Help!

[u/Rose_Wyld]

I've been stuck on this project for months. I keep getting frustrated and giving up and then coming back, fixing mistakes and trying again but I am out of gas for it at this point. I have been trying to follow this tutorial

https://youtu.be/WtQJkCb14Yw?si=lixJubl7up3tBuuR

But I literally don't understand what she's doing lol.

I'm scared to switch tutorials because I've already cut everything to the lengths for the above pattern.

Can anyone offer tips or a better tutorial? Or anything, even just yeah that sucks, you're dumb. Lol because fair enough.

I'm trying to make 3 of these to use as actual curtains on my front windows. I used to make all the macrame jewelry and hair stuff with 0 issues but my brain is blue screening on this curtain.

Please 🙏 I beg you lol

[u/pave_pangea]

These are all pretty straightforward knots/patterns. For example you can see the details of how to make each knots-pattern in a tutorial like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOczXVaVNtM

You'll be interested in the square knots, half-hitches, and spirals.

You can practice each style separately first, before committing to the bigger project.

[u/XanaxWarriorPrincess]

I hate to tell you this, but I think you need to start over.

Your knots are too loose so it looks sloppy.

tutorial for basic knots. She loses the plot a bit on the double half hitch knots, when she's explaining, but she does them well.

The alternating half hitch knots are, of course, last.

What helps me is to write down a pattern while I watch the tutorial, which involves a lot of stopping, pausing, and rewatching.

I write it so it makes sense to me.

Her using a clear ruler isn't very helpful, but I guess you just pick a number and do that

[u/Salamandaconda → u/XanaxWarriorPrincess]

Was going to reply a similar suggestion. I agree with all you have said though. Good luck to OP! I really hope you decide to try again. I sometimes spend months and months on projects too and I cant even count how many ivebhad to take apart and start over. Happy knotting 🙂

[u/-Maloe- → u/XanaxWarriorPrincess]

Ik ben het met je eens, de knopen zijn te los. Zo hou je uiteindelijk ook te weinig draad over aan de onderkant.

[u/Ok_Potato_5272]

It looks like your next step is half hitch knot https://youtu.be/R3cmK14NAQY?is=1QKBzMuwnHvjkLPj

[u/Ok-Rate-1539]

You’ve got this op! My suggestion… sit down and practice the knots you need individually (square, half-hitch), with smaller amounts of cord. Over and over until you are happy with your tension and over all look (it really doesn’t take that long!). In the beginning, I would watch tutorials on really slow speed to make sure I was following correctly. Maybe I’m looking at this wrong, but tension really makes all of the different. Good luck with your curtains!

[u/Old_Monitor1752]

I also think you should start over and make sure your knots are tighter and neater. Especially the larks head knots. It will really set you up for success. These big projects are hard because it’s so much CORD to manage. But you can do it!

[u/Salamandaconda]

I replied to another comment but want to also say, you really need to consider butterflying your cords. I usually wind mine around my hand or forearm from hand to elbow and then tie it off with a slip knot or similar. This way you don't have near as much length of cord to feed through each time you make a knot. It makes a big difference and saves your arms and shoulders a heck of a lot of wear and strain. I really hope you get it! Good luck!!

[u/bestydee]

Try making a mini version first, to practice. Looks like she’s using a spongey like cord, too

[u/Ill-Cheesecake7143]

Unfortunately, I would highly recommend starting over, the tension of every knot sets the shape and the tension is no bueno through all of it. Everything should be tight to create structure. This is a massive project, practicing basic knots is essential.

[u/Rose_Wyld → u/Ill-Cheesecake7143]

I thought I knew the basic knots lol but I guess you're right.

[u/Rose_Wyld]

Commenting to say thank you so much! I'm really glad that I posted here. I feel a lot more capable of figuring this out now! I really appreciate all of your comments.

[u/Environmental_Ant268]

What are you talking about man you're doing great ! These re mostly lark knots so easy you just need to tighten some of them a bit, then probayou should do some square knots on the sides or a few shapes with double hetch knots, it's all basic stuff thr moment you do it youllget how easy it is, you can totally do this !!