How to Make a Simple Macrame Plant Hanger, Step‑by‑Step Beginner Project

A simple macrame plant hanger is a perfect first full-size project: useful, forgiving, and furnishable in an afternoon. This guide gives a clear materials list, exact cut lengths (metric first), step‑by‑step knot instructions, and tips so you can make a sturdy hanger for a medium pot (≈12–15 cm / 5–6 in diameter).

• Time: 2–3 hours
• Skill level: Easy → Moderate (you need Lark’s Head, Square Knot, and a Gathering Knot)
• Finished length (ring to bottom tassel): ~60 cm (adjustable)

Materials

• 4 lengths of 5 mm cotton macrame cord, each 5.0 m long (see how to adjust below)
• Metal or wooden ring (25–35 mm / 1–1.5 in diameter) to hang from
• Scissors
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Small comb or brush (optional, for fringe)
• Optional: wooden beads, tape, lighter (for synthetic cord only)

How to find the right length for you? Cut 8× the desired finished length.

Example: desired finished length ≈ 60 cm → 8 × 60 cm = 480 cm → round to 5.0 m per cord. Add ~30 cm extra per cord if you like extra fringe or decorative knots.

Prep

1. Find a comfortable workspace with a way to suspend the ring (a hook, door knob, or a clip on a shelf).
2. Tape the ends or use a clip to prevent fraying while measuring/cutting.

Step‑by‑step

1.Fold and attach cords to the ring (Lark’s Head)

• Fold each 5.0 m cord in half to make a loop.
• Attach each folded cord to the ring with a Lark’s Head Knot: place the loop behind the ring, bring the loop over the ring, pull the cord ends through the loop and tighten.
• After attaching 4 cords you will have 8 working strands hanging from the ring.

2.Arrange into 4 groups

• Spread the 8 strands evenly around the ring and arrange them into four groups of 2 strands each (each group will act as two filler/working cords when forming square knots). For clarity, number the groups 1–4 going around the ring.

3.Create the top row of square knots (optional decorative start)

• Working with group 1 (4 strands = 2 doubled cords): form a square knot about 8–10 cm below the ring. To tie a square knot:
• a. Identify the 4 strands: left working (1), two center fillers (2), right working (1).
  b. Left working cord goes over the two center cords and under the right working cord.
  c. Right working cord goes under the center cords and up through the loop on the left side. Pull to tighten.
  d. Repeat mirrored: right over center and under left; left under center and up through loop. Tighten to finish the square knot.
• Repeat a square knot with each group (groups 2, 3, 4), spacing them evenly at the same 8–10 cm level to form a tidy top ring of knots.

4.Create the middle section (net to hold the pot)

• Move down ~10–12 cm from the first row (measure from the center of the top square knots).
• Create a second row of square knots, but this time make them using two strands from one group and two strands from the adjacent group to form a net pattern: a. Example:
• To make the square knot between group 1 and group 2, use the two outer strands of group 1 and the two inner strands of group 2. Tie a square knot in the same manner as above.
• Repeat around so you have four square knots forming a cage-like net. This creates the area that will hold the pot.

5.Optional: Add a decorative row

• For extra length or decoration, you can add one more row of alternating square knots below the first net row, spacing 8–12 cm apart depending on pot size.

6.Gather the cords to form the base (Gathering Knot)

• Measure down so the bottom of your pot will sit about 6–8 cm above where your gathering knot will be tied.
• Collect all 8 working strands together and make a gathering knot (a wrapped knot) about 5–8 cm below the level where the pot will sit:
• a. Use a short length of spare cord (about 50–70 cm). Lay it along the bundle with a small tail (~6–8 cm) pointing up.
• b. Wrap the longer working end tightly and neatly around the bundle and the short tail for 30–40 wraps (or until tidy and secure).
• c. Thread the short tail through the loop formed at the start before tightening, then pull the long end to lock the wraps. Trim ends neatly. (This forms a strong gathered base that keeps the pot secure.)
• Alternative: finish with a simple overhand knot if you prefer a rustic look (less tidy but quicker).

6.Trim and finish

• Trim the bottom cords to an even tassel length if desired, leaving a 6–8 cm tassel below the gathering knot.
• Comb out the tassel for a fuller look, or leave as-is for a sleek finish.
• Add beads above knots if desired by sliding them onto individual strands before tying the gathering knot.

7.Test with the pot

• Carefully place your pot (with plant and saucer if used) into the hanger and hang from the ring or mounting point. Check stability and adjust knots/tension if the pot tilts. If the pot includes a saucer, make sure the net and gathering knot allow the saucer to sit safely.

Troubleshooting & Tips

• If the hanger tilts: check that all four net knots are at the same height and tension. Loosen and re-tension square knots to even them.
• Cord too short: always err on the side of longer cords, you can trim but can’t add length.
• Tightness: aim for medium tension. Knots too tight make the hanger stiff; too loose makes it sag.
• Pot size: for larger pots, increase finished length and/or use 6 mm cord and 6 cords (folded to 12 strands) for extra strength.
• Wet plants: if you’ll hang a pot that drains, either catch the water with a saucer before placing in the hanger or place a waterproof liner in the pot so the cord doesn’t remain damp (cotton can mildew if constantly wet).

Variations

• Single‑row knots only: omit the second net row for a more open look, good for round pots.
• Beads between knots: thread wooden beads on single strands before tying second‑row knots for a boho detail.
• Multi‑colored cords: use two colors by pairing cords to create color blocks.

Care & maintenance

• Spot clean cotton cord with mild soap and water; air dry fully before rehanging.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct harsh sunlight to prevent cord fading.
• Inspect gathering knot and top ring periodically for wear if hanging heavy pots.

Printable cut list (copy/paste)

• 4 × 5.0 m lengths of 5 mm cotton cord (folded in half = 8 working strands)
• 1 × metal/wooden ring (25–35 mm)
• Optional: spare 0.5–0.8 m cord for gathering knot

You now have a simple, sturdy macrame plant hanger that you can finish in one session. Make a second one to create a hanging pair, or try switching cord thickness/colors to suit your decor.

If you like this article, you’ll love this Easy Beginner Macrame Projects