Macrame is an ancient crafting technique that utilizes knots to create various textiles. Originally a maritime skill for sailors, macrame has lived through decades, generating a resurgence in popularity in recent years, particularly in home decor. Among the array of macrame pieces, plant hangers are a favorite. They are capable of transforming any living space with a touch of boho-chic appeal while also helping conserve space. Learning to create your own macrame plant hanger is an easy, satisfying DIY project.
Before we commence our DIY journey, let’s assemble all the materials we’ll need:
1. Macrame cord: The cord is primary, and there’s a variety to select from, such as cotton twine, hemp, leather, or yarn.
2. A ring: Any material, metal, wooden or plastic will work, and this will serve as your hanger’s base.
3. Scissors: Sharp ones to make precise cuts.
4. A plant pot: Your favorite plant has to go somewhere. Choose a pot best suited to your plant, and that also fits the style of your decor.
So with our essentials in order, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to creating a DIY macrame plant hanger.
### Step One: Prepare Your Cords
Preparation is critical for this project. Measure eight pieces of your chosen cord, each approximately 8 feet long. This length is sufficient for a standard plant hanger, but feel free to adjust to suit your needs.
### Step Two: Create a Gathering Knot
Fold your cords in half such that your ring fits in the middle. From this, you’ll have 16 strings hanging down equally. Make a gathering knot to secure them. To do so, take an extra piece of cord around 1 foot long, make a loop at one end leaving a small tail, then wrap the long end around the doubled cords tightly, starting just under your ring. Once secure, thread the end through your loop and pull the small tail from the top. This will hide the knot. Trim any extra cord to achieve a neat look.
### Step Three: Sections and Square Knots
Divide your cords into four sections, each comprising four strands. Working on one section at a time, take the leftmost and rightmost cords; these are your ‘working cords.’ The two central ones are ‘filler cords,’ which remain constant while varying on each side.
To create a square knot, follow these instructions: Bring your left working cord over the fillers and under the right working cord. Then, bring the right working cord under the fillers and up through the loop created by the left cord. This process is called ‘half knot.’ Repeat this, starting with the right working cord, and you’ve got a complete ‘square knot.’
### Step Four: Continuing Rows
For the second row, take two cords from two adjacent sections and make another square knot approximately 2 inches from the first row. Repeat this step all around. Continue this process for as many rows as you prefer, remembering to maintain the pattern of taking two cords from two adjacent square knots.
### Step Five: Creating Spiral Stitches
Make spiral stitches to give your design a little flair. It’s a relatively straightforward process wherein you repeatedly continue the first part of the square knot but do not finish it. The cords will naturally start to twist into an elegant spiral.
### Step Six: Holding The Pot and Finishing Up
You’ll need to switch back to square knots to hold the plant pot. These knots should be proportioned according to the size of your pot and made around the point where the pot starts to taper inward. Once you’re happy with the macrame, gather all the cords together and fasten securely with one final gathering knot. Trim the excess cords to your desired length, and your macrame plant hanger is ready to showcase your preferred plant.
Creating a macrame plant hanger may seem complex, but with a bit of practice and patience, getting the hang of it is a breeze. The beauty of this craft is that you can customize different knots, colors, and lengths to your liking. Remember, the more you practice, the more confident and creative you’ll become with your macrame plant hanger designs.
Whether you’re fresh to macrame or looking to advance your skills, making a personalized plant hanger is an enriching activity, resulting in a piece that injects style and warmth into your space. What’s more, these plant hangers make charming gifts for loved-ones or can even be created and sold as part of a DIY business. Happy knotting!
