Hey there, fellow craft enthusiasts! Robert Kline here, and I’m so excited to share a project that’s near to my heart: creating your very own macrame hammock chair. Picture yourself gently swaying in the summer breeze, a refreshing drink in hand, enveloped by the cozy embrace of your handmade creation. Sounds idyllic, right? Believe it or not, this was the project that ignited my passion for macrame – its simplicity and stunning outcome had me hooked!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll journey together through each step of crafting this beginner-friendly macrame hammock chair. Don’t worry if you’re new to macrame, I’ll be your trusty guide, sharing clear instructions, handy tips, and even personal anecdotes from my own crafting adventures. So, grab your materials, and let’s get knotting!
Gathering Your Macrame Supplies
Before we dive into the creative process, let’s gather our essential tools and materials:
- Sturdy Scissors: These will be your trusty sidekick for clean, precise cord cuts.
- Circular Chair Frame: This forms the backbone of your hammock chair. I recommend opting for a spacious adult size, like the ones readily available on Amazon.
- Macrame Cord: The star of the show! Look for 4mm or 5mm thickness for a good balance of durability and ease of knotting. Explore the vibrant world of colors on Amazon and Etsy to find the perfect match for your style.
Step-by-Step Macrame Hammock Chair Tutorial
With our tools prepped and excitement bubbling, let’s transform those materials into a stunning hammock chair.
Step 1: Prepping the Cords
Begin by cutting 16 lengths of macrame cord, each measuring 16 feet long. Remember, we’ll be folding these cords in half and securing them to the frame, which will reduce the overall length.
Step 2: Attaching the Cords to the Frame
- Take one of your cords, fold it in half, and loop it around the top of your chair frame.
- Now, pull the loose ends of the cord through the loop you created, pulling it taut to secure it to the frame.
- Repeat this process with all 16 cords, evenly spacing them around the top of the frame.
Step 3: Mastering the Square Knot
The square knot is the heart of this macrame pattern. Don’t let its elegance intimidate you; it’s easier than it looks!
- First Half: Select the first four strands of cord (two from one group and two from the adjacent group). Take the leftmost cord and pass it over the two center cords, then under the rightmost cord. Hold it in place with your finger. Now, take the rightmost cord and pass it under the two center cords and up through the loop created, over the leftmost cord.
- Second Half: To complete the square knot, simply mirror the first half. Take the rightmost cord, pass it over the center cords, and under the leftmost cord. Then, bring the leftmost cord under the center cords, up through the loop, and over the rightmost cord.
- Tighten: Gently but firmly pull on both sides of the knot to tighten it.
Step 4: Building the Hammock Body
- Starting the Row: For the second row, use the third and fourth cords from your first group and the first and second cords from the adjacent group. Create a square knot as you learned in step 3.
- Continuing the Pattern: Continue creating square knots across the row, always using two cords from one group and two from the adjacent group.
Step 5: Securing the Base
Once you’ve reached your desired hammock length, it’s time to secure the base. Gather all the cords and knot them twice around the bottom frame of the chair, ensuring a snug fit. Trim off any excess cord for a polished look.
Step 6: Adding the Finishing Touch
To create a neat gathering point for the hanging cords, cut a separate piece of macrame cord. Use this cord to tightly bind all the hanging strands together. You can get creative with this part, adding beads or wrapping the cord for a personalized flair.
Enjoying Your Handmade Haven
Congratulations! You’ve successfully crafted your very own macrame hammock chair. Now comes the most rewarding part – experiencing the joy of your creation. Find the perfect spot on your patio, balcony, or even inside your home, hang your hammock chair, and settle in for some well-deserved relaxation.
Remember, the beauty of handmade creations lies in their uniqueness. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different color combinations, cord types, and even add personal touches like tassels or beads to truly make it your own.
I encourage you to share pictures of your creations and your crafting journey in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your unique takes on this project! For more DIY inspiration and unique handmade gift ideas, be sure to explore the rest of the Robert Kline Art website. Happy crafting!