What macrame is
Macrame is a textile craft that makes fabric, decorations and accessories by knotting cord instead of weaving, knitting or crocheting. There are no needles, hooks or looms involved in the basic form of the craft. You need cord, something to anchor it to, and your hands.
Because everything comes down to a small set of knots repeated in different arrangements, macrame is a good craft for beginners. Wall hangings, plant hangers, keychains, bracelets and coasters are all built from the same handful of techniques.
A short history of knotting
Decorative knotting has a long history, and macrame is often linked to knotted fringes on woven cloth and to sailors, who tied decorative knotwork to cover items such as handles and bottles during long voyages. The exact origins are debated, so treat any single tidy story with some caution. What is clear is that the craft has come in and out of fashion over the years, a topic covered in is macrame still popular.
What you need to get started
You do not need much. A basic setup is:
- Cord, ideally cotton in the 3 to 5 mm range for a first wall hanging or plant hanger
- A dowel, a stick, a metal ring or a hoop to tie onto
- Sharp scissors
- A tape measure
- Optionally, a comb or brush for fraying the ends into fringe
Our starter supplies guide goes through each item and what to skip at first.
Rope, string and cord
The words are used loosely, but shops usually mean something like this:
- Single-strand cord or string is soft and brushes out into a fluffy fringe, but it can untwist as you work.
- 3-ply rope is made of three twisted strands. It holds its shape well and is forgiving when you tie and untie knots.
- Braided cord is smooth and sturdy and tends not to fray, which makes it popular for keychains but less suited to fringe.
For plant hangers, many makers prefer a sturdier rope or cord, because the piece needs to hold weight and keep its shape. For soft wall hangings, single-strand cotton is a common choice.
Four knots to learn first
Most beginner patterns lean on a few knots. Practice each one on scrap cord until it looks even.
- Lark’s head knot. The usual way to attach cords to a dowel or ring. Fold a cord in half, place the loop behind the dowel, and pull the cut ends through the loop.
- Square knot. Uses four cords: two outer working cords and two central filler cords. Tie a left-over-right half knot, then a right-over-left half knot. Repeating the pattern in one direction forms a spiral, and alternating squares build flat patterns.
- Half hitch and double half hitch. A cord wrapped around another cord. Rows of double half hitches create horizontal or diagonal lines and are often used to make clean edges or shapes.
- Gathering knot (wrapping knot). A cord wrapped around a bundle to hold it together, used to finish plant hangers and tassels.
Written descriptions only go so far. Watching a short video while tying along is usually the quickest way to see the hand movements.
A simple first project
A small wall hanging is a popular first piece because it uses the knots above and does not need to bear weight.
- Cut several lengths of cord. A frequently used rule of thumb is about four times the finished length for a single strand, so roughly eight times if the cord is folded in half (as with lark’s head knots), and more for dense knotting. Cut generously for a first attempt.
- Attach the cords to the dowel with lark’s head knots.
- Tie a row or two of square knots, then try alternating square knots to form a triangle or diamond shape.
- Add a row of double half hitches if you want a clean horizontal line.
- Trim the ends evenly, and comb them out if you want fringe.
- Tie a length of cord to both ends of the dowel so you can hang it.
Common beginner mistakes
- Cutting cord too short. Running out partway through is the most common frustration. When unsure, cut longer; extra can be trimmed.
- Uneven tension. Knots pulled too tightly in some places and loosely in others make a piece look wobbly. Aim for a steady, consistent pull.
- Skipping practice. A few minutes on scrap cord saves unpicking a real project.
- Working on a wobbly anchor. Hang your dowel from a hook, a door handle or a rack so it stays still while you knot.
- Giving up early. Early knots tend to look uneven for nearly everyone, and they improve with repetition.
Is macrame hard to learn?
Most people find the basic knots approachable. A square knot can usually be learned in a short sitting, though making it even takes practice. Large or intricate patterns demand more patience, but they are made from the same knots.
Is macrame an expensive hobby?
It can be inexpensive to start, since a few lengths of cord and a stick or dowel are enough for a first project. Costs rise with larger pieces, premium cords and specialty tools, so how much you spend is largely up to you. If you are still choosing a pastime, our guide to good hobbies to start compares other low-cost options. Prices vary by region and supplier.
Macrame vs crochet
Neither is clearly easier; it depends on the person. Macrame needs no hook and relies on a small number of repeated knots, which some find simpler to pick up. Crochet creates a wider range of shapes and stitches and is better suited to garments. Many crafters try both.
Where to go next
Once the four knots feel comfortable, try a plant hanger or a patterned wall hanging, then experiment with beads, rings and different cord thicknesses. If you are weighing up whether the craft is a good fit, read is macrame still popular, and when you are ready to shop, see what to buy for macrame.