Macrame is back! This retro way to make textiles from the 70’s has made a resurgence as a sleek way to add texture to your environment. We have a step-by-step tutorial from Shelby Johnson from Bonfire Heart for a macrame plant hanger. It’s great for beginners that are just starting out and also seasoned crafters that need a quick refresher course! If you’ve ever made a friendship bracelet or a hemp necklace, this uses very similar knots.
Supplies to Make a Macrame Plant Hanger:
- A 1 inch metal ring
- 1 package of macrame cording
- Small pot with plant
- Scissors
- Measuring Tape
- Hook to mount plant hanger to wall
- Knot Tutorial at the bottom of post
How to Make a Macrame Plant Hanger
Step 1. Wrap The Ring
Cut a 12″ strand of cord to wrap around ring. Tie knot and trim off excess.
Step 2. Make a Reverse Larkshead Knot
Cut 4, 60″ strands of string. Fold in half and loop around ring, creating a Reverse Larkshead Knot. This will leave you with a total of 8 stands; 4 strands in the front and 4 in the back.
Step 3. Hang or tape your ring to a flat surface.
Cut 4 more, 80″ strands.
Step 4. Make your first row of half knots.
Hang ring on wall or tape ring to flat surface for stability while creating knots.
Step 5. Make 3 more rows of half knots!
Take one of the 80″ strands, fold it in half and use it to tie a half knot around 2 of the 60″strands hanging from the ring.
Step 6. Make a new pattern with square knots.
Continue to Half Knot for 4 inches, which will create the spiral effect.
Step 7. Make another half knot + square knot section.
Repeat step 6 with each of the 4, 80” strands for a total of 4 spirals coming off the ring.
Step 8. Create a base for your plant’s pot.
Separate the cords into 4 groups of 4 and tie a square knot + half knot 4″ below the bottom of each spiral. Each time connecting the outer rope of each section together with the closest outer rope of the section to its left.
Step 9. Your freshly-made hanger is ready to cozy up with your plant!
2 more inches down from the Step 8 knots, repeat square knot + half knot. Once again connecting the outer rope of each section together with the closest outer rope of the section to its left.
Types of Knots for Macrame Plant Hangers:
How to Make a Reverse Larkshead Knot
Fold one cord in half. Place it loop side down beneath the ring with the cords facing up. Pull the loop up over the dowel. Pull the cords down through the loop, creating a pretzel shape.
How to Make a Half Knot
The two outer cords are the knotting cords and the two middle cords are the knot-bearing cords.
- Bring the left knotting cord to the right over the two knot-bearing cords and underneath the right knotting cord.
- Bring the right knotting cord to the left under the two knot-bearing cords and over the left knotting cord.
- Pull to secure the half knot.
- If you work a sennit of half knots, they will begin to naturally spiral.
How to Make a Square Knot
The Square Knot is a continuation of the Half Knot. The half means half of the square. Work the first part of the knot just like a half knot then you finish the square by working another half knot using the opposite cords.