Macrame! Macrame is a super popular DIY trend with unlimited design possibilities. And guess what? It’s super easy to make; maybe not all, but most of it. I get startled by the diverse macrame designs online when I surf for new ideas.
Yeah, I like rope a lot. How you turn the long slim twists to beauties drops my jaw, but let’s leave it for another day.
We’ll highlight simple and classic macrame designs you can make this weekend for your home, but first, here’s a brief history of macrame.
Brief History of Macramé
Macramé filled every nook and cranes in the 70s, but it originated with the 13th-century Arab weavers. Macramé is a Spanish word from the Arabic word migramah (مقرمة) meaning “fringe”.
These decorative fringes were originally used to keep flies off animals (camels and horses) in the hot African desert regions.
How did macramé spread across the world?
During long distant journeys, sailors made macramé and sold or bartered when they landed. Not a very interesting history though, especially as the craze for macramé faded.
In the early 70s, it regained popularity, and this time served better for wall hangings, bedspread, table cloth, draperies, etc. By the early 80s macramé had fallen out of fashion as a decoration trend and faded.
Macramé was most popular in the Victorian era. Sylvia's Book of Macramé Lace (1882), a favorite, showed readers how "to work rich trimmings for black and colored costumes, both for home wear, garden parties, seaside ramblings, and balls—fairylike adornments for household and underlines…”
Modern Macramé Styles - simple and classic!
Look around you today, this trend is coming back, and this time it’s not limited to bedspreads, draperies or table cloth. Now it include chandeliers and jewelry with a combination of various beads (glass, stone or wood), pendants or shells, and more ideas popping every day.
Simple Macramé Ideas for Beginners
If I want to exhaust all macramé ideas, then Ravenox will sell out. I’m obsessed with macramé and can’t help the flushed face, raised eyebrows and blushing cheeks when I see a beautiful macramé project. Here are some simple macramé ideas, starting with the simplest:
DIY Macramé Jar Hangers
Image Credit: decorhint.com
New to macramé? You can make simple macramé jar hangers in five minutes. Start with a simple yogurt jar and some cord. Looks great with fairy lights.
You only need:
- Scissors
- Charming jars (yogurt jars can serve)
- Macramé cording – Check these cotton cords, it’s a perfect fit.
- Fairy lights to stuff the jar when you’re done (use battery operated fairy lights).
Macramé Mason Jars
Image Credit: myremodel.org
Not your conventional funky mason jar! Macramé adds a little oomph to your basic mason jars. Grab any mason around and give it an artsy jazz-up in a couple of minutes.
Here are all you’ll need:
- Scissors
- Mason Jars – you can mix sizes and be creative for a unique design
- Macramé cord – Same cotton cords, same off the wall jazz
Mini Macramé Plant Hangers
Image Credit: tricotetcouture.com
In 10 minutes or less, add some rustic bohemian vibe to your plant pot.
All you need are:
- Small plant pots
- Colored cord or twine
- Rings
Simple Modern Macramé Wall Hanging
Next up is a simple modern macramé wall hanging. Yes! Simple and modern, not some complex pattern you CAN’T complete in a week. It’ll take a couple of hours to make your first wall hanging. You can use this basic macramé knot and patterns.
- Reverse Lark’s Head Knot
- Square Knot and Alternating Knot
- Double Half Hitch Knot
Macramé Wall Hanging Video Tutorial:
Materials
- Macramé Rope – You’ll need around 12 – 16’ (as in feet) cords
- A dowel or stick
Macramé Pillow
Image Credit: crateandbarrel.com
This is my favorite. Macramé pillows are simple and charming. It uses three basic macramé knots and goes faster and simpler than you think. You can start with your pillow cover or make a quick envelope pillow cover if you don’t have one.
Materials
- Macramé Cord
- Scissors
- Sewing Machine/Thread (optional)
- Pillow cover and insert
- Dowel or Stick
- Tape Measure
Macramé Wristlet Keychain
Lightweight key fobs are perfect for anyone on the go! Design your own unique size and make it personally perfect to slip over your hand to wear on your wrist, keeping your hands free for other important things. We love our Ravenox key fobs because they are easy to grab out of your purse or bag. Hook them onto a stroller for walks this spring and summer!
Materials
- Macramé Cord
- Metal Swivel Snaps
- Scissors
- Dowel or Stick
- Tape Measure
Macramé Nautical Wristlet Video Tutorial:
Macramé Feathers
Image Credit: hairsoutofplace.com
Another great project! You can string them from a stick in your yard to make a boho or make them as a single decor piece. Macrame feathers are cute and super easy to make.
Material needed
- Macramé Cording
- SHARP Scissors – Fabric scissors is great
- Stiffening Spray
- Wire Brush
- Tape Measure – to measure your cords
Macramé Necklace
Image Credit: liagriffith.com
Last on the list is macramé necklaces. When I say there are unlimited possibilities when you have a chord, it’s macramé necklaces. There are unlimited patterns. You can always use a bead, shell, pendant, or in some make a macramé pendant.
Tips for planning your next macramé project
Every macramé beginner asks the same question, what type of rope works best? Since there’s a lot of macramé ideas don’t expect the same rope. All ropes are not equal. You need to decide if a natural or synthetic chord will work best.
Natural cording, such as cotton, wool, and hemp, work well for indoor decorative macramé projects. Synthetic cords, such as nylon or polypropylene, are best for outdoor projects as they’re more water-resistant than natural cording.
However, we can classify these chords as;
- Thick twist
- Three strand twist
- Sash Cord
There’s no bad rope. It’s about your style; what looks best and more durable?
Check these fabulous macramé cords for an even better experience.
Thick twist
Thick Twist is a ‘mop style’ rope. It tightens lots of pieces together, and the thickness of makes macramé lot easier. The best part, it’s tight but loosens so you can get a dense luxury macramé tapestry look. It’s perfect for wall hangings.
Three strand twist
Making a dreamy boho wall hanging? Three strand twists are perfect. They’re similar to the thick twist but gives a more polished looking macramé piece. It has a more ‘ropey’ look and is made with three independent rope in the same direction. Perfect for premium wall hangings or plant hangers.
Sash Cord Macramé Rope
If you want a shaggy boho creation, don’t use a sash cord. For a plan hanger, use this. It feels stiff to use, structured, durable. It gives a very structured knot and holds shaping under pressure.
Here is another great resource for those interested in macramé who are just starting:
6 Basic Macramé Knots For Beginners Video
Macramé is a broad and simple art, but you have to start today. Buy a rope now and make your first macramé. Start now!
Comment
I would like to know more about measurements for cutting cord.