Ready to add a touch of bohemian charm to your home? Imagine yourself curled up with a good book, gently swaying in your very own handmade macrame hanging chair. It’s the epitome of relaxation, and with this guide, you can create this cozy haven right in your backyard.
While it might seem like a daunting task, I, Robert Kline, am here to guide you every step of the way. This journey is about more than just following instructions; it’s about tapping into your creativity, embracing the process, and ultimately having a stunning piece to show off your craftiness.
Gathering Your Macrame Supplies
Before we dive into the wonderful world of knots, let’s gather our essentials. Here’s what you’ll need to bring your macrame chair vision to life:
- Sturdy Support Hoop: I repurposed a circular chair frame from Target, giving it a fresh coat of white spray paint after removing the legs. You can also use a hula hoop for a lighter look.
- Macrame Cord: The star of the show! I used approximately 8-9 rolls (200 feet each) of clothesline from Home Depot, plus an additional 100 feet. Remember, it’s always better to have a little extra.
- Smaller Hoop for the Seat: A smaller hula hoop, also spray-painted white, worked perfectly to create the base of the seat.
- Poster Board: This handy material will help us create a template for the seat, ensuring a neat and even outcome.
- Scissors: Sharp scissors are crucial for clean cuts.
- Measuring Tape: This will help you keep your cord lengths consistent.
- Masking Tape: A simple trick to prevent your macrame cord from unraveling when cut.
- Wood Pieces & Drill: For the hanging mechanism, I used scrap wood and drilled holes to thread the rope through. You can also opt for pre-made wooden rings for a quicker solution.
Weaving Your Macrame Masterpiece: Step-by-Step
Now that we have our tools ready, let’s transform these materials into a beautiful macrame hanging chair.
Step 1: Prepping the Frame
- Prepare the Main Hoop: If you’re using a chair frame like I did, start by carefully removing the legs. You might need a saw to cut off any protruding parts.
- Embrace the Beauty of Imperfection: Remember, handmade crafts are about embracing the unique charm of imperfections. Don’t fret if your cuts aren’t perfectly smooth; a little sanding can work wonders.
Step 2: Mastering the Knots
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Begin with the Basic Square Knot: This knot is the foundation of our macrame chair. Start by attaching your macrame cord to the main hoop using a series of square knots.
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Create the Walls with Alternating Square Knots: Continue working your way around the hoop, creating a beautiful pattern with alternating square knots.
DIY Hanging Macrame Chair
Step 3: Conquering the Seat
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The Importance of Flexibility: During my creative process, I learned that sticking to the same knot for the seat wasn’t the best approach. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust your technique as you go along.
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Crafting the Seat Separately: Using the smaller hula hoop as a guide, create the seat as a separate piece. Secure your macrame cord to the hoop using basic knots and continue with your chosen knotting pattern. I opted for a more spaced-out look for the seat.
The Chair
Step 4: Assembling Your Masterpiece
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Connecting the Seat to the Walls: Attach the seat to the main frame by tying the loose ends of the wall knots to the smaller hula hoop. For added stability, tie the seat and wall cords together.
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Adding the Finishing Touches: Trim any excess cord and use masking tape to prevent unraveling.
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Step 5: Hanging Your Creation
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Create Sturdy Hanging Loops: Braid a few lengths of macrame cord to create strong loops for hanging the chair.
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Securely Attach the Loops: Drill holes into your wooden pieces and thread the braided loops through, ensuring they are evenly spaced and level.
Fail Chair
Embracing the Journey: Tips & Tricks
Creating a macrame hanging chair is a labor of love, and like any worthwhile endeavor, it comes with its own set of learnings.
- Patience is Key: Macrame is a craft that requires patience and a dash of perseverance. Don’t feel discouraged if it takes time to get the hang of it.
- Embrace the “Mistakes”: Those unexpected twists and turns in your macrame journey are actually opportunities for innovation. Some of the most beautiful creations stem from embracing imperfections.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Feel free to experiment with different knotting patterns, cord colors, and embellishments to personalize your chair.
- Take Breaks: It’s easy to get caught up in the creative flow, but remember to take breaks to stretch, rest your eyes, and rejuvenate your creative spirit.
From Beginner to Macrame Enthusiast
Creating this macrame hanging chair was a transformative experience for me. It pushed my creative boundaries and reminded me that the most rewarding endeavors often lie outside our comfort zones.
As you embark on your macrame journey, remember that every knot you tie is a testament to your creativity and craftsmanship. So, gather your supplies, put on some inspiring music, and get ready to create a piece that will bring joy for years to come.
And don’t forget to share your creations with the Robert Kline Art community. We can’t wait to see what you make! If you’re looking for smaller macrame projects, check out these adorable DIY Macrame Hanging Planters for a touch of boho chic in your home. They make the perfect handmade gifts too!