| Tool |
Use |
Notes |
| Macramé Cord |
Main material |
Choose cotton, jute, nylon, or recycled fibers |
| Wood Dowel/Rings |
Anchors project |
Use for wall hangings and plant hangers |
| Scissors |
Cutting cord |
Sharp blades prevent fraying |
| Measuring Tape |
Cord prep |
Measure at least 3–6x finished length |
| S-Hooks or Clothes Rack |
Holding project |
Keeps knots tight and vertical |
| Comb/Brush |
Fraying ends |
For fringe work and boho texture |
| Beads/Charms |
Decorative accents |
Ensure hole fits cord width |
Macramé Cord Comparison
| Cord Type |
Texture |
Flexibility |
Best For |
Eco-Friendly |
| Single Twist Cotton |
Soft, easy to fray |
Flexible |
Fringes, tassels |
✅ |
| 3-Ply Cotton Rope |
Textured, strong |
Medium |
Plant hangers, large projects |
✅ |
| Braided Cord |
Smooth, tight |
Low stretch |
Jewelry, fine knots |
✅ |
| Jute / Hemp |
Natural, rustic |
Medium stiffness |
Rustic decor |
✅ |
| Polyester/Nylon |
Synthetic, strong |
Slippery |
Micro-macramé, outdoor projects |
❌ |
Basic Macramé Knots
| Knot |
Use |
Difficulty |
Tips |
| Lark’s Head |
Starting knot |
⭐ |
Used to attach cord to dowel |
| Square Knot |
Core decorative knot |
⭐⭐ |
Foundation for most designs |
| Half Knot |
Spiral patterns |
⭐ |
Repeating causes twisting |
| Double Half Hitch |
Lines and curves |
⭐⭐ |
Use for shaping patterns |
| Gathering Knot |
Finishing ends |
⭐⭐ |
Also called “wrapping knot” |
Decorative & Advanced Knots
| Knot |
Look |
Used In |
Complexity |
| Josephine Knot |
Loop-based |
Jewelry, focal accents |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Berry Knot |
Textured ball |
Wall art, coasters |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Crown Knot |
Round finish |
Keychains, rope ends |
⭐⭐ |
| Button Knot |
Rounded, tight |
Closures, decor |
⭐⭐ |
| Alternating Square Knot |
Diamond pattern |
Netting, curtains |
⭐⭐ |
Measuring & Planning
| Project Type |
Recommended Cord Length |
Notes |
| Bracelet |
3–4× wrist size |
Use thinner cord |
| Wall Hanging |
3–6× desired length |
Add extra for fringe |
| Plant Hanger |
4–8× pot height |
Consider pot shape |
| Keychain |
2–3× finished length |
Quick gift idea |
| Curtains/Room Divider |
5–7× full length |
Bulk material needed |
Beginner-Friendly Macramé Projects
| Project |
Estimated Time |
Knots Used |
Best Cord |
| Wall Hanging (Mini) |
1–2 hours |
Lark’s head, square |
Single twist cotton |
| Plant Hanger |
1.5–3 hours |
Square, gathering |
3-ply rope |
| Keychain |
30 min |
Square, crown |
Braided cord |
| Bracelet |
1–2 hours |
Half knot, button |
Waxed cord or nylon |
| Fringe Coaster |
2–3 hours |
Square, lark’s head |
Cotton cord, 3mm |
| Project |
Required Skills |
Challenge Level |
Materials |
| Curtains |
Alternating knots, measuring |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Heavy rope, dowels |
| Large Wall Art |
Symmetry, pattern shaping |
⭐⭐⭐ |
Multiple cords |
| Macramé Purse/Bag |
Precision, tension control |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Cotton cord, lining |
| Table Runner |
Repeating patterns |
⭐⭐⭐ |
3–5mm cord |
| Macramé Hammock/Chair |
Structural integrity |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Nylon/polyester cord |
Troubleshooting & Tips
| Issue |
Cause |
Fix |
| Uneven Lengths |
Miscalculated cord or uneven tension |
Double-check cord math, trim ends |
| Lumpy Knots |
Inconsistent tension |
Practice with scrap cord |
| Loose Plant Hanger |
Inadequate cord strength or spacing |
Use thicker rope, reinforce knots |
| Fringe Won’t Fluff |
Wrong cord or brushing method |
Use single twist cotton + comb |
| Pattern Warping |
Uneven hanging tension |
Use a level dowel, keep cords taut |
Styling & Finishing Techniques
| Technique |
Description |
| Fringe Brushing |
Use fine-tooth comb for fluffy edges |
| Dip Dyeing |
Colour gradients with fiber-safe dye |
| Bead Insertion |
Add wood or glass beads mid-design |
| Cord Singeing |
Use heat to seal synthetic ends |
| Mounting |
Frame, dowel rod, or driftwood anchor |
Where to Sell & Market Macramé
| Channel |
Audience |
Strength |
| Etsy |
Handmade decor buyers |
Easy setup |
| Instagram |
Boho & minimalist fans |
Visual portfolio |
| Craft Fairs |
Local handmade markets |
Personal interaction |
| Pop-Up Shops |
Lifestyle boutiques |
Cross-sell with other crafts |
| Workshops |
Community learning |
Additional income stream |
Popular Macramé Business Ideas
| Product |
Market Appeal |
Profit Margin |
| Wall Hangings |
High décor demand |
Medium |
| Plant Hangers |
Boho, indoor garden trend |
High |
| Wedding Backdrops |
Custom event décor |
High |
| Macramé Jewelry |
Lightweight, giftable |
Medium |
| DIY Kits |
Craft hobbyists |
High |
Learning Resources & Communities
| Platform |
Focus |
Cost |
| YouTube (Soulful Notions, Bochiknot) |
Free knot tutorials |
Free |
| Pinterest |
Project ideas, patterns |
Free |
| Books |
“Macramé Pattern Book” (Marchen Art) |
$10–25 |
| Online Courses (Skillshare, Domestika) |
Structured classes |
Paid |
| Facebook Groups |
Peer support |
Free |
From plant hangers to wall art, macramé turns knots into boho beauty, crafted by hand, with heart.