How to DIY a $2000 Prada Macrame Bag for Just $8!

How I Made a Prada-Inspired Macrame Bag for $8—And You Can Too!

Have you ever walked past a designer store, spotted a gorgeous bag, and thought, "I need that in my life!"—only to look at the price tag and feel your heart sink?

That’s exactly how I felt when I first saw the $2000 Prada macrame net bag.

It was love at first sight, but there was no way I would spend that much.

So, I decided to make one myself!

And guess what?

I ended up crafting my very own version for just $8.

Yes, you read that right—$8!

You're in the right place if you’ve been dreaming of that stylish, summery macrame net bag without the jaw-dropping price tag.

I’ll show you how to DIY a Prada-inspired macrame bag on a budget in this blog post.

Not only is it super affordable, but you can also personalize it to make it yours.

Ready to get knotty and show out?

Let’s dive in!

Why DIY This Bag?

Aside from saving hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars, making your own Prada-inspired macrame net bag is incredibly rewarding.

Not only will you end up with a stylish, one-of-a-kind accessory, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself!

It’s a fun and creative project, perfect for beginners and experienced macrame artists alike.

Macrame Knots Used to Make an Inspired-Prada Macrame Bag

To make your Prada-inspired macrame net bag, you only need to master two simple knots:

1. Overhand Knot

The overhand knot is one of the easiest and most basic knots in macrame. It's used to secure the ends of your cords and ensure they don't unravel.

In this project, you’ll use overhand knots throughout to create the bag.

2. Gathering Knot

The Gathering knot is essential for bringing all the cords together in a neat bundle.

It’s often used at the bottom of bags to close off the structure or to attach cords to handles.

In this project, the gathering knot will help you finish the handles of the bag, pulling the cords together for a secure, polished finish.

These two simple knots are all you need to know to create a stunning, designer-inspired macrame net bag!

If you're new to macrame, don't worry—both knots are beginner-friendly and easy to learn.

More Macrame Knots

If you want to add more knots to your macrame designs, check out my free resource, "50 Macrame Knots & Sennit Guide."

It's packed with easy, step-by-step instructions to help you improve your skills and try new creative projects.

Access it here.

Important Macrame Terms for Beginners

Before we begin, it's probably best to go over a few important terms used in macrame.

This will help you understand the techniques more easily, follow patterns with confidence, and set a strong foundation for your macrame journey.

• Knots: Macrame involves various knots, like the overhand knot and alternating overhand knot. Learning these basic knots is key to building a strong foundation.Check the "Macrame Knots You Need to Know" section for the knots used in this pattern.
• Cords: The primary material used in macrame, cords can be made from cotton, jute, nylon, or synthetic fibers. They come in different thicknesses and colors.
• Loop: A loop is formed by crossing the cord over itself to create a ring-like shape. Loops are essential in many macrame designs.
• Fringe: The loose ends of cords that hang down, adding a decorative element. The fringe can be left as is or trimmed to your desired length.
• Anchor Cord: The fixed cord or structure to which other cords are attached. It provides stability and support for your design.
• Working Cord: The cord that is actively manipulated to create knots and patterns throughout the project.
• Sennit: A series of knots grouped together to form a pattern or part of your macrame project.
• Frays and Tassels: The loose ends of your cords, often used intentionally as decorative elements like frays or tassels in your design.

Cord, Supplies, & Tools to Make Inspired-Prada Macrame Bag

Before we start creating your budget-friendly Prada-inspired macrame bag, let’s gather all the essential materials.

You’ll need macrame cord to create the net pattern and a simple black bag to place inside for structure and style.

With just these few supplies, you’re ready to get started on your DIY masterpiece.

Macrame Cord

For the body of the bag, we used our high-quality 3-ply strand twist macrame cotton cord.

This type of cord is perfect for creating solid and durable bags while maintaining a soft, natural feel.

The 3-ply twist gives the cord added strength, making it ideal for holding shape and supporting weight, which is critical when crafting a functional net bag.

Plus, the twisted texture adds a subtle yet stylish touch to the bag's overall look, giving it a more polished and professional finish.

This cord looks excellent and holds up well over time, ensuring your DIY macrame bag is as durable as beautiful.

Macrame Supplies

To complete your macrame bag and give it that true Prada-inspired look, we’ll place a black bag inside the macrame netting.

This inner bag isn’t just for style—it’s practical too.

It holds your belongings securely, keeping smaller items from slipping through the net while giving the macrame structure more shape.

The sleek black finish contrasts beautifully with the natural cotton cord, giving the whole bag a chic, designer vibe.

You can use any simple black bag, like a fabric pouch or a tote, but the key is to make sure it fits well and complements the overall look.

This final touch really ties everything together, giving your DIY creation both function and a polished, high-end finish!

Macrame Tools

• Scissors
• Measuring Tape
• Fringe comb

Macrame Bag Pattern Details

Skill level:

• Beginner 

Completed size:

• 10” length and 12” height

Completion time:

• 1 - 2 hours depending on skill level

Materials needed (for 1 unit):

• 1 x 4mm 3ply twist macrame cord.
• 1 x black bag

Cord lengths: 

• 18 cords at 210 cm (83”)
• 2 cords at 300 cm (118”)

Note: The suggested cord lengths are based on using 4mm 3ply Rainbow Cord. If you're using a different cord size or brand, the lengths may vary, so adjust as needed.

How To Make A Prada-Inspired Macrame Bag | Video Tutorial 

How To Make A Prada-Inspired Macrame Bag | Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1:

• Take two strands of 210 cm cords.
• Tie an Overhand knot in the center of both cords.
• Repeat this process eight more times, making a total of 9 knots. 

Step 2

• Take the two Overhand knot patterns we made and tape them vertically.
• Use the inner-right cord as the working cord to create an Alternating Overhand knot row, leaving 2 cm of space between the rows.
• Continue this pattern until all nine knots from step 1 are connected with Overhand knots in the same row.

Step 3

• Turn the pattern around.
• Repeat the Alternating Overhand knot row on the other side.
• Leave 2 cm of space between the rows, just like on the first side.

Step 4

• Create an upside-down triangle pattern using Overhand knots.
• Leave 3 cm of space between each row.

Step 5

• Turn the pattern around.
• Repeat the upside-down triangle pattern on the other side of the cords.
• Leave 3 cm of space between each row.

Step 6

• Fold the pattern in half and adjust to ensure both sides are even.

Step 7

• Turn the pattern sideways.
• Take the middle 2 cords and tie an Overhand knot 2 cm down.

Step 8:

• Make a second row of Overhand knots with the next cord on both sides, leaving 3 cm of space.

Step 9:

• Repeat the same pattern on the other side.

Step 10:

• Fold the pattern in half and finish off the rest of the net bag pattern with Overhand knots.

Step 11:

• Add one more row of Overhand knots all around.

Step 12:

• Divide the cords into four equal groups.
• Take one group of 9 cords and tie a large Overhand knot.
• Repeat this for each of the remaining groups.

Step 13

• Place the excess cords on top of each other, spaced about 20 cm apart.
• Use a 300 cm cord to tie a Gathering knot around the cords.
• Repeat the same process on the other side.

Step 14

• Trim off any excess cords from the handle.
• This will give your craft a neat and stylish finish.

Enjoy Your Stylish, Handcrafted Macrame Bag—And the Compliments!

And just like that, you’ve created your very own Prada-inspired macrame bag—for just $8!

Remember when I first spotted that stunning $2000 Prada bag in the store window?

I knew there had to be a more affordable way to get the same look, and now you’ve discovered it too.

Not only did you save a fortune, but you’ve also gained a new skill and the satisfaction of making something beautiful with your own hands.

Imagine the compliments you’ll get when you step out with your stylish, handcrafted bag—people will never guess you made it yourself!

Plus, now that you’ve mastered the technique, who knows what other amazing projects you’ll take on next?

The possibilities are endless.

If you loved this project, stay tuned—there’s always something new and exciting to create.

Happy knotting, and don’t forget to share your incredible work!