“Macrame” is a term I only learned a few years ago. Or perhaps that was simply the time in my life when I decided to investigate it further. Despite having first pronounced it “mah-CRAME”, I soon learned both how to say it correctly and what it was all about. It changed my life.
Well, not literally, of course, but it did provide an outlet for my creativity that not only involved a level of strategy but my love for plants as well! Win-win. Learning how to tie macrame knots is the most difficult part of this project. If you feel stuck, head over to YouTube and watch some tutorials. Or, experiment on your own. After all, every knot you tie can be taken out and redone!
If you follow along closely with my tutorial, the measurements I’ve made fit a 5in diameter pot. The length of your cords will depend on how many knots you want to tie and the size of your potted plant. The best part about making your own macrame plant hanger is that there’s no limit to the styles, lengths, or variations of the knots you choose, so you have the freedom to be creative!
For a little inspiration, and to see how to tie certain knots, check out this video. Ready to get creative? You’ll need the following supplies:
- 3mm natural cotton cord
- 2in stainless steel ring
- Scissors
- Scotch tape
- Tape measure
- Potted plant
Preparation
Cut your cords as follows: 8 cords cut to 10ft each; 1 cord cut to 6ft; and 2 cords cut to 3ft each. Bundle all 10ft cords, then loop them through the ring to where they fold at their midpoint. Looped, you should have 16 cords hanging at 5ft in length. Tape a few inches below the loop.
1. Secure the Loop
Cover the ring with the 6ft cord using a buttonhole clasp knot. Continue tying this knot until it circles the ring, with the eight looped cords hiding these starting and ending cords. Now, using one of your 3ft cords, secure the looped cords (including the leftover cords from your clasp knot) with a wrapped knot.
2. Tie Grouped Knots
Separate cords into four groups of four. Tie a set of square knots down each group of four cords, alternating between one right square knot and one left square knot until 5in long. About 5in below your first row, tie a set of spiral stitch knots until they reach 3in long. Eight inches below, add another set of square knots 3in in length.
3. Connect the Cord Groups
Three inches below the last knot group, take the far right strand of the first group and tie a barrel knot with the far left strand of the second group. Repeat between the second and third groups until the four original groups have been tired together. Test exact lengths by holding your pot inside this basket of knots. Adjust lengths accordingly.
4. Secure the Hanger Base
Using your last 3ft cord, tie a wrapped knot 3in below the barrel knots (or about 6in below the last square knot group). When the knot is secured, trim the remaining cords to 4in and run your fingers through them until they separate. Now, gently place your pot back inside the “tube” of cords until its resting in the basket. You’re done!
Still trying to grasp how to tie each knot? Ready to try making a macrame plant hanger for yourself? I’d love to hear your comments and answer your questions! Happy crafting!
XO,
Micah