Why Macrame Is the Perfect Gateway Craft
Macrame skips needles, hooks, and sharp tools. All you need is cord and your two hands. The repetitive knots calm the mind while building a useful object in under two hours. A finished hanger adds vertical greenery to small apartments, dorms, or porches without drilling giant holes. Cotton cord is cheap, biodegradable, and comes in colors that match any decor. Once you master the three basic knots used here, you can scale up to wall hangings, bags, or even a hammock.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather these items on a flat surface such as a dining table or hardwood floor. Ambient light prevents eye strain while you count cords.
- 24 m (26 yd) of 3–4 mm single-twist cotton cord—this amount makes one hanger that holds a 15–20 cm (6–8 in) pot
- Sharp fabric scissors that can slice through eight cords at once
- Measuring tape or ruler marked in centimeters and inches
- 1 metal or wooden ring, 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 in) wide—key rings work in a pinch
- Masking tape to secure the ring to the table while you knot
- Optional: beads with 6–8 mm holes, spray bottle with water to tame fuzzy fringe
Pick a pot with a lip or ridge so the base knots can grip it. Plastic nursery pots are light; ceramic adds stability but requires sturdy ceiling hooks.
The Three Only Knots You Will Ever Need
Every classic plant hanger uses a mix of these knots. Practice each one on two 50 cm scraps before you cut the long cords.
Lark’s Head Knot
Fold one cord in half, place the loop under the ring, pull the tails through the loop, and tug. This attaches every cord to the ring.
Square Knot
Take four cords. The outer left cord goes over the two middle cords and under the outer right. The outer right goes under the middle and up through the left loop. Tighten halfway. Repeat in reverse to complete the flat square knot. It looks like a chunky braid and forms the decorative bands.
Spiral Knot (Half Square)
Repeat the first half of a square knot four to ten times; the piece naturally twists into a corkscrew. This creates the spiral section below the pot.
Cutting Cord Without Waste
Total length rule: each working cord should be four times the desired finished length. For a 90 cm (3 ft) hanger, cut eight cords each 3.6 m (12 ft). Beginners often underestimate; too long is better than too short. Fold all eight in half through the ring; you now have sixteen dangling tails.
Taping Down the Ring
Stick a 15 cm strip of masking tape over the ring and onto the table. This third hand frees both of yours for precise knots and prevents the piece from spinning.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Attach All Cords
Lark’s head each of the eight cords to the ring. You now have sixteen equal tails hanging like a curtain.
2. Create the First Gathering Knot
About 7 cm (3 in) below the ring, tie one 50 cm scrap cord tightly around all sixteen tails using a wrap knot. Wind the scrap cord ten times downward, then thread its tail up through the top coil and tug to hide. This bulb hides the top of the pot.
3. Form Four Square-Knot Sections
Divide the sixteen tails into four groups of four. In each group tie six square knots stacked directly on top of one another. Keep tension even; the band should be 10 cm (4 in) long. These bands create the basket that cradles the pot.
4. Join Neighboring Groups
Take two cords from one group and two from the next; tie one square knot 8 cm (3 in) below the last knot of each band. Repeat around until you have four new connecting knots. This pulls the cords inward, shaping the basket.
5. Add the Base
Gather all sixteen cords together 10 cm (4 in) under the connecting knots. Tie another wrap knot exactly like the first gathering knot. Slide your pot into the basket to check fit; adjust spacing by pushing knots up or down.
6. Finish the Fringe
Trim the remaining tails to an even 15 cm (6 in). Unravel each strand for a fluffy brush or leave them twisted for a tidy tassel. Mist with water and comb with your fingers to reduce fuzz.
Hanging Your Creation Safely
Choose a ceiling joist or a beam that supports at least 15 kg (33 lb). Use a swag hook with a threaded shaft; install by hand or with a basic screwdriver. If you rent, try a removable adhesive hook rated for 10 kg, but test with a lighter object first. Hang the hanger, then add the plant; wet soil is heavy.
Scaling the Pattern
- Mini hanger for succulents: cut cords 1.8 m (6 ft), use six cords instead of eight, and tie only three square-knot sections.
- Extra-large hanger: double the cord length and add a fifth square-knot section to balance big pots.
- Color-block look: alternate two colors when you lark’s head cords; rotate colors in the spiral section.
Common Beginner Mistakes and Quick Fixes
- Knots slide upward after hanging
- Tie each square knot tighter; give a firm tug on every crossover.
- Basket is too loose
- Move the connecting knots higher so the cords hug the pot.
- Cord uneven after cutting
- Hang the finished piece, let gravity settle the strands, then trim again.
- Fringe looks frizzy
- Spray lightly with water, comb, and let air-dry under a book for weight.
Caring for Your Macrame
Dust accumulates on cotton cord the same way it does on blinds. Once a month, slip the hanger off the hook, shake outside, or vacuum with a brush attachment. If the pot leaks and the cord gets muddy, hand-wash in lukewarm soapy water, press out moisture inside a towel, and air-dry overnight. Cotton may shrink 3 %; rewet and gently stretch to restore length.
Next-Level Variations to Try
- Add wooden beads between square-knot bands for a boho look.
- Replace the bottom wrap knot with a tasseled fringe of mixed cord colors.
- Integrate a small mirrored disc to reflect light and brighten dark corners.
- Braid two adjacent tails instead of leaving them straight for added texture.
Where to Source Supplies
Craft stores stock 3 mm cotton cord in 50 m bundles for under ten dollars. Online retailers sell recycled cotton with quick shipping. Rings come from hardware aisles or old keychains. Reuse paracord, jute, or even old T-shirt yarn cut in 2 cm strips; natural fibers grip knots better than synthetics.
Turning the Hobby Into Gifts
A finished hanger costs less than three dollars in materials yet looks boutique. Pair it with a small potted herb or succulent for a teacher appreciation gift. Customize colors to match wedding palettes; make five hangers in varied lengths for a cascading ceremony backdrop. Attach a handwritten tag that lists the knot names so recipients appreciate the handmade process.
Closing Tips
Keep your first hanger. Months later you will see every improvement in tension and spacing, and nothing compares to the pride of that tangible timeline. Teach a friend; explaining the knots aloud fixes them in your muscle memory. Soon your windows will be full of swaying greenery, each suspended by cords you knotted yourself.
Disclaimer: This tutorial is for general craft information. Test ceiling hooks for load safety and follow manufacturer instructions. This article was generated by an AI journalist; results may vary by individual skill and materials.