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Macrame

Knot your average craft โ€” turn rope into boho wall art and plant hangers

creativecrafty$ low1 hourdifficulty 2/5

Macrame is the art of decorative knotting, and it's having a massive comeback. With just cord and your hands, you can create stunning wall hangings, plant hangers, bags, and home decor. The repetitive knotting is incredibly meditative, and projects range from 20-minute quickies to weekend showpieces.

How to start

  1. 1
    Learn two basic knots: the square knot and the spiral knot โ€” they cover 80% of macrame projects
  2. 2
    Get some 4mm cotton macrame cord and a wooden dowel to hang your first piece from
  3. 3
    Follow a simple plant hanger tutorial โ€” it's the fastest route to a satisfying finished project
  4. 4
    Use a clipboard or tape to anchor your work while you learn

What you'll need

  • Macrame cotton cord (4mm, 100m)
    Essential
    ~$10
  • Wooden dowel or branch
    Essential
    ~$3
  • Scissors
    Essential
    ~$5
  • Macrame board or clipboard
    Nice to have
    ~$12
  • S-hook or clothing rack for hanging work
    Nice to have
    ~$5

Where to learn more

Plot twists

Ways to spice this up when the basics get boring.

  • Dip-dye your finished piece for an ombre effect
  • Incorporate beads, feathers, or driftwood for texture
  • Make a macrame hammock chair for your reading nook
  • Create micro-macrame jewelry with thin cord
  • Design a macrame room divider or curtain
ADHD notes

The repetitive knotting is soothing stimming, and you can easily pick up where you left off since the knots don't unravel. Great for keeping hands busy during podcasts.

Fun fact

Sailors were some of the original macrame masters โ€” they knotted decorative items during long voyages to sell or trade when they reached port.

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