85+ Creative DIY Macrame Projects for Beginners

Macrame Wall Hanging

A classic and simple introduction to macrame, this project will teach you the basics of knotting and give you a beautiful decor piece for your space.

Materials Needed:

• Macrame cord (4mm)
• Wooden dowel
• Scissors
• Measuring tape

Steps:

1. Cut four cords, each 3-4 feet long.
2. Fold the cords in half and attach them to the dowel using a lark’s head knot.
3. Start with basic knots like square knots and half hitch knots to create your design.
4. Continue knotting to fill the length, experimenting with different patterns.
5. Trim the bottom of the cords into your desired shape.

Macrame Plant Hanger

This simple macrame plant hanger will help you create a stylish and functional piece for your indoor plants.

Materials Needed:

• Macrame cord (4mm)
• Metal ring
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Plant pot

Steps:

1. Cut 8 cords, each 6 feet long.
2. Fold the cords in half and attach them to the metal ring with lark’s head knots.
3. Divide the cords into groups and start making square knots, creating a woven design.
4. Continue knotting until the hanger reaches the desired length.
5. Tie a knot at the bottom to form a pocket to hold the plant pot.

Macrame Keychain

This is a simple and fun project for beginners, perfect for personalizing your keys or bags.

Materials Needed:

• Macrame cord (2mm)
• Keyring
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut four cords, each about 12 inches long.
2. Fold them in half and attach them to the keyring using a lark’s head knot.
3. Begin by making square knots along the length of the cords.
4. Once you’ve created a few rows, braid the ends of the cords.
5. Tie a knot to secure the braid and trim any excess.

Macrame Bookmark

A great project for those who enjoy reading, a macrame bookmark is both functional and beautiful.

Materials Needed:

• Macrame cord (2mm)
• Scissors
• Beads (optional)

Steps:

1. Cut a single length of cord about 18 inches long.
2. Fold the cord in half and attach it to a keyring or a piece of wood using a lark’s head knot.
3. Begin making square knots, creating a simple design along the length.
4. Add beads to the cord if desired.
5. Once you reach your desired length, tie a knot at the end.

Macrame Coasters

These coasters add a personalized touch to your tableware and are a great beginner project.

Materials Needed:

• Macrame cord (4mm)
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun (optional)

Steps:

1. Cut 8 cords, each 4 feet long.
2. Fold the cords in half and attach them to a central point.
3. Begin knotting with square knots, working in a circular pattern.
4. Continue until the coaster reaches the desired size.
5. Trim the ends and secure them with glue, if necessary.

Macrame Plant Pot Cover

Enhance your plant pots with a decorative macrame cover that adds texture and elegance.

 

Materials Needed:

• Macrame cord (4mm)
• Wooden ring
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut 8 cords, each 6 feet long.
2. Attach them to a wooden ring with lark’s head knots.
3. Begin making square knots to form the body of the cover.
4. Once the desired length is reached, tie a knot to secure the bottom.
5. Slip the pot inside the cover for a beautiful effect.

Macrame Pillow Cover

This project will transform any pillow into a macrame masterpiece.

Materials Needed:

• Macrame cord (4mm)
• Pillow cover
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun (optional)

Steps:

1. Cut cords to cover the front of the pillow.
2. Attach the cords to the pillow using lark’s head knots.
3. Create different knot patterns like square knots and half hitch knots across the fabric.
4. Secure the edges by trimming and gluing the cords in place.
5. Insert the pillow insert for a cozy and stylish finish.

Macrame Necklace

Create a custom piece of jewelry using macrame knots for a boho-chic accessory.

Materials Needed:

• Macrame cord (2mm)
• Jewelry clasp
• Beads (optional)
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut a long piece of cord and fold it in half.
2. Attach it to a jewelry clasp using a lark’s head knot.
3. Begin making square knots along the length of the cord.
4. Add beads as you go to create a decorative effect.
5. Finish by tying knots at both ends and attaching a clasp.

Macrame Wall Organizer

Combine style and functionality by creating a macrame wall organizer for your home or office.

Materials Needed:

• Macrame cord (4mm)
• Wooden dowel
• Scissors
• Measuring tape

Steps:

1. Cut multiple cords to different lengths (3 feet or more).
2. Attach them to the wooden dowel using lark’s head knots.
3. Create different knot patterns like square knots and diagonal knots to form a grid.
4. Make additional rows for pockets or compartments.
5. Hang the organizer and use it to hold keys, letters, or small items.

Macrame Earrings

Simple macrame earrings can be a fun and fast way to get creative with your jewelry.

Materials Needed:

• Macrame cord (1mm)
• Earring hooks
• Beads (optional)
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut two pieces of cord, each about 6 inches long.
2. Attach the cords to the earring hook with a lark’s head knot.
3. Begin knotting with square knots or other patterns of your choice.
4. Add beads to the design for a decorative touch.
5. Finish by trimming the excess cord and securing the ends.

Macrame Wall Basket

This basket is both functional and decorative, providing a stylish storage solution.

Materials Needed:

• Macrame cord (4mm)
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun (optional)

Steps:

1. Cut 12 cords, each 6 feet long.
2. Attach them to a metal ring using lark’s head knots.
3. Begin knotting in a spiral pattern, forming the base of the basket.
4. Gradually build up the walls using square knots and other decorative knots.
5. Secure the top with a knot and trim any excess cord.

Macrame Curtain Tiebacks

Add a touch of boho style to your curtains with simple macrame tiebacks.

Materials Needed:

• Macrame cord (2mm)
• Curtain hooks
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut four cords, each about 8 feet long.
2. Attach the cords to the curtain hooks with lark’s head knots.
3. Create a simple design with square knots, adjusting the length to fit your curtains.
4. Tie knots at the ends and trim any excess.

Macrame Bag

A macrame bag is both trendy and useful, perfect for carrying around essentials.

Materials Needed:

• Macrame cord (4mm)
• Wooden dowel or ring
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut 12 cords, each 5-6 feet long.
2. Attach them to the wooden dowel or ring with lark’s head knots.
3. Begin making square knots to form the bag’s base.
4. Continue knotting to build up the sides and handle of the bag.
5. Tie off the top and trim excess cord.

Macrame Dreamcatcher

Craft a beautiful dreamcatcher using macrame techniques for a charming, boho decoration.

Materials Needed:

• Macrame cord (2mm)
• Hoop (wooden or metal)
• Scissors
• Beads and feathers (optional)

Steps:

1. Cut cords and attach them to the hoop using lark’s head knots.
2. Begin knotting with square knots to form the web of the dreamcatcher.
3. Add beads or feathers for extra decoration.
4. Tie off the cords and trim any excess.

Macrame Tapestry

Create a large macrame wall tapestry using different knots to form intricate patterns.

Materials Needed:

• Macrame cord (4mm)
• Wooden dowel
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut several cords of varying lengths.
2. Attach the cords to the dowel using lark’s head knots.
3. Create patterns using square knots, half hitch knots, and diagonal knots.
4. Experiment with different techniques to create your desired design.
5. Trim the edges once complete.

Macrame Bag Strap

Give your favorite bag a custom touch with a handmade macrame strap.

Materials Needed:

• Macrame cord (4mm)
• Metal rings
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut two cords, each 6 feet long.
2. Attach them to a metal ring using lark’s head knots.
3. Begin knotting to create a decorative strap.
4. Tie off the ends and secure them to your bag.

Macrame Curtain

This project will teach you how to create an entire curtain using macrame knots, perfect for adding texture to any room.

Materials Needed:

• Macrame cord (4mm)
• Curtain rod
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut cords based on the size of your window.
2. Attach them to the curtain rod using lark’s head knots.
3. Begin making square knots to create the curtain pattern.
4. Tie knots at the ends and trim any excess.

Macrame Belt

Craft a stylish macrame belt that adds a boho touch to your outfits.

Materials Needed:

• Macrame cord (2mm)
• Scissors
• Belt buckle

Steps:

1. Cut four cords, each 6 feet long.
2. Attach them to the belt buckle using a lark’s head knot.
3. Begin knotting the cords in a pattern of your choice.
4. Continue until the belt reaches your desired length, then tie off the ends.

Macrame Table Runner

Add a touch of elegance to your dining table with a handcrafted macrame table runner.

Materials Needed:

• Macrame cord (4mm)
• Wooden dowel or metal ring
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut multiple cords to the length of your table.
2. Attach the cords to the dowel using lark’s head knots.
3. Use square knots and other knotting techniques to create a textured design.
4. Trim the edges to fit the length of your table.

Macrame Flower Pot Hanger

This stylish flower pot hanger is perfect for adding a boho vibe to your home.

Materials Needed:

• Macrame cord (4mm)
• Wooden ring or dowel
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut eight cords, each 6 feet long.
2. Attach the cords to a wooden ring using lark’s head knots.
3. Begin knotting to form the body of the flower pot hanger.
4. Secure the bottom with a knot and place your flower pot inside.

Macrame Jewelry Stand

Create a beautiful and functional jewelry stand using macrame knots to display your favorite pieces.

Materials Needed:

• Macrame cord (4mm)
• Wooden dowel
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut four cords to the desired length.
2. Attach them to a wooden dowel with lark’s head knots.
3. Begin creating square knots to form the body of the stand.
4. Add extra cords to form the base of the stand.
5. Trim excess cord and secure the ends.

Macrame Wind Chime

Create a unique wind chime using macrame knots to make a stunning piece for your outdoor space.

Materials Needed:

• Macrame cord (2mm)
• Metal rings or wooden dowels
• Bells or beads
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut cords to varying lengths.
2. Attach the cords to a metal ring or wooden dowel using lark’s head knots.
3. Add bells or beads to the ends of the cords.
4. Knot the cords into different patterns for a beautiful look.
5. Hang the wind chime and enjoy the sounds.

Macrame Mirror Frame

Create a boho-style mirror frame using macrame knots for a chic addition to your home decor.

Materials Needed:

• Macrame cord (4mm)
• Mirror
• Scissors
• Wooden dowel or metal ring

Steps:

1. Cut cords to the length of the mirror frame.
2. Attach the cords to a wooden dowel or metal ring using lark’s head knots.
3. Begin knotting to form a decorative frame around the mirror.
4. Trim any excess cord and secure the knots.

Macrame Runners

Macrame runners can serve as both tablecloths or elegant decor for any surface.

Materials Needed:

• Macrame cord (4mm)
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut cords based on your surface’s size.
2. Attach the cords to the base and begin knotting to form patterns.
3. Continue until the entire length is covered with your design.
4. Trim the ends to fit your surface.

Macrame Photo Frame

This frame will create a beautiful, textured display for your favorite photos.

Materials Needed:

• Macrame cord (2mm)
• Wooden frame
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut cords to fit the frame.
2. Attach cords to the frame using knots.
3. Create various patterns and fill the design as needed.
4. Trim the ends and insert your photo.

Tips and Tricks for Macrame Success

Macrame is a beautiful and versatile craft, but it can be tricky for beginners. To ensure your creations turn out perfectly, follow these tips and tricks. These suggestions will help you avoid common mistakes, maintain even tension, and master finishing techniques that give your projects a polished look.

1. Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Starting with the right materials: Always choose quality cord, appropriate for the thickness and texture of your design. Avoid cords that fray easily or are too stiff.
• Counting knots correctly: Keep track of your knot count. Losing track of knots can lead to uneven designs, especially in patterns like square knots or larkshead knots.
• Don’t pull too hard: Tying knots too tightly can cause the cord to stretch unevenly, leading to a lopsided piece. Keep a steady, but not overly tight, pull to ensure consistency.

2. How to Keep Tension Even

• Work with both hands: As you create each knot, use both hands to maintain control over the tension. One hand holds the base cords, and the other forms the knot. This will help you avoid tight spots.
• Adjust tension gradually: Regularly check for any sections that are too loose or tight, and adjust as you go. If a section feels uneven, gently pull or loosen knots to balance the tension.
• Use a macrame board or clips: To help maintain even tension across your cords, consider using a macrame board to keep everything in place. Clips can also hold the cords taut while you work.

Expanding Your Skills in Crafting with Cord

When it comes to crafting with cord, there’s always room to grow and evolve your skills. Whether you’re new to the craft or already experienced, experimenting with different techniques and materials can help you unlock new levels of creativity. By pushing boundaries and trying new things, you can create unique, intricate designs that reflect your style. Here are a few ways to expand your skills and take your cord-based projects to the next level:

1. Experimenting with Different Cord Types and Colors
   • Explore various types of cord like paracord, cotton, jute, or leather. Each material offers a distinct texture and strength, allowing for unique creations.
   • Experiment with different colors to enhance the visual appeal of your designs. Combining bold hues or using gradients can create striking contrasts or subtle ombré effects.
2. Combining Knots for More Intricate Designs
   • Learn different knotting techniques and combine them to create more complex, layered patterns. For example, you can mix square knots, lark’s head knots, and half-hitch knots to form stunning macramé pieces.
   • Layering knots adds depth and texture to your projects, allowing for a more dynamic, professional-looking design.

FAQ

What is DIY Macrame Projects for Beginners?

<p>Macrame is a form of textile art that involves knotting cords or strings in various patterns to create decorative items such as wall hangings, plant hangers, jewelry, and more.

What materials do I need to start DIY Macrame Projects for Beginners?

<p>To begin macrame, you will need basic materials such as macrame cord (or any strong, flexible cord), a pair of scissors, a tape measure, and a dowel or ring to hang your project. Some people also use beads or wooden elements to add design.

Is macrame difficult for beginners?

Macrame can be a bit tricky at first, but it’s very doable for beginners. Start with simple projects and basic knots like the square knot, lark’s head knot, and spiral knot. With practice, you’ll gain confidence!

What are the most common macrame knots?

The most common knots for beginners are:

• Lark’s Head Knot: Used to attach cords to a dowel or ring.
• Square Knot: A basic knot for creating patterns and texture.
• Half Hitch Knot: Used for creating angled lines.
• Spiral Knot: Creates a twisted effect.