The Joy of Macramé: A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Knotting & Creating

Have you ever asked yourself what those attractive hanging things are made out of? You should try macramé — it’s when you create attractive décor by weaving cords together. I decided to try macramé when I wanted to make something unique for where I live. I had never done this before, didn’t have any special tools, just wanted to try and learned a bit from YouTube. And there’s more you can do too. It worked! Making macramé isn’t only about tying knots — it’s a way to relax, get creative and fill your home with handmade objects.

Discover the beauty of macramé — learn how to start knotting with this beginner-friendly guide. No special tools needed!

The Joy of Macramé: A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Knotting & Creating

A few months ago, I saw a beautiful wall hanging in a friend’s living room and thought — “I wish I could make something like that.”

Turns out, you don’t need a degree in fine arts or a fancy studio to get started with macramé. All you need is a bit of cord, a dowel, and some curiosity.

So if you’ve ever wanted to try making your own plant hanger, wall art, or even a simple keychain — this article is for you.

I’ll break down all the basics you need to get started learning about knots.

🌿 Why I Fell in Love with Macramé

When I first tried tying knots, I was surprised at how calming and meditative it felt.

There’s something deeply satisfying about watching a tangle of cords slowly turn into a pattern — and before long, I was hooked.

It transformed into something more meaningful. Crocheting become my favorite way to relax each evening, make artistic items and give meaningful presents.

If you’re looking for a new craft that’s both fun and peaceful — macramé might be exactly what you need.

📚 What Is Macramé?

To make decorative designs with macramé, simply tie knots using your hands and some cord — you don’t need any sewing equipment.

Originally used by sailors and weavers centuries ago, it’s now enjoying a big comeback — especially among people who love DIY home décor , slow living , and handmade crafts .

Some common items made with macramé include:

• Plant hangers
• Wall hangings
• Keychains
• Jewelry
• Curtains

💡 Fun fact: Did you know the word “macramé” comes from the Turkish makrama , meaning towel or napkin? That’s right — this craft has been around for ages!

🧶 Types of Cords You Can Use

Choosing the right cord makes all the difference.

Here are a few popular options:

1. Cotton Cord

• Soft, strong, and easy to work with
• Perfect for beginners and intricate designs
• Comes in many colors

2. Jute Rope

• Natural texture, great for boho style
• Slightly rougher than cotton
• Ideal for large projects like curtains or rugs

3. Nylon Cord

• Shiny, stretchy, and durable
• Great for jewelry and smaller accessories
• Easy to find online

🛒 Pro tip: If you’re just starting out, try 3mm cotton cord — it’s forgiving and widely available.

Basic Knots Every Beginner Should Know

You don’t have to memorize dozens of knots to get started. Just learn these four — and you’ll be ready to create almost anything.

1. Lark’s Head Knot

This is how you attach your cords to a dowel or ring.

How to do it:

• Fold one cord in half
• Loop it under your dowel
• Pull ends through the loop and tighten

Simple, right?

2. Square Knot

One of the most common knots in macramé — creates a flat, tight weave.

Steps:

• Take 4 cords
• Left cord over middle ones → under and through
• Right cord over middle ones → under and through
• Tighten both sides

Repeat to build a chain.

3. Half Hitch Knot

Great for curves, braids, and borders.

How it works:

• For a spiral or braid, put a second cord under and over the first cord several times.
• A great choice for bringing interest and movement to your work.

Perfect for adding texture and movement to your design.

4. Spiral Stitch

Tie two square knots — then keep tightening one side more than the other.

Voilà — you’ve got a rope-like twist!

🧰 Supplies You’ll Need to Start

Starting doesn’t mean buying expensive kits — here’s what I use and recommend:

No need to spend a fortune — I bought mine for under $20 and they lasted me weeks.

📝 My First Project – Making a Simple Plant Hanger

My first project was a basic plant hanger — and honestly, it wasn’t perfect. But I learned so much!

Here’s how I did it:

Step-by-Step:

1. Cut 8 pieces of cord, each 6 feet long
2. Fold them in half and tie to a wooden dowel using lark’s head knot
3. Group cords in sets of 4
4. Make 2 square knots per group
5. Space them evenly and repeat
6. Add beads or extra knots for flair
7. Finish with a loop at the top for hanging

It took me about an hour — and I was proud of the result!

🧩 Bonus Tips from My Experience

• Start small — finish one project before jumping into bigger ones
• Watch YouTube tutorials — visual guides help a lot
• Join Pinterest boards or Facebook groups — full of inspiration
• Use leftover cords for practice — don’t waste good materials on trial runs
• Be patient — your fingers will thank you after the third knot 😅

❓ FAQ: Real Questions I Had When Starting Out

Can I use yarn instead of cord?

Yes! Yarn is softer and easier to find — but not as strong for plant hangers.

Do I need special tools?

Nope — just cord, a dowel, and scissors!

Is macramé hard to learn?

Not really! Like any skill, it gets easier with time and practice.

Where can I find free patterns?

Pinterest and YouTube have thousands of free guides — including step-by-step videos.

Will my knots loosen over time?

Only if you don’t tighten them properly — take your time when tying.

🎯 Final Thoughts

It’s not only knots that matter in macramé — the process encourages you to be mindful and craft real items by hand.

Try it for yourself — and see how quickly it becomes your new favorite hobby.

👉 Have a favorite macramé project? Share it below — I’d love to hear what inspires you!

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