At a Glance: Easy Macrame Plant Hanger
- You only need two knots to finish this project: the square and the gathering knot
- The whole hanger takes under 2 hours and $10–$15 in supplies
- This tutorial links a step-by-step video so you can see every move before you try it
Easy Macrame Plant Hanger for Beginners (Step-by-Step Tutorial)
Starting macrame projects may sound intimidating at first. Thankfully, there are hundreds of tutorials online. The thing is, most of them jump straight into knot names and skip the part that actually matters: what to cut, how long to cut it, and what order to do everything in.
Sound familiar? I understand the feeling.
That's why I created this guide. Two knots. Eight cords. Under two hours. And you'll have a finished plant hanger hanging in your home by the end of the day.
What You'll Need
- 8 cords of cotton macrame rope (exact lengths in Step 1)
- 1 additional cord, ~80cm / 32″, for the closing knot
- 1 metal or wooden ring, approximately 2″
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Optional: wooden beads with large holes
How to Make an Easy Macrame Plant Hanger: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Cut and Stage Your Cords
Cut 8 cords to length based on how long you want your finished hanger. A good starting rule us to cut each cord to roughly 4 times your desired finished length. For a standard hanger around 3 feet long, cut each cord to about 12 feet.
Also cut one separate cord at 80cm / 32″ then set it aside. You'll use it for the closing knot at the very end.
Line all 8 cords up evenly, and you're ready to go.
Step 2: Attach Your Cords to the Ring
Find the middle of one cord and wrap it around behind the ring so you've got a small loop sitting open at the front. Pull both ends of the cord down through that loop. Pull it snug. Keep it neat and flush against the ring.
Repeat for all 8 cords. You should have 16 strands hanging down from the ring once you're done.
Step 3: Tie the First Row of Square Knots
Measure down about 40cm / 16″ from the ring. That's your starting point for the first row.
Separate your 16 strands into 3 groups of 4: the middle group, the left group, and the right group.
Here's how to tie the square knot: In each group, the 2 middle strands stay put. They”re just ‘ll serve as the anchor.
Take the left outer strand and cross it over the 2 middle strands. Take the right outer strand, cross it underneath those same 2 middle strands, and pull it up through the loop the left strand created. Pull both ends up and tighten.
Now, you're done with the first half.
Now do it in reverse. Right strand crosses over the 2 middle strands. Left strand crosses underneath and pulls up through the loop. Pull tight.
That's one full square knot.
Tie a square knot in each of your 3 groups. Make sure all three knots sit at the same height before moving on. Eyeball it and adjust.
Step 4: Tie the Alternating Second Row
This is where the basket shape forms.
Measure down about 15cm / 6″ below the first row of knots. You can also hold your pot up to the hanger to gauge the spacing visually.
Now you're going to take 4 strands from the middle of two adjacent groups, not from the same group you just knotted. Two strands from one group, two strands from the group next to it. Tie the same square knot.
Work your way around the hanger doing this at every junction. You'll end up with a ring of alternating knots that cradles the pot.
Step 5: Tie the Closing Gathering Knot
Bring all 16 strands together below the basket.
Take your pre-cut 80cm cord. Fold it in half to create a small loop at one end. Lay it on top of all the gathered strands with the loop pointing down.
Take the longer end and start wrapping it neatly around all the strands. Wrap tight as you go. Do about 9 to 10 wraps.
Thread the loose end of the wrapping cord down through the loop at the bottom. Now pull the top tail of the loop upward. This tucks the whole thing together and locks it in place.
Cut both remaining ends close and trim clean.
Step 6: Trim and Hang
Even up the fringe at the bottom. Cut it straight or at an angle. Your call.
Place your pot into the basket to test the fit. It should sit snugly with the sides of the hanger supporting it around the rim.
Hang from a ceiling hook. Done.
Watch the step-by-step video by RikkiRikki DIY Channel:
Tips for Getting It Right the First Time
- Keep your tension consistent as you knot. Loose knots look sloppy and slip over time. Pull each knot firm as you go.
- If your knots look uneven, tug gently on the working strands before tightening all the way. You can correct a lot with a gentle pull.
- If your cord starts fraying at the ends, put a small dab of fabric glue on the tip and let it dry before continuing.
- Hang your hanger in progress from a hook or a doorknob while you work. It's a lot easier to see spacing issues and keep everything even when it's vertical.
If you've been putting it off because macrame looked too complicated or the tutorials you found were too confusing, this is the one that actually walks you through it.
Cut your cords first. Follow the steps in order. And don't forget to photograph it when it's done.
More macrame? Save this macrame lawn chair tutorial for your next one.
FAQs
What cord is best for an easy macrame plant hanger? For an easy macrame plant hanger, go with 4mm single-strand or 3-ply twisted cotton cord. It's soft on your hands, easy to unravel if you make a mistake, and holds knots cleanly. Avoid jute for your first project. It's rougher to work with and harder to untie.
How long does an easy macrame plant hanger take to make? Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish. That includes 20 minutes of measuring and cutting, around 90 minutes of knotting, and about 10 minutes of trimming and hanging. It goes faster on your second one.
Can you make a macrame plant hanger without a ring? Yes. You can fold all your cords in half, tie a loop at the top using a square knot wrap, and hang from that. A ring gives you a cleaner, more polished look and keeps the top from spreading. For a first project, the ring is easier to work with.
Why do my macrame knots keep coming out uneven? Almost always a spacing issue, not a knot issue. If you're measuring between knots instead of measuring down from the ring before you start, you'll get drift. Measure everything before you tie your first knot. Also make sure you're keeping your tension consistent. Loose knots on one side and tight on the other will throw off the whole hanger.
What size pot fits a beginner macrame plant hanger? A medium pot, roughly 5 to 7 inches wide and 5 to 6 inches tall, works best for this pattern. If your pot is larger, add a few extra inches to your cord lengths when you cut. When in doubt, hold the pot up to the basket section while you're building to check the fit before you tie the closing knot.
