You've been practicing a few basic macrame knots and are slowly gaining confidence in your skills. But you still aren’t ready to tackle anything too complicated. You need macrame projects that are easy but still look amazing.
Well, you're in luck! We've found a selection of macrame projects that are perfect for beginners. They only require a few simple macrame knots and basic materials, making them ideal for those new to the craft.
So, grab your macrame supplies and get ready to create something beautiful!
Table Of Contents
- What Is Macrame?
- Knots You Need To Know
- Tools And Supplies You Need For Macrame
- Choosing The Right Cord For Your Macrame Project
- 12 Fun Macrame Projects To Start With
- Tips To Macrame Like A Pro
What Is Macrame?
Macrame is an ancient craft dating back to the 13th century. It involves knotting cords or strings together in patterns to create decorative items, such as plant hangers and wall hangings.
You don’t need fancy tools or special needles to create macrame projects. With a quality cord from GANXXET, and the ability to tie a few basic knots, you'll be able to create one of these fun patterns.
Knots You Need To Know
While you can use dozens of knots for macrame projects, you don’t need to learn them all right away. These five knots are good ones to practice since they’re frequently used in beginning macrame patterns:
- Square Knot
- Lark's Head Knot
- Double Half Hitch Knot
- Crown Knot
- Wrapping or Gathering Knot
If you need a quick refresher on any of them, use these short video tutorials:
Square Knot
The Square Knot is commonly used in macrame to create decorative patterns and attach gems, beads, or other objects to your project.
To make a Square Knot, start with four cords and bring the right cord to the left, pulling it over the two center cords. Then place the left cord over the right cord, under the center cords, and through the loop. Pull tight.
Lark's Head Knot
A Lark’s Head Knot is used to attach the cord to something — for instance in jewelry, it might attach the cord to a charm or bauble.
When making a Lark’s Head Knot, fold the yarn in half. Place the folded end around what you will be attaching it to. Thread the cord ends through the loop and pull to tighten.
Double Half Hitch Knot
The Double Half Hitch Knot is used to affix your working cords onto the filler cord. Start with the cord to the right, and loop it over top of the filler cord. Then run it behind the filler cord and through the loop. Pull tight.
Repeat the same steps a second time — hence, the “double.”
Crown Knot
A Crown Knot is used to add intricate woven patterns to a project. This knot requires a minimum of four cords. To make it, grab the two cords on the left and the two on the right and make a “4” shape running the left cords behind the right cords.
Then bring right cords up and to the right, and let go of the left cords. Repeat this step with the left back cords and then the right back cords.
Lastly, take the cords in your right hand and then bring them around back, pulling them through the first loop.
Wrapping Or Gathering Knot
The Wrapping Knot does exactly that: it wraps around and binds a bundle of cords together. To make a Wrapping Knot, take your wrap strand and create a “V” shape over the other strands.
Then, wrap the long end of the yarn around all of the strands about five times, leaving the point of the “V” out. Pass the long strand through the “V” and pull the shorter end to tighten.
Tools And Supplies You Need For Macrame
Once you have your knots down, it's time to gather some basic macrame supplies. You'll need:
- Macrame cord
- Sharp scissors
- A Macrame Cord Fringe Brush
- A measuring tape
- A clipboard
- Tape
Each project may require a few additional supplies, but the ones above are the macrame basics that work for any number of patterns.
Choosing The Right Cord For Your Macrame Project
When you gathered your supplies, you probably realized there’s a huge selection of possible macrame cords, strings, and yarns out there. How do you know what’s right for your project?
We’re glad you asked. It all depends on the look and feel you want to achieve, practical needs like durability, and design requirements such as level of detail.
For instance, if you want your project to have a chunkier effect, choose a thicker cord, whereas if you’re making something that’s delicate and intricate, a thinner cord is best.
Macrame cords can also be single-stranded, plied (twisted together to make a single cord), or braided. A single-strand cord works great for projects that require fun elements like fringe. Braided cord, because it’s so sturdy, is well suited for wall hangings and plant holders.
Here are some examples of what GANXXET offers:
- COTTON ROPE ZERO WASTE 2 MM - 3 PLY
- COTTON ROPE ZERO WASTE 3MM 3PLY
- COTTON ROPE ZERO WASTE 5 MM - 3 PLY
- COTTON CORD ZERO WASTE SINGLE STRAND 4 MM
- COTTON CORD ZERO WASTE SINGLE STRAND 6 MM and 8 MM
Besides the thickness or weight of the cord, you want to consider the material used. Our cords at GANXXET come in a range of fabrics, such as:
- T-shirt fabric
- Bamboo
- Cotton
- Linen
- Velvet
Our Combed Cotton Cord, for instance, is ideal for macrame jewelry, as it’s soft and delicate while still being durable.
Now, let’s get to some of our favorite macrame projects for beginners!
12 Fun Macrame Projects To Start With
1) A Bracelet
Knotting your own jewelry? Yes, please! This simple bracelet requires only a Square Knot. And you can mix it up by using thicker or thinner cords or changing the color.
In addition to the supplies above, you'll need:
- GANXXET Soft Cotton Rope Zero Waste 4mm - 1 Single Strand
- A wooden dowel
The dowel is for holding your bracelet securely while you work. You’ll snap it into a clipboard to help it stay in place. Otherwise, you risk your knots twisting when you don’t want them to.
You'll find complete directions for tying a bracelet here.
2) Coasters
Need to protect your furniture from cold drinks or hot mugs? Make yourself some beautiful macrame coasters.
In addition to the supplies above, you'll need:
Choosing a cord with two colors, like the one above, gives you a striking effect when you tie it with the Double Half Hitch Knot.
Here’s a video tutorial for making some simple round coasters.
And if you’re ready to try a project with two different knots in it, try making these heart-shaped macrame coasters.
3) A Yoga Strap
Carry your yoga mat in style with this macrame yoga strap. This project uses three knots: the Diagonal Half Hitch, the Square Knot, and the Wrapping or Gathering Knot.
With so many different knots, it’s a bit more complex than some other patterns here. But the video tutorial takes you step-by-step to help you succeed.
In addition to the supplies above, you'll need:
- 2 different colors of our Macrame Cotton Rope Zero Waste 3 Ply - 3mm
- 2 wood rings (A12 - 64mm)
- A rack or a vertical workspace
Ready to get started? Here’s the tutorial:
4) Plant Hangers
Hang your plants in style with one of these simple yet attractive macrame plant hangers. This one uses the Wrapping or Gathering Knot to start and then a series of Square Knots.
But, once you learn the basics, you can mix and match different knots to create a unique hanger for your home.
In addition to the supplies above, you'll need:
- Cotton Rope Zero Waster 5 mm - 3 ply
- A wood rings (A12 - 64mm)
- A rack or vertical workspace
Here’s a video tutorial to help you create a Square Knot plant hanger when you’re ready:
5) Wall Hangers
Spruce up a wall in your home with one of these macrame wall hangers. The mini one in the video tutorial below is perfect for beginners since it’s compact and only uses three knots.
But once you have some more experience, try your hand at a larger project. You can use different types of cords and knots to create a macrame wall hanging that's truly one of a kind.
In addition to the supplies above, you'll need:
- GANXXET Soft Cotton Rope Zero Waste 4mm - 1 Single Strand
- A 6-inch wooden dowel
Here’s the tutorial to walk you through the creation:
6) Holiday Decorations
"There's no place like home for the holidays..." especially if you make macrame decorations to give it a cozy feel.
This candy cane macrame ornament is the perfect project for beginners. Use white and red cords for a classic peppermint, or spruce it up a bit with any two colors of your choice.
In addition to the supplies above, you'll need:
- 2 colors of GANXXET Soft Cotton Rope Zero Waste 4mm - 1 Single Strand
- A 6-inch piece of wire (or a large unfolded paperclip)
- Fabric glue
When you're ready to create the ornament, watch this tutorial:
Source: Gray Wonders
And don’t limit yourself to candy canes! You can create decorations for any holiday or season, including these cute fall pumpkins.
7) A Handbag
Looking for a new handbag for carrying some essentials? This lightweight, airy one is perfect for warm summer days.
In addition to the supplies above, you'll need:
- GANXXET Cotton Viscose Roll
- 2 rattan purse handles
Once you have everything, watch this tutorial for step-by-step directions:
8) Macrame Feathers
Have you seen any of these gorgeous macrame feathers yet? They're a staple in wall hangings and add a boho chic vibe to any space.
Cut your cord to different lengths to experiment with the size of your finished feathers. Create several of them, and you’ll have a wall-hanging fit for a macrame queen.
In addition to the supplies above, you'll need:
- GANXXET Soft Cotton Rope Zero Waste 4mm - 1 Single Strand
- A wooden stick
Ready? Watch this tutorial to learn how to make your first macrame feather:
9) Macrame Keychain
Here’s a fun and practical idea: a macrame keychain. Our step-by-step tutorial is quick and simple, only requiring three knots — all of which you already know.
However, you will need a couple more things:
- Three pins
- Keychain clip
Here’s a tutorial that will take you step by step through making your macrame keychain:
Source: made by hand
When you’re done, attach your house keys or just clip your new keychain onto your handbag for some added flourish.
10) Macrame Necklace
You could also make a unique piece of jewelry. A macrame necklace is a great accessory to keep for yourself or to gift to somebody special.
For this necklace, you’ll need:
- Two cord end crimps
- Two jump rings
- Lobster clasp
- Needle nose pliers
You’ll also need to know basic braiding or a Celtic Knot depending on which necklace catches your eye. Here’s a tutorial to help.
Source: One Little Project
11) Macrame Earrings
Making a pair of colorful drop earrings is another easy project to try. The fringy hooped jewelry has a free-spirited feel, perfect for the summer months.
Be sure to select a thin cord for this tutorial, as thicker yarn may result in a heavier earring that could be uncomfortable. Also, in addition to the supplies listed above, you’ll need a pair of hoop earrings. Get started with this easy-to-follow video.
Source: Always Home
12) Macrame Garland
A lovely garland can be used to decorate just about anywhere. Hang it from the mantle or drape it on the wall behind your bed.
As for knots, this craft only uses knots you know, and the only extra supplies you’ll need are chunky beads to string between the tassels.
Source: Keep It Creative
Tips To Macrame Like A Pro
If you want to get better at macrame, practice makes progress! Here are some tips that will have you tying macrame knots like a pro in no time.
Pick A High-Quality Cord
First of all, when you’re making a macrame project, materials matter. High-quality cord will go a long way. Our cords at GANXXET come in all sorts of materials and colors and will make your project shine.
Choose our Wool Fiber or Linen Flame for a natural look or our Recycled T-shirt Fabric for a colorful, modern flair.
Do-Overs Are A-OK
If you’re not satisfied with your work, simply untie it and try again. Try to keep a high standard for your work as you go. It might take longer but the result will be worth it.
Measure Your Cord
Once you pick the perfect cord, it’s important to measure it to ensure you have enough to complete your macrame project. The general rule is to cut a piece of cord that is four times the length of your project.
Make Sure Your Knots Are Tight
Macrame knots look much neater when they’re pulled tight. Loose knots can disrupt a pattern and look messy.
Keep Your Project Stable
A larger macrame project is easier if you anchor it against a corkboard or something similar that will keep it steady while you work. If you’re afraid that your yarn may get tangled up, use a pin to hold the various strands in place.
Use Washi Tape
In order to keep your yarn from fraying while you work, you can wrap washi tape on the ends.
Take Chances
Fortune favors the brave. Add a new color or texture to your work and see how you like it. The more you experiment, the more skills you will gain.
Level Up Your Skills
Speaking of skills, be intentional about leveling up. Seek out new knots or more complicated projects, once you’ve mastered the beginner projects. An intricate wall hanging or a new coverup for the beach, perhaps?
Make A Macrame Circle
Find others who love macrame as much as you do. It will allow you to learn from each other and will make working on your project even more fun. There’s nothing like spending time with people who share your passion.
Practicing Your Macrame Skills
Macrame is a fun and easy way to practice tying knots. And with so many different macrame projects to choose from, you can find one perfect for your skill level.
So pick up some GANXXET macrame cord and the other supplies you need. Then, try to create one of the projects above. Have fun!
