8 Unique Macrame Knots For Beginners

Byapti Siddhanta
Jan 7, 2024
3 min read

Introduction

Macrame is a fibre art that involves knotting cords in decorative patterns. It exploded in popularity in the 1970s, and its bohemian vibe fits right in with modern DIY and handmade trends.

While macrame projects may seem intimidating, anyone can learn a few essential knots to create eye-pleasing woven wall hangings, plant hangers, jewellery, and more.

If you’re new to macrame, fear not, as macrame only requires practice and patience to mas

ter the basics.

These eight beginner-friendly knots are the perfect place to start.

1. 8 Unique Macrame knots:

1.1. Square Knot

The square knot, also called the reef knot, is the foundation of macrame and likely the first knot you should know about. It’s the most basic and commonly used macrame knot.

To tie it:

Take two cords and place the right cord over the left, then under.
Take the left cord over the right cord, then under it to create a basic knot.
Pull the cords tight to secure.
Repeat this sequence, alternating the side that starts on top to produce the square knots.

Rows of square knots form a solid, textured surface perfect for beginner projects like plant hangers, headbands, bracelets, and more.

1.2. Spiral Knot

After mastering the square knot, try the spiral knot to add variation and texture. Start with rows of alternating square knots as your base.

To create a spiral:

Tie each row of square knots in the opposite direction from the previous row.
The cords will corkscrew naturally into a twisted spiral design.

Spiral knots make great bohemian home decor pieces like wall hangings, curtains, or room dividers.

1.3. Lark’s Head Knot

The lark’s head knot creates individual knots that are spaced evenly along a cord, producing a bumpy texture.

To make a lark’s head knot:

Fold a working cord in half to make a loop.
Place the loop over the top of a filler cord laid horizontally, with the folded end underneath the filler cord.
Pull both working cord ends down through the loop and gently tighten the knot.

Repeat down the length of the filler cord to make as many knots as desired. The lark’s head knot is perfect for handbag strap details or as a beaded necklace fastener.

1.4. Half Hitch Knot

Proficiency in the half-hitch knot allows you to fasten cords in macrame projects securely.

To make the half-hitch knot

Make a loop with the working cord on top of the filler cord.
Pull the working cord under the filler cord and have it back on the same loop side.
Pull the ends tight so the knot holds firmly to the filler cord.

Use a series of half hitch knots to neatly finish cord ends in jewellery, plant hangers, wall hangings, and more.

1.5. Alternating Square Knot

This variation on the standard square knot produces diagonal ridged stripes, adding visual interest.

To make alternating square knots:

Tie rows of square knots as usual when you start a new row, and alternate which side cord starts on top.
One row will have the right cord on top, and the next will have the left cord on top, creating the crisscross pattern.

This knot is excellent for beginner bracelets, bag straps, or wall hangings.

Make wall hangers out of macrame — Source: Pexels

1.6. Cross Knot

The cross knot forms an “X” shape with the cords.

To make cross knot:

Arrange two filler cords vertically and two working cords horizontally.
Wrap the left working cord over the first vertical filler cord once, then under the second vertical filler cord.
Repeat on the right side.
The cords should cross over each other where they meet in the middle. Pull gently until a knot forms.

Use cross knots in continuous rows to make woven textures like a wall hanging or plant hanger.

1.7. Wrapped Knot

Wrapped knots add adornment and texture to macrame projects.

To make wrapped knots:

Start with rows of square knots as your base.
Tie another thinner “wrapping” cord around one of the square knot cords using a half hitch.
Continue wrapping down the length of the knotted cord to cover it completely.

Wrapped knots are excellent for hemp jewellery like necklaces and bracelets or adding detail to hanging designs.

1.8. Alternating Half Hitch Knot

The alternating half-hitch knot produces a zigzag effect perfect for beginner jewellery or trim accents.

To make an alternate half-hitch knot:

Secure a working cord to a filler cord with a starting half-hitch knot.
Tie another half hitch below the first, but loop the working cord to the opposite side of the filler.
Continue alternating sides for each knot down the filler cord.

Simple but eye-catching, this knot adds bohemian flair to necklaces, bracelets, anklets, or home decor projects.