Hey there, plant and craft enthusiasts! Robert Kline here, your guide to all things handmade. Today, we’re diving into the world of macrame with a simple and stylish project: a DIY macrame plant hanger. Adding greenery to your living spaces breathes life and personality into your home. With this easy-to-follow tutorial, even beginners can create a beautiful, handcrafted hanger to display their leafy companions.
Gather Your Macrame Supplies
Before we embark on this creative journey, let’s gather our tools and materials. You’ll need:
- 3mm Natural Cotton Macrame Cord: Opt for a natural fiber cord like cotton for durability and a classic look.
- 6-inch Gold Metal Ring: This will serve as the hanger’s base. Feel free to experiment with different sizes or materials for a unique touch.
- Pot with Tray: Choose a pot and tray that complement your plant and the macrame design.
- Scissors: Sharp scissors are essential for clean cord cuts.
- Measuring Tape: For precise knot placement and a balanced design.
- Miracle-Gro Expand ‘N Gro: Give your plants the best start with this fantastic potting mix.
Let’s Get Knotty: Crafting Your Macrame Plant Hanger
Step 1: Preparing Your Plant’s New Home
Start by repotting your chosen plant into its new pot using the Miracle-Gro Expand ‘N Gro. Providing your plant with fresh, nutrient-rich soil ensures it thrives in its new macrame home.
Expert Tip: “Choosing the right pot size for your plant is crucial,” says renowned horticulturalist Emily Carter. “Select a pot that’s slightly larger than the current one to allow for growth and prevent root binding.”
Step 2: Cutting the Macrame Cord
For this project, we’ll be working with eight long strands of macrame cord. I recommend cutting each strand to approximately 10 feet in length. This length provides ample cord for creating the hanger and allows for adjustments based on your pot size.
- Fold each strand in half and loop it through the gold metal ring, ensuring the looped ends hang down. You’ll now have 16 strands cascading from the ring.
Step 3: Mastering the Wrapped Knot
To secure the strands and achieve a polished look, we’ll employ the wrapped knot.
- Cut a separate piece of cord about 2 feet long for this knot.
- Position the short cord over the bundled strands with the short tail facing left and the long tail on the right. Form a downward-facing loop with the short cord.
- Wrap the long tail around the bundled strands and the loop of the short cord, pulling it taut with each wrap.
- Continue wrapping until you achieve the desired length for your wrapped knot, ensuring the bottom loop of the short cord remains uncovered.
- Thread the long tail through the bottom loop and pull the short tail to tighten the knot.
- Trim the excess cord ends close to the knot.
Step 4: Creating the First Row of Square Knots
Now, let’s add some visual interest with a row of macrame’s foundational knot: the square knot.
- Divide the 16 strands into four groups of four strands each.
- Measure and mark a consistent distance from the wrapped knot along each strand group using your measuring tape.
- To form the square knot, separate each four-strand group into two outer cords (knotting cords) and two center cords (filler cords).
- Create two square knots over each four-strand group at the marked points.
Mastering the Square Knot:
- Lay the left knotting cord over the filler cords and under the right knotting cord.
- Pass the right knotting cord under the filler cords and up over the left knotting cord.
- Pull both cords tightly to form the first half of the square knot.
- Repeat the process in the opposite direction, laying the right knotting cord over the filler cords and under the left knotting cord.
- Thread the left knotting cord under the filler cords and over the right knotting cord.
- Pull both cords tight to complete the square knot.
Step 5: Adding Dimension with the Second Row
- Create new four-strand groups by taking two cords each from adjacent groups.
- Measure and mark the desired distance below the first row of square knots for the second row. I spaced mine about 5 inches apart.
- Tie two square knots over these new groups, ensuring consistent spacing.
- Flip your work over and repeat for the final group of strands.
Step 6: The Final Touch – Securing Your Macrame Hanger
To finish, we’ll gather all the cords for a secure base.
- Measure and mark the desired distance below the second row of square knots for the final knot.
- Gather all the cords and tie a secure knot at the marked point.
- Trim the cord ends to create an even and polished look.
Step 7: Assembling Your Macrame Masterpiece
- Carefully insert your plant into the macrame hanger, ensuring the branches are evenly distributed between the cord groups.
- Choose a sturdy hook or hanging mechanism capable of supporting the weight of your plant and hanger.
- Hang your beautiful creation and admire your handiwork!
Conclusion: Sharing the Joy of Handmade Creations
Creating your own macrame plant hanger is a rewarding experience that blends creativity with plant love. I encourage you to experiment with different cord colors, pot styles, and plant varieties to personalize your creation.
Head over to Robert Kline Art for more inspiring DIY projects and unleash your inner maker! Show off your finished macrame plant hanger in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other with our shared passion for handcrafted beauty.