The short list
To start macrame you need very little:
- Cord
- Something to tie it to, such as a dowel, branch or ring
- Sharp scissors
- A tape measure
A brush or comb for fringe, beads and hooks are optional. If you have not yet picked up the basics, macrame for beginners explains the knots you will be using.
Cord: the one thing worth choosing carefully
Cord affects how your knots look, how the piece hangs and how easy the work feels. Natural cotton is a common recommendation for beginners because it is soft on the hands, grips itself well and forgives mistakes.
Single strand, 3-ply and braided
- Single-strand cord is soft and brushes into a fluffy fringe. It can untwist as you work, so it suits wall hangings and plant hangers once you are comfortable.
- 3-ply rope has a defined twist, holds crisp knots and is sturdy. It also frays into fringe, with a bit more effort.
- Braided cord is strong and smooth and does not fray into fringe, which suits keychains and items that see a lot of handling.
Some craft-store cords are synthetic. These can feel stiffer or more plastic-like and may not fringe nicely, but they can be a reasonable choice for outdoor pieces. Check the packaging for the fiber content.
Thickness
Many wall hangings and plant hangers use cord of around 3 to 5 mm; thicker cord gives a bolder look and works up faster, while thinner cord shows more knot detail. Fine cord of around 1 to 2 mm is typical for jewelry and small items. If you are unsure, 3 to 4 mm cotton is a reasonable all-rounder for a first project.
Can you use cotton yarn?
You can, especially for tiny practice pieces, but regular knitting yarn is usually thin and soft, so knots can look loose and the cord may split. Doubling it up helps, and it is fine for experimenting. For something that needs to hold weight, such as a plant hanger, a purpose-made cord or rope is a safer choice.
Something to hang your work from
You need an anchor for the top of the piece:
- A wooden dowel, which gives a uniform look
- A tree branch or piece of driftwood, which gives a natural look (make sure it is clean and dry)
- A metal or wooden ring or hoop, which is common for plant hangers and round designs
For working, hang the anchor from a hook, a door handle or a cabinet knob using a loop of cord or an S-hook. Some makers use a clothing rack because the height can be adjusted, though it is not required.
Tools
- Sharp scissors or fabric shears. Blunt blades crush and fray cord, so a clean cut matters.
- Tape measure. It helps you cut consistent lengths. Cord shrinks in length as you knot it, so measure generously. See the cord-length tip in macrame for beginners.
- Comb or pet slicker brush. Only needed if you want to comb out fringe.
- Yarn or tapestry needle. Useful for threading ends back into a piece or for beads.
Nice-to-haves
- Wooden beads with a hole large enough for your cord
- Macrame board or foam board with pins for flat pieces and jewelry
- Clips or tape to bundle cord ends while you work
- Dried wood or rings in different sizes for later projects
Kits vs buying separately
Beginner kits bundle cord, an anchor and instructions, which saves choosing. The downside is that you may not get the cord type you would pick yourself. Buying separately costs about the same effort and lets you match cord to project. Either is fine for a first attempt. Prices vary, so compare a few suppliers.
How much cord to buy
Knotting uses much more cord than the finished length suggests. A common rule of thumb is to cut each cord at about four times the finished length, or roughly eight times if it is folded in half, and more for dense knotting. Buy a bit more than you think you need, and keep offcuts for practice.
What you can skip at first
You do not need specialty boards, many bead sizes or several cord weights. Start with one type of cord, a dowel or branch, and scissors. Add things only when a project calls for them.
A sample shopping list
For a small wall hanging:
- One spool of 3 to 4 mm cotton cord
- A dowel or branch, roughly the width you want the hanging to be
- Scissors and a tape measure
- Optional comb for fringe
Once you have these, you can start knotting right away, and if you would like context on why people enjoy the craft, see is macrame still popular.