Beginners guide to basic macrame knots

As you may already know, we love macrame. Its vibes are so on trend and we've got tons of macrame projects in the Mollie mags, here on Gathered and stashed away in our archives. But to get started on all these projects, you need to know the basic macrame knots. We got together with Robyn Gough, vlogger, and owner of United Knots, to bring you this guide full of basic macrame knots and decorative techniques for making macramé wall art, plant hangers, and more.

Before we run through 10 basic macrame knots, we're going to teach you a little bit more about the world of macrame. Buckle up because you're about to get a crash course! Make sure you also check out our collection of the best macrame books.

Looking for macrame projects to make? Check out our collection of the best free macrame patterns.

What is macrame?

Macrame is a craft technique that uses different knots to create an overall pattern/object. It's an ancient craft that can be traced back to Arab weavers who used knotting techniques to create towels, shawls, and veils. Macrame came over to England in the 17th century and has been around ever since!

The most common macrame knot is the square knot (we teach you how to do this later) and it makes up the base of most designs. There's now hundreds of different macrame knots but by learning the basics, you'll be able to create gorgeous pieces that will stand the test of time.

What materials do you use for macrame?

All you need to start macrame is some rope or yarn and your hands! You can buy macrame cord from most online and in store craft retailers and it comes in a range of colours and thicknesses. Amazon, Hobbycraft, Etsy and eBay all sell macrame cord at a range of price points. We recommend beginners using 3mm-4mm single strand cotton macrame cord as it's pliable, easy to knot with but also easy to undo if you make a mistake. Here's a few macrame cord styles we love and will be perfect to use for our macrame knot tutorials. Macrame kits are also a great option for beginners as all the materials you need are included. We've rounded up the best macrame kits on the market to help you find a suitable one.

Macrame cord

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The first material (and most crucial) you'll need is macrame cord. You can get a huge range of macrame cords that range in thickness, colour, and style. There's plenty of online and instore retailers which sell macrame cord. Before choosing your cord make sure you check the requirements for your project. If you're making a large structure like a chair or hammock you'll need a much thicker cord compared to a smaller project like our macrame bracelet. Wavraging makes easy to use macrame cord that's both eco-friendly and 100% cotton. This cord is 3mm thick which is perfect for basic macrame knots as it's thin enough to undo if you make mistakes but thick enough to hold a good knot! It's very similar to the macrame cord Robyn has used in her tutorials below. We also rounded up more of the best macrame cords to buy if this isn't the cord for you.

Metal hooks

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Metal S hooks are great as they allow you to hang your project while you're working on it. It can be difficult to create neat and ordered knots if your project is laying down. If you're working on a big project it's easier to work on if you have S hooks too. They're really affordable and you may even find some already in your home!

Wooden hoops

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In order to hang macrame pieces like in our macrame plant hanger or to add decorative elements (as in our macrame belt) you'll need hoops and beads. You can buy metal, plastic, glass or wooden hoops/beads. We love the boho edge wooden hoops and beads bring to macrame projects. They can easily be painted to suit your project or left plain for a more rustic look.

Is it easy to learn macrame?

Yes! With a little bit of practice, macrame is easy to master. Macrame is also a great craft because at its core you only need your hands and some rope as opposed to other crafts which use lots of different tools and materials. It also depends on the type of project you choose to make. Due to the sheer size, our DIY macrame curtain is for more advanced makers. Whereas our macrame feather keychain is a project perfect for beginners.

You can start by learning macrame with our photo guide below but there's also some wonderful Youtube videos out there for you to craft along to. Robyn, who helped us to create our basic macrame knot tutorial, has loads of useful Youtube videos about macrame.

Watch Robyn's beginner macrame tutorial below...

How to make basic macrame knots

This tutorial was created using United Knots 3.5mm single ply macramé cord in Stop It I’m Blushing. You can buy yours here. Once you've mastered these macrame knots check out our free macrame patterns and test out your new skills.

Lark's head macrame knot

Lark's head knots are the best way to start any macramé project. They can be front facing or reverse – here's how to do both.

Front facing lark's head knots leave a line of cord resting against your dowel once tied.

1. Measure and cut a length of cord for your project.
2. Join both ends together, folding the cord in half.
3. Working from the front, take the folded loop over the top of the dowel, then down behind it, leaving the loop facing downwards.

4. Pull the two cut ends of the cord up and through the loop, then tighten to secure the knot.

Reverse lark's head macrame knot

A reverse lark's head knot is created using the same technique as a lark's head knot, only working towards you instead of away. It leaves no visible “line” against your dowel.

1. Measure and cut a length of cord for your project.
2. Join both ends together, folding the cord in half.
3. Working from the back, take the folded loop over the top of the dowel, then down in front of it, leaving the loop facing downwards.
4. Pull the two cut ends of the cord up and through the loop, then tighten to secure the macramé knot.

Wrap macrame knot

A wrap knot is used for securing groups of cords at the beginning or end of a macramé piece.

1. Measure and cut a long length of cord.
2. Gather the cords you wish to fasten in a group in your left hand. Using the length of cord, create a downward-facing loop, leaving a short tail and the remaining length of the cord at the top right.
3. Pinch the top of the loop and the tail with your left thumb and index finger. Take the length of cord behind the group and to the left, bring it back around the front to create one wrap, then continue wrapping it around.

4. When wrapping, ensure the loop is left visible at the bottom. Once you've wrapped the group securely, thread the remaining length of cord through the bottom of the loop.
5. To secure the wrap knot, carefully pull the short tail end at the top of the wraps. This will shorten the loop and catch the length, pulling it upwards and into the wrapped cords.

6. Cut the remaining tail and length at the top and bottom of the wrap to neaten. Wrap macrame knot complete.

Half hitch macrame knot

Half hitch knots are used to add decoration to a macramé piece.

1. Choose the pair of cords you wish to tie a half hitch macramé knot to.
2. Take the ends of the cord pair to the right of your static cords and pull them under and to the left, creating a loop or D shape.

3. Take the ends of the D cords, cross them over at the resting point where the cords meet, then thread them under the loop of the D.
4. Pull gently to secure in the desired position.

Practice this knot on our beginner macrame wall hanging project and display your work on your walls!

Double half hitch macrame knot

Also known as a hitch knot, this is a variation of the half hitch where the process is repeated twice. This is often used to create diagonal and horizontal lines in macramé pieces or to add new colours.

1. Choose a static cord to tie the double half hitch around. Hold the static cord at the desired angle of the line you wish the knots to form when finished.
2. Use the cord on the right to tie a half hitch knot around the static cord twice.

3. Pull the wrapped cord to tighten the knots, then move them to the desired position while holding the static cord at the desired angle.

4. Repeat Steps 1-3 using the next static cord.

5. To complete a diagonal line of double half hitches, repeat Steps 1-4.

Horizontal double half hitch macrame knots

Horizontal double half hitch knots are great for introducing new colours to a piece, or for creating the appearance of a row of horizontal knots in a straight line. These are often used in macramé wall hangings.

1. Measure and cut a length of coloured cord.
2. Take a pair of static cords, then use the coloured cord to tie two half hitch macrame knots around them.

3. Unlike the diagonal double half hitch knot, for horizontal double half hitches, you must choose the next set of vertical static cords to tie the follow-on knots to each time.
4. Snip the ends of the remaining cords.

How to tie a square macrame knot

Square knots are simple, versatile and strong. When creating a square macrame knot it's important to do it in two parts, tying the first half of the knot working to the left, and the second half of the knot working to the right.

How to tie a square knot - Part 1

1. Choose the two pairs of cords you want to use to create the square knot. Take the end of the cord on the left over the two centre cords and under the right-hand cord to create a backwards D-shaped loop.
2. Take the end of the right-hand cord and pass it through the backwards D shape, going under the two centre cords and over the left-hand cord.

How to tie a square knot - Part 2

3. To finish the square knot, repeat Steps 1-2, this time mirroring your actions and working with the opposite side cords. So, as per Step 1, create a D shape with the right-hand cord, going over the centre cords and under the left-hand cord.
4. Take the left-hand cord and pull it through the D shape, going under the centre cords and over the right cord. Pull the cords to tighten. And you're done! Macrame knot complete.

How to alternate square macrame knots

Alternating the placement of square macrame knots within sets of hanging cords can be a versatile and decorative technique. It's often used for creating geometric shapes such as triangles and diamonds.

1. Work below the square knots to create a new row, positioning the first square knot in between the knots on the above row. To do this, tie the new square knot using the two right-hand cords of the square knot above and the two left-hand cords of the knot above and to the right of it.

2. To continue to tie square knots in an alternating pattern, you must always select a pair of left-hand or right-hand cords from one knot in the row above, and the opposite pair from the knot next to it.

Half square knot spiral

Sometimes known as helix knots, half square knot spirals, are easy to make, strong and decorative.

1. Tie Part 1 of a square knot, choosing the two pairs of cords you want to use, then taking the left-hand cord over the two centre cords and under the right-hand cord to create a backwards D-shaped loop. Next, take the end of the right-hand cord and pass it through the backwards D shape, going under the two centre cords and over the left-hand cord.

2. Unlike a square knot, to continue and create a spiral of knots you don't need to mirror or swap the sides you're working on. Instead, repeat Step 1 multiple times. The macrame knots will naturally begin to spiral.

Here's some free projects for you to make with all your new macramé knots knowledge. Once you've learned the basics show off your creations with our hashtags for macramé and our macrame for beginners tips.

How to create fringing

Textured fringing adds a boho feel to any macramé project. The finish of your fringe depends on the cord you use.

1. Trim the leftover lengths of hanging cords to your desired length.

2. Next up, using a stiff brush, carefully brush the cords to separate them, starting at the ends and gradually working up.

3. Finally, trim the ends in a straight line or into a point, depending on your desired finish.

We hope you've enjoyed learning these basic macramé techniques and are now ready to go off and start knotting! Big thanks to Robyn from Macrame UK for creating this tutorial for us. If you want to learn more crafting skills, check out our embroidery for beginners blog post which talks you through some of the top embroidery stitches to up your sewing game. Lastly, don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

And remember to subscribe to Mollie Makes so you can test out your new knots on our macramé projects. For more macrame projects check out our macrame bunting tutorial and learn how to make a macrame Christmas star with our step-by-step guide.

This blog post is sponsored by United Knots