Macrame belt

In each Larp be it a LAC (live Action Combat) or a Fantasy LARP like NERO there grows many customs, cultures and things that are unique to those games.

Macramé and Woven Belts

Less sturdy but often times more colorful then leather belts, macramé belts are a common addition to any Amtgard wardrobe. This essay will compare the two methods, as well as provide instructions as to their crafting.

Macramé Cord

Macramé cord comes in a variety of styles, from braided to twisted, and in various sizes. The most ideal for Amtgard belts is probably Bonnie Braid 6mm cord, Available in 100 yard bundles for around $7.59 each. It can be found in most craft stores, although many stores carry a limited selection of colors. It is sometimes necessary to check a number of stores before finding one with a wider selection. The cord is made in solid colors in every shade you can imagine, as well as many two- and three- colored mixtures A good online resources to check availability of colors (as well as purchase cord) is www.macramesuperstore.com

Caring for Macramé Cord

Most macramé cord is washable, although if you are using a variety with metallic threads you will want to be a bit more careful: metallic fibers tend to stretch easily and will not spring back into shape. The safest method of washing a belt is by hand with a gentle detergent. Remember that colors bleed; if possible always test wash a small section of cords to check for color fastness.

Belt Rings

Belt rings can be found at most leathers stores as well as some craft stores (and many home improvement stores, look for Welded rings) Rings come in a variety of sizes and are usually found in silver or gold color, although there are also solid plastic rings in many colors that work just as well (and can add to the overall theme of the belt).

Macramé Belts

One source defines macramé this way: “Macramé is the craft of tying or knotting cords in a geometric pattern…” Another state: “A coarse lace, made by weaving and knotting cords…to make knotted patterns”. Only belts that including knotting are technically considered to be macramé.

Finishing the Belt

There many ways to finish the belt; you can simply take all the cords and tie them in a knot, then trim the ends. Another option is to wrap one cord around the others many times, then secure it by pulling it through the wrap and tying it off (this is called a wrap knot , See Figure W1 below); this is also a matter of taste. Experimentation will produce other methods.

Sealing the ends of the cord is a good idea, as they will fray. The easiest method is to apply heat to the ends using a lighter or matches to melt the threads together. This needs to be done carefully and with a light hand when working with lighter colored cords, as they will scorch and blacken the ends if too much heat is applied. It is a good idea to experiment with this when using white cords with some spare lengths to discover the right amount of heat. Another method is to seal the ends with hot wax, although this will eventually flake or chip off and need to be redone.

Both knotted and woven belts can be a fantastic addition to any Amtgard wardrobe, and as you can see, both can be learned in a fairly short period of time. Woven belts are much more common and there are a variety of possible patterns not covered here. Knotted belts are more rare due to the amount of work involved in creating them, and can be a truly standout piece of garb. Either is a useful skill to possess and pass on to others.

Huge Index of Friendship Bracelet Patterns

(which can be adapted to a belt)
http://www.steffe.se/fb/index.php
http://www.geocities.com/hbernb/

Macrame Terms and Slang

(as well as Knot explanation)
http://thisyearsdozen.wordpress.com/2008/05/09/how-to-macrame-a-basket/

Tutorial Links

http://www.free-macrame-patterns.com/
http://www.steffe.se/makrame/ommakrame.php?lang=Engelska
http://www.craftytips.com/macrame/
http://www.angelfire.com/ca7/sierratses/knots.html
http://www.northwestjournal.ca/sash.html
http://www.nativetech.org/finger/beltinstr.html

Alternative Macrame Belt

http://thisyearsdozen.wordpress.com/2008/05/14/how-to-macrame-a-belt/

Additional Images of Belts and Styles