DIY Macrame Hanging Fruit Basket: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey there, fellow craft enthusiasts! Robert Kline here, and today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of macrame with a project that’s both stylish and functional: a DIY hanging fruit basket. This beginner-friendly guide will equip you with everything you need to create your own macrame masterpiece. Let’s get knotting!

Gathering Your Macrame Supplies

Before we embark on this creative journey, let’s gather our trusty tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3mm 3-strand twisted cotton rope:
  • 8 pieces @ approx. 10.5 feet long (126 inches) for main working cords (3.2 meters)
  • 1 piece @ approx. 33 inches long for top wrapping knot (83.82 centimeters)
  • 16 pieces @ approx. 67 inches long for basket part (170 centimeters)
  • 1 piece @ approx. 50 inches long for bottom wrapping knot (127 centimeters)
• 2 wooden rings (8 inches in diameter)
• Sharp scissors – Trust me, a good pair makes all the difference!
• A sense of adventure and a dash of creativity (Don’t worry, we’ll provide plenty of that!)

Crafting Your Macrame Fruit Basket: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: The Art of the Braided Hanger

Our macrame journey begins with a sturdy and elegant four-strand braid for the hanger.

1. Take your 8 working cords, fold them in half, and determine the length of your braid.
2. Secure the starting point of the braid with an overhand knot.
3. Divide your cords into four sections, with two cords per section.
4. Begin braiding by crossing the second section over the first (right to left), the fourth over the third (right to left), and finally, the second over the third (left to right).
5. Continue braiding until you reach your desired length.
6. Carefully untie the overhand knot, fold the braid in half, and secure it with a wrapping knot using the 33-inch cord.

Pro Tip: Use a macrame board or clip to secure your work as you braid, ensuring a neat and even result.

Step 2: Shaping the Arms of Your Basket

With our hanger prepped, let’s move on to creating the arms of our macrame basket.

1. Select four strands and tie a square knot approximately an inch below the wrapping knot.
2. Bring your working cords behind the center cords on both sides and swap the center cords to the outside. Secure this with another square knot about three inches down. Congratulations, you’ve just mastered the switch knot!
3. Repeat the process, tying four more switch knots down the arm, spacing them evenly about three inches apart.
4. Replicate this process for the remaining three arms of your macrame basket, and you’ll see it begin to take shape.

Step 3: Introducing the First Wooden Ring

Now it’s time to incorporate our first wooden ring, adding structure and form to our hanging basket.

1. Bring the cords inside the wooden ring and secure them using a double half hitch knot around the ring.
2. Aim for a visually appealing pattern by attaching the cords in a specific order – for example, second, first, fourth, then third.
3. Repeat this process for the remaining three arms, ensuring they are evenly spaced around the ring for balance and visual appeal.

Step 4: Integrating More Cords for Texture and Strength

To create a basket that’s both beautiful and durable, let’s add additional cords to our structure.

1. Take one of the 67-inch cords, fold it in half, and attach it to the wooden ring using a cow hitch knot.
2. Wrap the right cord in front of and over the ring, pulling the end through the loop. Repeat on the left side.
3. Repeat with the remaining 15 cords, attaching four in each section between the arms, ensuring they’re evenly spaced.

Step 5: Creating the Body with Alternating Square Knots

Now comes the fun part – creating the intricate and beautiful body of our basket using alternating square knots.

1. Tie a row of square knots about an inch down from the ring in each section.
2. Create an alternating row of switch square knots about an inch below the first row.
3. Repeat for a third row, resulting in a visually appealing pattern.

Pro Tip: As you tie your knots, ensure they are snug but not too tight, allowing your basket to retain its flexibility and drape beautifully.

Step 6: Securing the Second Wooden Ring

With our basket body taking shape, it’s time to introduce the second wooden ring, adding the final touch of structure.

1. Take your second wooden ring and attach all the cords using double half hitch knots. This time, you can attach them in their existing order.
2. Position the ring approximately an inch below the last row of switch knots to create a pleasing and functional basket shape.

Step 7: The Final Touch – Tying the Bottom Wrapping Knot

We’re in the home stretch! Now it’s time to secure our basket’s base and add a polished finishing touch.

1. Gather all the cords and tie a secure wrapping knot using the 50-inch cord, wrapping it around eight times for durability.
2. Gently pull each cord through the wrapping knot to tighten the bottom of the basket.
3. While tightening, ensure the wrapping knot remains centered for a neat and balanced look.

Step 8: The Fringe Benefits – Adding a Touch of Whimsy

To add a touch of bohemian flair, let’s finish our basket with a playful fringe.

1. Cut the fringe about 4-5 inches below the bottom wrapping knot.
2. For a softer, fuller look, unravel the fringe to your liking.

Congratulations! You’ve Crafted a Macrame Masterpiece

Congratulations, my friend! You’ve successfully created a beautiful and functional macrame hanging fruit basket. Now, the possibilities are endless. Fill it with vibrant fruits, cascading plants, or even use it as a unique storage solution. The choice is yours!

I’d love to see your creations! Share pictures of your finished macrame fruit baskets on social media and tag Robert Kline Art. And remember, the world of crafting is full of endless possibilities – keep exploring, keep creating, and most importantly, have fun!