A Beginner’s Guide to Macrame 

If you’re looking to add a vintage flair to your home, or simply want to display your beloved plants from the rafters, you’ve come to the right place!

Whether you’re a complete newcomer to the world of macrame or you’re a bit rusty after getting into it in your youth, I’ve put together a simple guide for beginners that is quick to pick up, so you can focus on developing your techniques rather than getting your fingers in a twist!

Within this blog, I’ll introduce you to the essential macrame knots, share my preferred macrame materials and workspace set-ups. Let’s start with a few common questions that I always get asked.

What is macrame?

Macrame is a form of textile art that involves knotting cords into decorative patterns. Typically used to create items like wall hangings, plant hangers, and jewellery, it uses various knotting techniques instead of weaving or knitting.

Is macrame a cheap hobby?

Macrame is considered a relatively cheap hobby. With basic supplies like cords and scissors, beginners can start crafting without a significant investment. Higher-end materials may increase costs, but many projects remain affordable for most crafters.

Can I teach myself macrame?

You can absolutely teach yourself macrame. With countless online tutorials and step-by-step guides, beginners can easily learn the various knotting techniques at their own pace. It’s a craft that allows for gradual learning and improvement through practice.

What sells most in macrame?

Wall hangings and plant hangers tend to sell the most in macrame. These items are popular for home decor, offering a stylish and handmade aesthetic. Jewellery, such as bracelets and necklaces, is also in demand, especially for personalised and unique designs.

What should I start with macrame?

Beginners should start with simple macrame projects like keychains or plant hangers. These require basic knots and minimal materials, making them great for building skills and confidence before moving on to more complex creations like wall hangings.

What do you need to make macrame?

• Macrame cord 
• Wood or metal dowel (if you’re doing a wall hanging)
• Hanging ring (if creating a plant hanger)
• Scissors
• Tape measure

Depending on your project, you might also want to incorporate hardware such as metal hoops, wooden rings, purse handles, or belt buckles. Whatever you want to add!

What is the best cord for Macrame? 

When it comes to macrame projects, the ideal choice for your cord is cotton twine or rope. Cotton rope boasts softness, flexibility, and widespread availability. Its knot-tying ease pairs with long-term durability, avoiding unwanted stretching.

You can buy cotton rope online or at your local craft store, usually at a budget-friendly price. I buy mine from eBay as you can usually find sustainable/eco friendly cord, but I also suggest supporting your local craft shop. For typical home decor projects, a 4-6mm 3-ply cotton cord is my preferred choice.

Organising your workspace

Preparing for a new project involves creating an ideal macrame workspace. Prioritise sufficient lighting and ample space for smooth mobility. Take it from me, there’s nothing worse than starting a project, only to get backache or neck ache from not having a correct and comfortable workspace!

Consider your project’s nature and scale: opt for a flat surface if you’re working horizontally or set up a hanging arrangement if you’re working vertically. A well-arranged workspace enhances your creative flow and project execution.

Horizontal projects

For horizontal projects, a flat, tabletop workspace suffices. Begin by anchoring the starting end of your piece to the table to maintain cord tension throughout your work. In the case of smaller items such as macrame bracelets, employing a clipboard’s clip to secure them underneath is a handy technique. This ensures a steady and controlled crafting experience.

Vertical projects

When tackling vertical projects like wall hangings and plant hangers, a vertical workspace is important. Position your work at a height that allows you to craft without strain.

For effective vertical setups, consider these methods:

• Suspend a wooden dowel rod from a garment rack.
• Utilise the back of a door
• Drape it over the back of a tall chair
• Hang it from a sturdy doorknob
• If you’re lucky enough (like me) to have a drummer in the house – cymbal stands are perfect!

How to make Macrame? 

So now you have your materials and workspace sorted, now let’s talk about macrame Knots. There are a variety of macrame knots including: mounting, lark’s head, square, half square and many more. But don’t worry, I’ll go through them all and make it simple!

Check out this video for a clear run down, or alternatively check out my in-depth blog on how to do 5 basic macrame knots.

Here’s a list of all the common macrame knots:

• Larks Head Knot
• Square Knot
• Alternating Square Knot
• Spiral Knot
• Double Half Hitch Knot
• Half Hitch Knot
• Alternating Half Hitch Knot

Before you get started, be sure to check out my beginner-friendly tutorials! I’ve got plenty of super easy projects, including how to make a macrame plant hanger, keychain, Christmas decorations, and even creative gift ideas. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for simple projects to build your skills, these tutorials will guide you step-by-step.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! With the basics under your belt, you’re ready to dive into your first macrame project. Whether you’re making a stylish wall hanging or a chic plant hanger, the process is as rewarding as the finished product. Don’t worry if your knots aren’t perfect right away—practice and patience go a long way. Now that you’re equipped with the tools and techniques, it’s time to get creative and bring some handmade charm to your space.