Master the Art of Macrame: A DIY Table Runner for Your Home

Hey there, fellow craft enthusiasts! Robert Kline, your trusted guide in the world of handmade artistry, is back with another exciting project. Today, we’re diving into the enchanting world of macrame with a beginner-friendly DIY table runner.

This project is perfect for those who want to add a touch of bohemian elegance to their dining space without getting tangled in complex knots. That’s right, we’ll be using just one knot, the trusty square knot, throughout the entire project. Simple, elegant, and oh-so-chic!

Gathering Your Macrame Supplies

Before we embark on this creative journey, let’s gather our tools and materials.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 389 feet of 3/16″ cotton rope: Opt for a natural, undyed rope for a classic look.
• Masking or painter’s tape: This will be our trusty sidekick in keeping our cords organized.
• Scissors: A sharp pair will ensure clean cuts.

Pro Tip: Consider using a macrame board or a clipboard to secure your work as you tie knots.

Prepping Your Macrame Cords

1. Cut It Up: Begin by cutting your cotton rope into 32 equal pieces, each measuring 12 feet long. It might seem like a lot, but trust me, it’ll be worth it!

2. Tame the Fray: To prevent your rope ends from fraying, wrap a small piece of masking tape around each end.

3. Knotting Time: Now, let’s create our base. Take two pieces of rope and tie them together with an overhand knot, leaving about 10 inches of rope free at the ends. Repeat this process for all 32 pieces, resulting in 16 knotted pairs.

4. Setting the Stage: Lay your knotted pairs on a flat surface, ensuring they’re evenly spaced. Use your masking tape to secure the ends, keeping those cords nice and taut.

Creating Your Macrame Masterpiece: Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let’s transform these simple cords into a stunning table runner!

Step 1: Crafting the Half Diamond

• Row 1: Starting from the left, take the first four cords and tie a square knot. Repeat this process across, using four cords at a time, until you have a row of eight square knots.
• Row 2: Shift slightly to the right. Starting with the third cord from the left, create a row of seven square knots, remembering to alternate the direction of your knots.

Congratulations! You’ve completed the first two rows of your macrame pattern. Now let’s continue building the half diamond.

Rows 3-8: Follow this pattern, starting each row with the specified cord:

• Row 3: 5th cord from the left – 6 square knots
• Row 4: 7th cord from the left – 5 square knots
• Row 5: 9th cord from the left – 4 square knots
• Row 6: 11th cord from the left – 3 square knots
• Row 7: 13th cord from the left – 2 square knots
• Row 8: 15th cord from the left – 1 square knot

Step 2: Adding Side Diamonds

Before we move on to the central diamond, let’s add two small diamond shapes to the sides of our half diamond.

• Right Side Diamond: Starting with the 5th cord from the right, tie a square knot. Then, using the 3rd cord from the right, tie two square knots beneath the first one. Finally, use the 5th cord again to tie one last square knot beneath the previous two.
• Left Side Diamond: Repeat the same process on the left side, mirroring the diamond you just created.

Step 3: The Majestic Full Diamond

Now, for the star of our macrame show – the full diamond! This beauty consists of 15 rows. Here’s your guide:

• Row 1: Begin directly below the last knot of your half diamond. Use the 15th cord from the left to tie one square knot.

• Rows 2-14: Follow this pattern, always starting with the specified cord from the left:

  • Row 2: 13th cord – 2 square knots
  • Row 3: 11th cord – 3 square knots
  • Row 4: 9th cord – 4 square knots
  • Row 5: 7th cord – 5 square knots
  • Row 6: 5th cord – 6 square knots
  • Row 7: 3rd cord – 7 square knots
  • Row 8: 1st cord – 8 square knots
  • Row 9: 3rd cord – 7 square knots
  • Row 10: 5th cord – 6 square knots
  • Row 11: 7th cord – 5 square knots
  • Row 12: 9th cord – 4 square knots
  • Row 13: 11th cord – 3 square knots
  • Row 14: 13th cord – 2 square knots
  • Row 15: 15th cord – 1 square knot

• Finishing Touch: Tie an additional square knot just below the center knot of row 15.

Step 4: More Side Diamonds

Let’s add two more small side diamonds by following the same instructions outlined in Step 2.

Step 5: Building the Center

Now, we’ll create a visually appealing break in our pattern to define the center of our table runner.

• About 2 inches below the full diamond, create a row of eight square knots, starting with the first cord on the left.
• Skip down approximately 4 inches and tie a single square knot with the 7th cord from the left.
• Skip four cords and tie another single square knot. Repeat this process two more times, then skip the last six cords.
• About 4 inches below your last row of single knots, create another row of eight square knots, mirroring the first row of this step.

Step 6: The Final Stretch

You’re almost there! Now, we’ll mirror the pattern from the first section of the runner to create a cohesive and balanced look.

• Small Diamonds: Skip down 2 inches from your last row and create two small side diamonds, following the instructions from Step 2.
• Full Diamond: Create another full diamond, positioning its top point in line with the top points of your small side diamonds. Use the instructions from Step 3 to complete this.
• More Small Diamonds: Repeat Step 2 once more to add two final side diamonds.
• Half Diamond: For the last pattern repeat, create a half diamond by following the instructions from Step 1.
• Secure the Ends: Right below your final row of square knots, starting from the left, tie a regular overhand knot with the first two cords. Continue tying overhand knots across all 16 pairs of cords to secure the bottom edge of your runner.
• Trim the Tassels: Carefully trim the loose ends of your cords to your desired length. For a classic look, aim for tassels that are about 6 inches long.

Congratulations! You’ve Mastered the Macrame Table Runner

You did it! You’ve transformed simple cotton rope into a stunning macrame masterpiece. The finished runner, measuring approximately 14 inches wide and 66 inches long, is ready to grace your table with its handcrafted charm.

Remember, practice makes perfect in the world of crafting. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cord colors, textures, or even add beads for a personalized touch.

Share your macrame triumphs with us! Leave a comment below and tell us about your experience, or better yet, share pictures of your finished creations.

For those who are eager to explore more handmade wonders, head over to the ” Robert Kline Art ” website for a curated collection of unique craft projects, DIY gift ideas, and artistic inspiration. Happy crafting!