting products of macramé

What’s In

Baskets vary in sizes, design and type of materials but the most uniting feature
is the function or uses. In general, baskets are used in the gathering, preparation and
storage of food. Dry food is gathered, stored, and served in baskets while liquids are
also retained in baskets that are waterproof. The uses and functions of baskets are
always associated with the daily activities of people. Below are some of the products
of basketry.

Storage. This type of baskets are being used for storage of household items
such as clothes and blankets.

bamboo suitcase

8
 Food gathering and Preparation Winnowing tray. Serving trays and fish
traps are examples of baskets used in food gathering and preparation. Winnowing
trays are used to separate rice from its hull while serving trays are utilized as container
of rice and other foods for consumption. Fish trap are used for fishing along flowing
streams.

liquid container basket kabil, a carrying basket

Uppig,, a lunch basket tagga-i, a rice basket basket tray

bamboo basket fish trap lig-o, a winnowing tray

Personal baskets. These are either small bags which are fitted beneath the
arms to carry tobacco and other personal belongings. Also, these baskets serve as
lunchbox carrying meals or other important items such as jewelry.

tupil, a lunchbox bukug, a basket bag

binga, a basket bag bay’ung, a basket pouch

9
 What Is It

Go around your house and look for object/s that are either macramé or basketry
product. On a piece of paper, write a description of that object and elaborate its uses.

What’s New

Before we will start the discussion, let us find out first if you can name the
tools below. Write it on a piece of paper.

________________1. ________________4.

________________ 2.
________________5.

_________________ 3.

10
 What I Need to Know

At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

1. Identify materials, tools, and equipment for macramé and basketry.
(TLE_HEHC9-12TM-le-f-4)

2. Demonstrate proper use of materials, tools, and equipment in macramé

and basketry. (TLE_HEHC9-12TM-le-f-4)

The basic equipment and tools that you need to get started with macramé are
few and simple:

• Knotting cords
• Mounting cords
• Rings to hold the mounting cords
• Macramé board or project board
• Pins, such as T-pins
• Scissors/snips
• A measuring tape/yard stick
• Beads (optional depends on type of project)
• Cording
• Embroidery needle
• Crochet hook
• Pair of tweezers
• Glue/polymer cement

1.) Cotton twine- sometimes called cotton cords; they are

available by kilo or by skein in local stores. It is the most
widely used knotting material.

11
2.) Abaca twines- a substitute or more suitable one for the
finish product.

3.) Nylon/rayon- a synthetic, silky-finish braid or cord that

comes in thin sizes. It is mainly used in jewelry items.

4.) Waxed linen- is an excellent cord for macramé jewelry.

It is fine –ply and well finished product.

5.) Waxed cotton- excellent material for macramé which

is often used than linen cord. Knots made from this
material show prominently and are well- defined.

6.) Waxed Nylon- a synthetic material that usually comes

in small sizes and is excellent for jewelry making due to
smooth texture of the cords. Knots from it loosen a little
more often compared to the one that is made from linen or
cotton.

7.) Macramé working board- marked off in inches or

centimeter with nails or preferably wooden or bamboo.

12
8) Pair of tweezers- used to hold jewelry beads or when
gluing ends of cords.

9) Pair of scissors/snips- are used for cutting cords.

10) Yardstick/tape measure- used for measuring cords.

11) Glue/polymer cement- used for gluing ends of cords.

12) Crochet hook (or crochet needle) - is an implement

used to make loops in thread or yarn and to interlock them
into crochet stitches.

13) T-pins- are commonly used to anchor work to a board

while doing macramé.

13
 Basketry Tools and Equipment

Basketry tools and equipment are sometimes generally available from craft
shops. Just what you're going to require to form your basketry masterwork will rely on
your ability level and the kind of basketry you have an interest in.
If you're very new to basket making the basketry tools and equipment, you'll
potentially need will include the following:

* Shears for cutting the reed

* Bone axe - for making holes in your wrapping on rib style baskets
* Clamps - for clamping basket edges
* Reed gauge - used to estimate the measurement of various kinds of reeds
* Pattern - the pattern you may follow when making your basket
* Reed or cane - to make your basketry

shears
clamps reed gauge pattern

bone axe
reed or cane

Reed is available in numerous shapes which include flat, flat oval, half round
and round, ensure you look at your pattern for the right shape and size. Cane is utilized
more to produce woven chair seats. Willow is alleged to have healing powers and has
been employed in basketry for centuries. Today you will most likely find it used for all
demeanor of garden structures, garden furniture and conservatory furniture. There are
some types of willow which are used for basketry and a lot of them are from the Salix
family.

The diversity of products you can create using basketry is huge and include
such items as bottle holders, small baskets, baskets to store firewood and even food
plates. Old chairs with damaged cane seating and backing are widely available at 2nd
hand shops, vehicle boot sales, auctions for example. and these can be turned to their
previous glory with a small amount of patience and understanding of basketry and
cane weaving.

14
 What I Know

A. Write the letter of the best answer in every item. Provide a separate
answer sheet.

1. Which of the following is not a macramé tool?

A. knotting cords C. shears
B. pair of tweezers D. crochet hook

2. What is use for cutting the reed?

A. bone axe C. chainsaw
B. shears D. clamps

3. This is what you will follow when making your basket.

A. blueprint C. T-pins
B. direction D. pattern

4. It is an excellent material for macramé which is often used than linen cord.
A. waxed cotton C. waxed nylon
B. waxed linen D. abaca twines

5. What is used to estimate the measurement of various kinds of reeds?

A. rain gauge C. reed gauge
B. yardstick gauge D. tweezers gauge

6. What tool is used to hold basket edges?

A. paper clips C. weights
B. clamps D. pair of scissors

7. It is used to make loops in thread or yarn and to interlock them.

A. needle and thread C. knotting cord
B. reed gauge D. crochet hooks

8. Where can you usually buy macramé and basketry tools?

A. craft shops C. lumber shops
B. hardware D. textile

9. These are commonly used to anchor work to a board while doing macramé.
A. push pins C. bobby pins
B. T- pins D. hair pins

10. This is the most important tool in basketry.

A. shears C. reed or cane
B. pattern D. reed gauge

15
 Knots, Weaving Techniques
Lesson and Patterns
2
What I Need to Know

At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

1. Identify the different macramé knots and basketry weaving techniques
and patterns.
2. Describe the different macramé knots and basketry weaving
techniques and patterns.
3. Select appropriate macramé knots and basketry weaving techniques
and patterns.
4. Demonstrate the different kinds of macramé knots and basketry
weaving patterns. (TLE_HEHC9-12TM-Ig-5)

BASIC MACRAMÉ KNOTS

The Josephine Knot is an elegant knot that looks best in long,

lacy designs with many strands. This knot is very distinctive
and unique looking.

16
The Alternating Square Knot uses eight strands of
cording.
The effect of this knotting pattern is a soft and lacy look.
To preserve the lacy look, make sure that you don’t pull
the knots too tight as you’re working them. Secure the
strands and separate them so that they lie side by side.

Square Knot Button. The Square Knot Button is a vintage

knot rarely seen in modern Macramé patterns. These
decorative knots were very popular in Macramé designs
created in the 1970’ s. This particular type of button knot is
easy to make and is often used to create heads for dolls
and animals. It's can be used to decorate just about
anything, including wall hangings, plant hangers and
wreaths.

Lark`s head knot. The Larks Head Knot is one of the most
frequently used decorative knots in Macramé. Another
name or this decorative knot is the Cow Hitch.

Overhand knot. A simple knot made by forming a loop

and passing a free end around the standing part and
through the loop.

17
 Square knot- a type of double knot that is made
symmetrically to hold securely and to be easy to untie.

BASKETRY WEAVING TECHNIQUES AND PATTERNS

Basketry may be classified into four types.

• Plaiting basketry- using materials that are wide and braidlike: palms, yucca
• Wicker and Splint basketry- using reed, cane, willow, oak, and ash
• Coiled basketry- using grasses, rushes and pine needles
• Twining basketry- using materials from roots and tree bark. This is a weaving
technique where two or more flexible weaving elements ("weavers") cross each
other as they weave through the stiffer radial spokes.

18
 What I Know

A. Identify what macramé knot or basketry technique is being described. Write

the answer on your paper.

____________1. Used to create heads for dolls and animals.

____________2. A very distinctive and unique looking knot.

____________3. Basketry that uses materials that are wide and braidlike.

____________4. One of the most frequently used decorative knots in Macramé.

____________5. Uses materials from roots and tree barks.

____________6. It uses eight strands of cording.

____________7. Uses grasses, rushes, and pine needles.

____________8. A simple knot made by forming a loop.

____________9. A type of double knot that is made symmetrically.

____________10. Uses reed, cane, willow, oak, and ash.

What I Have Learned

• Search from the internet the different macramé knots (not just the basic
knots you’ve learned) and make a model using a macramé cord. Make
at least 20 kinds of macramé knots.
• And for basic basketry patterns, use a bamboo skin. Apply what you
have learned.

19
 Methods and Procedures in
Macramé and Basketry
Lesson Products
3
What I Need to Know

At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

1. Discuss different methods and procedures in making macramé and
basketry products

2. Follow procedures and techniques in making macramé and basketry

products (TLE_HEHC9-12TM-Ih-6)

Macramé: How to Tie Basic Knots and Make Chains, Braids,

and Cording Patterns

The following are some of the suggested ideas you need to consider in making
some macramé products.
• The first thing you will need is a working surface. This can be something soft
enough to take pins, but otherwise firm and portable.
• If you are looking around the house, a piece from a cardboard box would be
ideal.
• Styrofoam board, cork tile, balsa wood, or bulletin board material would work.
• The working surface should be reasonably rigid, but soft enough to allow the
easy insertion of pins.
• There are many types of pins. If you have some in your sewing basket, they
should work just fine. Later, depending on what you are working on, (like a plant
hanger), you might need the bigger T-shaped pins, just to hold larger cords
tight.

20
 • Thumb tacks work great if you are doing smaller things, like a micro macramé
bracelet.
• Sometimes a knot gets messed up, so keep a blunt needle handy to help you
gently fix it.
• Sharp scissors - Tape measure.
• If you are going to be making a larger project, use rubber bands. The rubber
bands are great for making the longer cords used in some projects, easier to
handle.
• The last requirement you need is some form of cording material.

an example of a working surface

Let’s get started:

These fishes are made with hemp twine and some yarn.
The first knot is called the Lark’s Head Knot. This knot is
commonly used to secure your work. You can use any number
of things to secure your work. With these fishes, key rings were
used to secure the fish. The key rings are one example of a
holding cord. When tying knots for a project, cords that hold the
knots are also referred to as holding cords. The strands that tie
the actual knot is called knotting cords.

How to Tie a Lark's Head Knot

key holder, a macramé product
• Cut two stands, about the length of your arm.
• Fold one piece of string in half.
• Thread the looped end under the ‘holding cord’.
• Pull the loose ends through the hoop.
• Pull tight.
• This is a Front Lark’s Head Knot.
• Repeat with the 2nd Strand.
• This will give you 4 loose working ends, with the knots showing in front of your
work.

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 • When you are doing a project, you might want just the strings to show.
• To do this, you make what is called a Reverse Lark’s head Knot.
• This is done in the same way as the Front Lark’s Head Knot, only this time.
• Fold one piece of string in half.
• Thread the looped end over the ‘holding cord’.
• Pull the loose ends through the hoop.
• Pull tight
• Your knot is now concealed behind the working ends.
• Either knot can be used to anchor a series of working strands to the holding
cord.

Lark’s head knot

Lark’s head knot

How to Tie a Square Knot

The Square Knot is also known as the sailor's knot, macramé knot and reef
knot. It may look complicated, but it is quite simple because you only have to work the
two outside strands. If you started with the Lark's Head Knot, you should have two
pieces of string, folded in half and attached to your holding cord. Secure your holding
cord, with the four working strands, to your working surface. Look at the pictures
carefully - the strands are numbered 1-4 from left to right Secure your two middle
holding cords to keep them straight.

1. Take Strand 1 and make the start of a four, lay the end across Strands 2 & 3.
2. Lay Strand 4 straight down over the top of Strand 1.
3. Bring Stand 4 under Strands 2 & 3, up through Strand 1, and out to the side.
4. Even out the side loops, hold Strands 2 & 3 tight, as you slide the knot up them.
5. Pull tight.
Notice how this knot looks very similar to the same one that you use to tie your
shoe. To complete the square knot, repeat the process starting from the opposite side.

1. Take Strand 4 and make the start of a four, lay the end across Strands 2 & 3.
2. Lay Strand 1 straight down over the top of Strand 4.
3. Bring Stand 4 under Strands 2 & 3, up through Strand 4, and out to the side.

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 4. Even out the side loops, hold Strands 2 & 3 tight, as you slide the knot up.
5. Pull tight.
Continue making your square knots to desired length, making what is called a
sinnet.

Square knot

Square Knot Used in Braids

Very attractive braids can be produced using the Square Knot and the Half
Square Knot. By repeating the Square Knot, it will produce a flat sinnet. By repeating
the Half Square Knot, it will produce a spiral twist sinnet. The Half Square Knot is
exactly what the name says. Make a Square Knot; omitting the second step. It doesn't
matter which side you start on, just make sure that you make the same knot on the
same side.
1. Take Strand 1 and make the start of a four, lay the end across Strands 2 & 3.
2. Lay Strand 4 straight down over the top of Strand 1.
3. Bring Stand 4 under Strands 2 & 3, up through Strand 1, and out to the side.
4. Even out the side loops, hold Strands 2 & 3 tight, as you slide the knot up them.
5. Pull tight.
Keep repeating to desired length.

Square knots used in braids

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Square Knots Used in Cording
Alternating square knots have a wide variety of uses. They can create a tight
box weave or a lacy open weave. The first picture uses 8 strands, which makes 16
working strands. Attach all 8 strands to your holding cord with Lark’s Head Knots. This
will give you 16 working ends. You can use any number of strands, but your working
ends must be divisible by 4.
1. Divide the strands up into sets of 4 and make a square knot on each set.
2. Drop 2 strands on each end, divide the rest into sets of 4, and make a square knot
on each set.
• Repeat step one, using all 20 working ends.
• Repeat step two, using 16 working ends.
• Continue from * to desired length.

Square knots used in cording

How to Tie a Half Hitch Knot

The simplest basic working knot is the half hitch. This knot can be tied either
from the right or from the left, using one of the two pieces of string already anchored
to the holding line.
To tie from the right, hold the left-hand strand taut, or pin it to the working
surface, take the right-hand strand, bring it across and round behind the left strand,
thread it through the loop and tighten.
Reverse the procedure to produce a left-hand half hitch, bringing the left-hand
strand over and behind the right strand.

Half-hitch knot

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How to Tie Chains and Braids
Chains and braids can be made by the simple process of repeating over and
over again any of the knots you have already learned.
By repeating a right-hand half hitch continuously, you can produce a chain like
that shown below.

Chains and braids

How to Tie a Diagonal Double Half Hitch

To work a diagonal pattern, pin the knot bearing cord diagonally across your
working strands and make a double half hitch around it in the same way as you did
before.
To make a second row, however, the next strand in order (strand 2) should be
pinned across to become the knot bearer.
The first knot on 2 should then be made with 3 and the last with 1.
With a little practice you can work diamonds and X patterns simply by changing
the angle of the diagonal knot-bearing cord.
To produce a pattern of curves, pin the knot-bearing line in a curve across the
other strands and as you are knotting on to this take care not to pull the curve out of
shape.
Another cording pattern using the half hitch is the vertical half hitch cording in
which only one strand is used for the knot and is knotted back and forth across the
other strands to produce the effects indicated below.

Diagonal Cording Vertical Half Hitch Cording

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 What’s In

Weaving Baskets with Newspaper/Magazine

Weaving a basket using newspapers is easy. It's so simple to roll paper tubes
out of newspaper and then weave the tubes into a basket.
If you have never done basket weaving before, try starting out with this simple
basket weaving project, and then work your way up to this basket chandelier.

Step 1: Making the Newspaper Tubes for Weaving

making newspaper tubes for weaving

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:

1. You need to cut long strips of newspaper to about 10cm wide. Fold the newspaper
horizontally in half and then half again and use a sharp knife to cut into sections. You
can use a pine skewer for rolling the tubes, but you can also use a thin knitting needle
or 3mm dowel. Place the dowel on a corner of the newspaper at an acute angle. This
will give you a long tube.

2. Tuck under the corner edge and then roll with your fingers. There are various
methods of rolling the paper tubes, and after a couple of paper tubes you will work out
which one works best for you. Start off rolling with your fingers and then carefully lift
the tube, holding the end of the skewer in your right hand and rolling the paper around
with your left.

3. When you reach the end, smear on a small amount of glue to secure in place. Hold
the paper firmly and let it dry.

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4. You will notice once you have made a few tubes that one end is ever so slightly
narrower than the other. Don't worry about this and you will find out why later.

Step 2: Make the Base

making the base

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:

1. For the base of the basket cut two rectangular pieces of cardboard. These can be
any size depending on how small or large you want the basket to be.

2. On side, place two rows of double-sided tape around the edges.

3. Press down and secure the paper tubes in position. There are 13 tubes on the long
side and 7 tubes on the short side.

4. Use double-sided tape to cover the top of the remaining piece of cardboard. Press
this down over the cardboard with tubes. Place a heavy book on top and leave to dry
for an hour.

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Step 3: Finished Base

finished based

Here is the base for a square or rectangular basket. You can cover the top layer
of cardboard in any fabric you choose.

Step 4: Start Weaving the Basket

weaving the basket

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:

1. To start weaving, join two tubes together as shown in the images above. Bend in
half and thread around the first upright. The process is one tube in front - one tube
behind and twist around every single upright.

2. As you weave and twist, make sure to pull the uprights up and keep the tubes nice
and tight.

3. If you need to take a break, use a bulldog clip or peg to hold everything in place.

4. At the corners do an extra twist before you go around the corner and repeat the
weave twist.

Step 5: How to Make Long Tubes

making long tubes

How to make long tubes:

As you reach the end of a tube, take a new tube and insert the narrower end
into the end of the tube you are using. Give it a twist so that it fits nice and snug inside.

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Step 6: Finish Weaving Your Newspaper Basket

weaving the newspaper basket finish product

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:

1. As you weave and twist each row it's easy to extend the length of the paper tubes
as you work.

2. Continue to add rows until you reach the desired height.

3. To finish off, spray on two coats of Rust-Oleum polyurethane spray. This provides
protection for the newspaper and stiffens it up nicely

Step 7: More Newspaper Basket Weaving Ideas

other newspaper/magazine basketry product

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 What I Have Learned

Make your own macramé product which is a bracelet using a half knot chain or
a four-cord plaiting and a newspaper/magazine basket. Make sure you follow the steps
so that it will not be difficult for you to make one.

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 Assessment: (Post-Test)

Multiple Choice. Answer the question that follows. Choose the best answer
from among the given choices.

1. What are the primary knots of macramé?

A. Alternating knot and forms of hitching
B. Square knot and forms of hitching
C. Josephine knot and forms of hitching
D. Overhand knot and forms of hitching

2. What is the most common macramé product?

A. pillow products C. friendship bracelets
B. planters D. glass holders

3. Which is not true about macramé?

A. It helps strengthen the memory.
B. It is a natural therapy for those undergoing rehabilitation processes.
C. It helps calm the mind and spirit as it requires concentration.
D. It helps in developing thigh muscles.

4. What do you call those craftspeople and artists who specializes in making
baskets?
A. basket producers C. basket weavers
B. basket warriors D. basket creators

5. Which of the following materials cannot be used in basketry?

A. pine straw C. vines
B. hard wood D. stems

6. Some baskets are manufactured by machines.

A. yes C. I don’t know
B. no D. I cannot tell

7. These baskets are made to function as filters and as sieves and strains.
A. primitive baskets C. openwork baskets
B. rug baskets D. basket bags

8. Which one is not a macramé product?

A. cushion product C. glassware product
B. planters product D. food products

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9. What macramé technique is used to create intricate bowls and baskets for
both decorative and functional purposes?
A. Knots and Braids C. Round and Hang
B. Overlap and Twist D. Loop and Hook

10. What knots offer attractive alternatives for coaster design particularly in
kitchen and dining product?
A. Round knots C. Square knots
B. Flat knots D. Thin knots

11. Which basketry product is a lunch basket?

A. Tagga-I C. Uppig
B. Kabil D. Lig-o

12. Which one is not a basketry product?

A. Tupil C. Binga
B. Origami D. Bay’ung

13. What basketry material is commonly used in the Philippines and its products
are high quality?
A. waxed cotton C. cotton twine
B. waxed nylon D. abaca twines

14. What reed is alleged to have healing powers and has been employed in
basketry for centuries?
A. willow C. cotton
B. cane D. pineapple

15. The effect of this knotting pattern is a soft and lacy look.
A. Overhand knot C. Lark’s head knot
B. Square button knot D. Alternating square knot

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 34
Lesson 2 Lesson 1
Identification (p.19) Multiple Choice (p.15)
1. Square knot button 1. C
2. Josephine knot 2. B
3. Plaiting basketry 3. D
4. Lark’s head knot 4. A
5. Twining basketry 5. C
6. Alternating square knot 6. B
7. Coiled basketry 7. D
8. Overhand knot 8. A
9. Square knot 9. B
10.Wicker and splint basketry 10.C
Pretest Pos Test
1. B 1. B
2 .C 2. C
3. A 3. D
Lesson 1 4. B 4. C
Identification (p.10) 5. C 5. B
6. C 6. A
1. Crochet hooks 7. B 7. C
2. Mounting cord 8. D 8. D
3. Shears 9. C 9. A
4. T-pins 10. C 10. B
5. Reed 11. B 11. C
12. C 12. B
13. B 13. D
14. B 14. A
15. D 15. d
Key to Answers
Summary

A handicraft, sometimes more precisely expressed as artisanal handicraft or

handmade, is any of a wide variety of types of work where useful and decorative
objects are made completely by hand or by using only simple tools. Macramé and
Basketry are examples to this.
Macramé is a form of textile produced using knotting (rather than weaving or
knitting) techniques. The primary knots of macramé are the square (or reef knot) and
forms of “hitching”: various combinations of half hitches. It was long crafted by sailors,
especially in elaborate or ornamental knotting forms, to cover anything from knife
handles to bottles to parts of ships. Macramé knots and braiding are appearing as
surfaces across many areas of home interiors, from cushions and rugs to furniture,
lighting and glassware.
Basic macramé knots include the Josephine Knot, Alternating Square Knot,
Square Knot Button, Lark’s Head Knot, Overhand Knot, and the Square Knot.
Basketry, on the other hand, or basket making is the process
of weaving or sewing pliable materials into three-dimensional artifacts, such
as baskets, mats, mesh bags or even furniture. It is made from a variety of fibrous or
pliable materials—anything that will bend and form a shape. Examples include pine
straw, willow, oak, vines, stems, animal hair, grasses, thread, and fine wooden splints.
Many Indigenous peoples are renowned for their basket-weaving techniques.
Baskets vary in sizes, design and type of materials but the most uniting feature
is the function or uses. In general, baskets are used in the gathering, preparation and
storage of food. Dry food is gathered, stored, and served in baskets while liquids are
also retained in baskets that are waterproof. The uses and functions of baskets are
always associated with the daily activities of people.
Basketry weaving techniques and patterns are Plaiting Basketry, Wicker and
Splint Basketry, Coiled Basketry, and Twining Basketry.

35
References
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 For inquiries and feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Division of Cagayan de Oro City

Fr. William F. Masterson Ave Upper Balulang Cagayan de Oro
Telefax: ((08822)855-0048
E-mail Address: cagayandeoro.city@deped.gov.ph

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