Easy DIY Macrame Plant Hanger for Beginners
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Macrame plant hangers are one of those projects that look complicated, but they’re actually one of the easiest macrame projects you can make once you learn a few basic knots.
It’s a great beginner project if you want to start learning macrame without diving into complicated patterns.
My mom loves macrame and made this beautiful plant hanger for me with a diamond pattern and using only basic square knots, wooden beads and a few simple techniques. She loves macrame and has been making beautiful pieces like this for years.
If you’re new to macrame, this is a great project to start with. In this tutorial, I’ll show you exactly how she made it step by step so you can create your own macrame plant hanger at home.
Table of Contents
My Mom’s Macrame Plant Hanger
Hello, dear TCN friends. It’s so nice to be here and share this macrame project with you.
Cami loves simple home decor and she also loves decorating with plants. Over the years she has added both real and faux plants throughout her home, so I thought it would be fun to create a hanging planter that could be decorative as well.
A few years ago I made a rustic jute macrame plant hanger for her, and she loved it. This time, I wanted to make something a little more delicate and cute for her bedroom, using a soft turquoise color she likes.
The good news is that this project is very beginner-friendly. It uses only basic macrame knots, and once you get started, it comes together pretty quickly. I finished mine in a couple of days working slowly, but if you have more time to work on it in one sitting, you could probably make it even faster.
How to make a Plant Hanger with Macrame
The inspiration for the design came from Pinterest, which is always a great place to discover creative ideas.
Now let’s look at the materials you’ll need and how to start making your own macrame plant hanger.
Supplies Needed:
- Macrame cord or Cotton cord (or rope) in the color you like best.
- Wooden Beads or embellishments, if desired.
- Pair of scissors.
- Measuring tape.
- Wooden ring of about 15 cm (or as you like more).
- Elastic Bands (I use them to hold the bent strings).
Instructions:
You can find this post in the Spanish version for Tapiz Porta Matero en Macramé over at my blog.
Let’s start.
Prep Work: Cord Length and Setup
For this macrame plant hanger we used 8 cords folded in half, which creates 16 working strands.
A common rule in macrame is cutting cords about three times the final length of the project.
Our finished hanger measured around 130 cm, so each cord was cut accordingly.
Once all cords are cut, fold them in half and attach them to the wooden ring using a lark’s head knot.
This creates the base of the hanger.
I have created these graphics with the strings in different colors and numbers to make it easier to see which strings are used for the knots.
Macrame Knots Used
This macrame plant hanger uses only a few basic knots.
- Lark’s Head Knot: Used to attach the cords to the wooden ring.
- Square Knot: This is the main knot used to create the diamond pattern in the hanger.
- Wrapping Knot: Used at the bottom to secure all cords together.
If you’re new to macrame, these are some of the easiest knots to learn. You can learn these basic knots in my beginner guide.
Step 1: Attach the cords to the ring
Take one of your cords, fold it in half, and attach it to the wooden ring using a lark’s head knot.
To make a lark’s head knot, fold the rope in half to create a loop. Place the loop over and behind the ring. Then pull the loose ends of the cord through the loop and tighten.
Repeat this with the rest of the cords, placing them next to each other along the ring.
Leave about 1–2 inches of cord below the ring before starting the diamond design.
Step 2: Make the first square knot
We will start by working with four cords to make the first square knot.
The cords on the left and right will be the working cords, and the two cords in the center will be the filler cords.
Bring the left cord in front of the two middle cords and under the right cord. Then bring the right cord behind the filler cords and up through the loop created by the left cord. Tighten the cords.
This creates a half knot.
To complete the square knot, make another half knot in the opposite direction. This time start with the right cord in front and the left cord behind.
Step 3: Begin the second row
From here on we will work with alternating square knots.
For the next row, use cords 3–4 and 5–6 to make two square knots.
You will notice that the cords used for each knot are now mixed compared to the first row. This is what begins forming the diamond pattern.
Step 4: Make the third row
The next row has three square knots.
Use cords: 2–3, 4–5 and 6–7
This continues building the diamond shape.
Step 5: Make the fourth row
This row has four square knots, and it is the middle of the diamond pattern.
Use all the cords to tie the four square knots.
Step 6: Begin closing the diamond
The next row has three square knots, which shows we are starting the return of the diamond shape.
Use cords: 2–3, 4–5 and 6–7
Step 7: Continue the pattern
Now make two square knots using cords:
3–4
5–6
We are getting close to closing the diamond.
Step 8 : Finish the diamond
Finally, make one single square knot in the center.
With this knot, we complete the first diamond.
Step 9: Add the embellishments
Now it’s time to add the embellishments if you want to use them.
I used some light wooden beads that matched very well with the turquoise color of the cord. These beads work nicely as separators between the diamonds.
Step 10: Repeat the diamond pattern
Repeat steps 3 through 8 to create two more diamonds, for a total of three diamonds in the design.
Step 11: Start forming the plant basket
To create the basket where the pot will sit, measure about 2–3 inches below the last diamond.
Tie a row of four square knots straight across.
Skip the first two cords, tie the four square knots, and then skip the last two cords.
Step 12: Begin shaping the basket
Take the two cords that were not used on each side and bring them toward the center.
Tie a square knot about 1 inch below the row of square knots you just made.
Step 13: Continue on the left side
Use the two left cords from that center knot together with the next two cords to the left.
Tie a square knot about 1½ inches below the knot you just made.
This knot will be on the left side.
Step 14: Repeat on the right side
Do the same thing on the right side using the two cords from the center knot and the next two cords to the right.
Step 15: Complete the basket
Turn your plant hanger around and continue tying square knots around the hanger at the same level as the first two.
When you finish, you should have five square knots forming the basket that will hold the plant pot.
Step 16: Make the wrapping knot
Now grab one extra piece of cord and use it to tie a wrapping knot around all the cords below the basket.
Wrap the cord several times around the group of cords until you reach the size you like.
Step 17: Trim the fringe
Cut the cords to the length you prefer.
My daughter left hers long, but you can trim it wherever you like best.
If you want a softer, fluffier fringe, you can gently brush the ends with a comb.
Finished DIY Macrame Plant Hanger
And that’s it! Your DIY macrame plant hanger is ready.
My daughter decided to hang it on her bedroom wall, and it looks so pretty with her plants.
I hope you enjoyed this cute little project.
Well, that’s it for now, hope you enjoyed this cuttle little project.
You can visit my blog over at Programando la Vida and follow my Instagram and YouTube Channel.
Crafting Tips
Here are some macrame plant holder tips:
- If you want to make this macrame plant hanger but your jar or pot has a different shape than ours, simply use your planter as a guide when tying the netting.
- Line up the top of your planter with the first row of knots and check if the measurements from the tutorial still work with your pot. If they don’t look quite right, just move the knots slightly up or down until the planter fits comfortably inside the net.
- You can also add more beads to this project if you want extra decoration. Try threading a bead onto the cords right before starting the netting, or add beads between the diamond sections for a different look.
- Another fun variation is changing the length of the decorative section. You can make more or fewer diamonds depending on how long you want the macrame hanger to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This project only uses a few basic knots like the lark’s head knot and square knot, which makes it a great macrame project for beginners.
A good rule is to cut cords about three to four times the finished length of the hanger. If the cords are folded in half to attach to a ring, you may need pieces six to eight times the final length.
Cotton macrame cord is the most common choice because it is soft, easy to knot, and strong enough to hold the weight of a plant pot.
Most macrame plant hangers work best with small to medium pots, usually between 4 and 8 inches wide, depending on the design of the hanger.
Best Plants for Macrame Plant Hangers
Macrame plant hangers work especially well with plants that trail or stay compact. These types of plants create a beautiful cascading look and fit nicely in hanging pots.
- Golden Pothos
This beautiful trailing plant looks wonderful in a macrame plant hanger. Its heart-shaped variegated leaves cascade nicely over the sides of the pot. - Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera)
With its dark green leaves and natural cuts, this plant adds a bold look to any room. It works best in a larger macrame hanger because it can grow quite big. - Round Leaf Peperomia
This evergreen plant has glossy, round leaves that look beautiful in small pots. It’s a great option for smaller macrame hangers. - Chinese Money Plant
The small round leaves give this plant a playful look. It works well in small hanging pots placed near a bright window. - Cactus
Cactus are easy, low-maintenance houseplants that require little water. Smaller cactus varieties can work well in compact macrame hangers placed near natural light. - Haworthia
This small succulent with thick, fleshy leaves looks especially nice in small pots and is perfect for compact macrame hangers. - String of Hearts
This trailing plant is a lovely choice for macrame hangers. Its delicate vines and heart-shaped leaves create a beautiful cascading effect.
Ideal Pots for Macrame Planters
One thing to consider when choosing a pot for a macrame plant hanger is water drainage. If a pot has drainage holes, water can drip through the hanger when you water your plant and create a mess.
A simple solution is to use a decorative pot without drainage and place your plant inside it using its original plastic nursery pot.
To do this, add a small layer of stones or pebbles at the bottom of the decorative pot. Then place the plant, still inside its plastic pot with drainage holes, on top of the stones.
The stones create a little space underneath where excess water can collect, helping prevent the roots from sitting in water while also keeping drips from running through the macrame hanger.
This way you keep your plant healthy while avoiding water dripping onto your floor.
My favorite pots for macrame hangers are ceramic pots. IKEA has some really cute ones, and the one I used for this project is from there.
There’s no strict rule when choosing a pot. Just make sure your plant has enough space to grow, proper drainage, and good light.
Diy Macrame Plant Hangers Hooks (walls and ceiling)
While hanging plants from the ceiling without drilling holes for hooks is challenging, it’s possible. With some old-fashioned DIY methods and technology, you can do it.
You can use different products from: Clamps, Tensions rods to hang plants, High-strength magnets, Removable adhesive hooks, Old ladder as a plant stand, Hang plants from coat racks.
As for the usually way top to hang them, there are heavyweight hooks you can drill either on the wall or to the ceiling. There are plenty of different styles to choose from.
Then use an S hook to connect the macrame plant hanger to the hook.
More Home Decor Project Ideas to Try
Loving this Macrame Plant Hanger tutorial? You might also love these other Crafty Home Decor Projects too:
DIY Macrame Plant Hanger Tutorial
Tools
- scissors
- Measuring tape.
Supplies
- Macrame cord or Cotton cord or rope in the color you like best.
- Wooden Beads or embellishments if desired.
- Wooden ring of about 15 cm or as you like more.
- Elastic Bands I use them to hold the bent strings.
Instructions
Prep Work: Cord Length and Setup
- For this macrame plant hanger we used 8 cords folded in half, which creates 16 working strands.
- A common rule in macrame is cutting cords about three times the final length of the project.
- Our finished hanger measured around 130 cm, so each cord was cut accordingly.
- Once all cords are cut, fold them in half and attach them to the wooden ring using a lark’s head knot.
- This creates the base of the hanger.
- I have created these graphics with the strings in different colors and numbers to make it easier to see which strings are used for the knots.
Macrame Knots Used
- This macrame plant hanger uses only a few basic knots.
- Lark’s Head Knot: Used to attach the cords to the wooden ring.
- Square Knot: This is the main knot used to create the diamond pattern in the hanger.
- Wrapping Knot: Used at the bottom to secure all cords together.
Step 1: Attach the cords to the ring
- Take one of your cords, fold it in half, and attach it to the wooden ring using a lark’s head knot.
- To make a lark’s head knot, fold the rope in half to create a loop. Place the loop over and behind the ring. Then pull the loose ends of the cord through the loop and tighten.
- Repeat this with the rest of the cords, placing them next to each other along the ring.
- Leave about 1–2 inches of cord below the ring before starting the diamond design.
Step 2: Make the first square knot
- We will start by working with four cords to make the first square knot.
- The cords on the left and right will be the working cords, and the two cords in the center will be the filler cords.
- Bring the left cord in front of the two middle cords and under the right cord. Then bring the right cord behind the filler cords and up through the loop created by the left cord. Tighten the cords.
- This creates a half knot.
- To complete the square knot, make another half knot in the opposite direction. This time start with the right cord in front and the left cord behind.
Step 3: Begin the second row
- From here on we will work with alternating square knots.
- For the next row, use cords 3–4 and 5–6 to make two square knots.
- You will notice that the cords used for each knot are now mixed compared to the first row. This is what begins forming the diamond pattern.
Step 4: Make the third row
- The next row has three square knots.
- Use cords: 2–3, 4–5 and 6–7
- This continues building the diamond shape.
Step 5: Make the fourth row
- This row has four square knots, and it is the middle of the diamond pattern.
- Use all the cords to tie the four square knots.
Step 6: Begin closing the diamond
- The next row has three square knots, which shows we are starting the return of the diamond shape.
- Use cords: 2–3, 4–5 and 6–7
- Graphic showing the fifth row with 3 knots
Step 7: Continue the pattern
- Now make two square knots using cords 3–4 and 5–6
- We are getting close to closing the diamond.
Step 8 : Finish the diamond
- Finally, make one single square knot in the center.
- With this knot, we complete the first diamond.
Step 9: Add the embellishments
- Now it’s time to add the embellishments if you want to use them.
- I used some light wooden beads that matched very well with the turquoise color of the cord. These beads work nicely as separators between the diamonds.
Step 10: Repeat the diamond pattern
- Repeat steps 3 through 8 to create two more diamonds, for a total of three diamonds in the design.
Step 11: Start forming the plant basket
- To create the basket where the pot will sit, measure about 2–3 inches below the last diamond.
- Tie a row of four square knots straight across.
- Skip the first two cords, tie the four square knots, and then skip the last two cords.
Step 12: Begin shaping the basket
- Take the two cords that were not used on each side and bring them toward the center.
- Tie a square knot about 1 inch below the row of square knots you just made.
Step 13: Continue on the left side
- Use the two left cords from that center knot together with the next two cords to the left.
- Tie a square knot about 1½ inches below the knot you just made.
- This knot will be on the left side.
Step 14: Repeat on the right side
- Do the same thing on the right side using the two cords from the center knot and the next two cords to the right.
Step 15: Complete the basket
- Turn your plant hanger around and continue tying square knots around the hanger at the same level as the first two.
- When you finish, you should have five square knots forming the basket that will hold the plant pot.
Step 16: Make the wrapping knot
- Now grab one extra piece of cord and use it to tie a wrapping knot around all the cords below the basket.
- Wrap the cord several times around the group of cords until you reach the size you like.
Step 17: Trim the fringe
- Cut the cords to the length you prefer.
- My daughter left hers long, but you can trim it wherever you like best.
- If you want a softer, fluffier fringe, you can gently brush the ends with a comb.
- And that’s it! Your DIY macrame plant hanger is ready.
If you enjoyed this DIY Macrame Plant Hanger, don’t forget to PIN and share it with friends.
Til’ next time…
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