Macrame is back, and I am absolutely loving it! It turns out, my mom was also a knotting enthusiast back in the day – guess it runs in the family! While she didn’t teach me, Pinterest became my go-to for macrame inspiration and tutorials. However, finding a truly comprehensive and easy-to-follow macrame plant hanger tutorial online was surprisingly difficult. That’s why, after learning the basic knots and experimenting with my own designs, I decided to create this detailed guide for you.
You might find simpler macrame plant hanger patterns out there with just a few basic knots. But I personally adore the slightly more intricate designs. Don’t worry though, this DIY project isn’t complicated at all! The most time-consuming part is actually measuring and cutting the cords. So, let’s dive right in and get started with this fun and rewarding project.
What you will need to create your macrame plant hanger:
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45-50 meters of cord. I used 3mm thick cotton string. You can find a similar one here.
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Scissors
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Tape measure
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Washi tape or masking tape
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A hook, doorknob, or nail – something to hang your project on while you work
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Knowledge of basic macrame knots (If you’re new to macrame, practice these knots first! You can learn them in my detailed PDF tutorial or check out the graphics below):
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Lark’s Head Knot
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Square Knot:
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Spiral Stitch (Half Square Knot)
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Step 1 – Measuring & Cutting Your Macrame Cords
For this plant hanger, you will need to cut:
- 8 cords, each 5.4 meters long
- 1 cord, 1 meter long
- 1 cord, 2 meters long
Tip: To save time and ensure accuracy, measure and cut the first 5.4m cord, then use it as a template to cut the remaining seven cords. This way, you avoid having to remeasure each time.
Step 2 – Creating the Macrame Loop
This step creates the top loop from which your plant hanger will hang. While you could use a metal ring, making a loop with the cord gives a more handcrafted and unique touch.
- Gather the eight 5.4m cords together and fold them in half. This will create 16 strands hanging from a loop at the top.
- Use washi tape to secure the cords together about 7cm (approximately 2.75 inches) below the top of the loop. This keeps the cords tidy while you work on the wrapped loop.
- Take the 2-meter cord and attach it to the top of the loop using a Lark’s Head Knot.
- Now, using the longer end of the 2m cord, we will create a wrapped loop using Vertical Lark’s Head Knots (also known as Reverse Lark’s Head Knots or Cow Hitch). Wrap the cord tightly and neatly around the loop of 16 strands.
- Bring the working cord over the loop, then under the loop, and pass it through the loop created. Tighten gently but firmly.
- Continue this process, overlapping each knot slightly, until you have covered about half of the loop.
- Switch to the other end of the 2m cord and repeat the Vertical Lark’s Head Knots in the opposite direction to cover the remaining half of the loop.
- For a more detailed visual guide to the Covering Ring technique (Vertical Lark’s Head Knot), you can refer to this resource: http://www.free-macrame-patterns.com/vertical-larks-head.html
Step 3 – Securing the Macrame Loop with a Gathering Knot
The wrapped loop is decorative, but we need to secure all the cords together neatly at the base of the loop.
- Remove the washi tape.
- Take the 1-meter cord and use it to tie a Gathering Knot around all 16 strands, just below the wrapped section. This will create a secure and tidy finish to the loop.
- Leave a loop at the beginning of your 1m cord. Wrap the long end of the cord tightly around the 16 strands multiple times, working upwards from the loop.
- Once you have wrapped enough, thread the end of the cord through the initial loop you left.
- Pull the other end of the loop downwards to tighten and secure the wrapped section, pulling the end of the wrapping cord underneath the wraps.
- Trim any excess cord from the gathering knot. You can use a screwdriver or similar tool to tuck the trimmed ends neatly into the Gathering Knot for a clean finish.
Step 4 – Macrame Knotting Pattern for the Plant Hanger Body
Now for the fun part – creating the macrame pattern!
- Divide the 16 strands into 4 groups of 4 strands each.
- Section 1: Spiral Stitch (Half Square Knot)
- In each group of 4 strands, create a 25cm (approx. 10 inches) section of Spiral Stitch (Half Square Knots). This is a variation of the Square Knot where you consistently start with the same side to create a spiral effect. Repeat this for all 4 groups to ensure a uniform length.
- Section 2: Plain Section and Overhand Knot
- Leave approximately 15cm (approx. 6 inches) of the strands hanging freely below the spiral stitch section in each group.
- At the end of this free-hanging section, tie a simple Overhand Knot in each group of 4 strands.
- Section 3: Square Knot Section
- Below the Overhand Knots, create another 25cm (approx. 10 inches) section using Square Knots in each group of 4 strands. Again, this ensures uniformity in the pattern.
- Section 4: Connecting Knots
- Leave approximately 10cm (approx. 4 inches) of strands hanging freely below the Square Knot section.
- Now, we will connect adjacent groups of strands. Take 2 strands from one group and 2 strands from the neighboring group (total of 4 strands). Create two Square Knots with these combined strands.
- Repeat this process, connecting all adjacent groups. Make sure you are always using strands from neighboring groups and that no strands cross over unnecessarily.
- Section 5: Final Connecting Knots
- Leave another 10cm (approx. 4 inches) of strands hanging freely.
- Repeat the previous step: take 2 strands from one group and 2 strands from the adjacent group, and create two more Square Knots. Continue around, connecting all adjacent groups.
- Finishing Knot:
- Gather all the remaining strands together at the bottom and tie a large Overhand Knot to finish the plant hanger. This knot will sit beneath your plant pot.
Important Tips for Macrame Success:
- Knot Tension: Avoid pulling your knots too tightly. This can distort the pattern and make your plant hanger bend unevenly. Aim for consistent, medium tension.
- Uniform Knots: Try to keep your knots as uniform as possible for a neater look. However, don’t stress too much – slight variations add to the handmade charm!
- Size and Pot Compatibility: This plant hanger design will be approximately 1.4 meters (around 55 inches) long and is well-suited for plant pots with a diameter of 15-25 cm (approx. 6-10 inches). My pot is 19cm, but it also holds smaller pots securely.
- Practice Knots First: If you are new to macrame, practice the Lark’s Head Knot, Square Knot, and Spiral Stitch before starting this project. This will prevent frustration and make the process much smoother.
- Cord Thickness and Size Adjustments: Using different cord sizes or thicknesses will alter the final size of your plant hanger. Thicker cord will result in a larger, sturdier hanger, while thinner cord will create a smaller, more delicate one. Adjust cord lengths accordingly if you desire a different size.
Have fun creating your own macrame plant hanger! It’s a fantastic way to add a bohemian touch to your home and display your beloved plants. If you have any questions at all, please leave them in the comments below!
Want to learn more macrame knots and patterns? Check out my detailed Macrame Tutorial PDF!
