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 Macrame
Macrame filled every nook and cranes in the 70s, but it originated with the 13th-century Arab weavers. Macrame 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 macrame spread across the world?
During long distant journeys, sailors made macrame and sold or bartered when they landed. Not a very interesting history though, especially as the craze for macrame 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 macrame had fallen out of fashion as a decoration trend and faded.
Macrame was most popular in the Victorian era. Sylvia's Book of Macrame 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 Macrame 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 Macrame Ideas for Beginners
If I want to exhaust all macrame ideas, then Ravenox will sell out. I’m obsessed with macrame and can’t help the flushed face, raised eyebrows and blushing cheeks when I see a beautiful macrame. Here are some simple macrame ideas, starting from the simplest;
Image Credit: decorhint.com
DIY Macrame Jar Hangers
New to macrame? You can make simple macrame 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)
- Macrame 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).
Image Credit: myremodel.org
Macrame Mason Jars
Not your conventional funky mason jar! Macrame adds a little oomph to your basic mason jars. Grab any mason around and give it a farty-arty 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
- Macrame cord – Same cotton cords, same off the wall jazz
Image Credit: tricotetcouture.com
Mini Macrame Plant Hangers
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 Macrame Wall Hanging
Next up is a simple modern macrame 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 macrame knot and patterns.
- Reverse Lark’s Head Knot
- Square Knot and Alternating Knot
- Double Half Hitch Knot
Materials
- Macrame Rope – You’ll need around 12 – 16’ (as in feet) cords
- A dowel or stick
Image Credit: crateandbarrel.com
Macrame Pillow
This is my favorite. Macrame pillows are simple and charming. It uses three basic macrame 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
- Macrame Cord
- Scissors
- Sewing Machine/Thread (optional)
- Pillow cover and insert
- Dowel or Stick
- Tape Measure
Image Credit: hairsoutofplace.com
Macrame Feathers
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
- Macrame Cording
- SHARP Scissors – Fabric scissors is great
- Stiffening Spray
- Wire Brush
- Tape Measure – to measure your cords
Image Credit: liagriffith.com
Macrame Necklace
Last on the list is macrame necklaces. When I say there are unlimited possibilities when you have a chord, it’s macrame necklaces. There are unlimited patterns. You can always use a bead, shell, pendant, or in some make a macrame pendant.
Tips for planning your next macrame project
Every macrame beginner asks the same question, what type of rope works best? Since there’s a lot of macrame 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 macrame 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 twist cotton ropes 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 macrame lot easier. The best part, it’s tight but loosens so you can get a dense luxury macrame 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 macrame 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 Macrame 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 macrame who are just starting:
Macrame is a broad and simple art, but you have to start today. Buy a rope now and make your first macrame. Start now!