Macrame Lace Accessories by Sawa Matsuda – Practical Review
The first edition of Sawa Matsuda’s Macrame Lace Accessories was released at the beginning of 2016. Almost exactly ten years later, it landed in my hands. I ordered it directly from Japan, so my first impressions were purely visual—I don’t read Japanese. The book is very well designed, with a clean layout that makes it easy to browse even without understanding the text.
At 96 compact pages, the book contains over 30 projects, each presented with both photographs of finished pieces and diagrams or step-by-step instructions. It covers a wide range of accessories including bracelets, rings, hair pieces, pendants, and brooches.
I later used a translator to follow the instructions more closely.
Key Characteristics of the Technique
Sawa Matsuda’s style is minimalist and geometric, using mostly natural threads in neutral tones. Some features include:
Full range of accessories: from hair accessories to rings.
Minimal embellishments: very few beads or other extras.
Precision-focused process: projects often require using a backing board with pins and sometimes drawn guides to maintain accuracy.
Slow craft approach: projects take time and attention to detail; they are not quick, casual pieces.
This approach highlights both the aesthetic and technical aspects of micro macrame, emphasizing structure, repetition, and precision.
Influence and Scope
The book has been translated into Chinese, Spanish, and French, reflecting its international influence. Some of the techniques in this book are rarely found elsewhere:
Berry Knot used extensively in small projects.
Stud earrings demonstrating micro macrame applications.
Endless Knot motifs, among the earliest examples in micro macrame.
Practical applications of Cavandoli knots and guidance for finishing projects with natural threads.
These details make it a valuable reference for both beginners and experienced makers looking to explore precise micro macrame techniques.
Who This Book Is For
Beginners: Clear diagrams, step-by-step instructions, and the author’s own system for marking knot sequences make it easy to follow.
Experienced makers: Provides inspiration for developing personal style and working on detailed, compact projects.
Where to Buy
I purchased my copy on Etsy, which arrived surprisingly quickly, but it’s also available on Amazon.
Links for reference:
Final Thoughts
After ten years, Macrame Lace Accessories still holds up as both a practical guide and an aesthetic inspiration. Its combination of precise techniques, minimalistic elegance, and innovative micro macrame motifs makes it an essential addition to the library of any serious macrame enthusiast.
Affiliate Disclosure: I may earn commissions from products mentioned in this post, which helps support our site and content creation #ad #etsycreatorco
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. #CommissionsEarned
