Starting Strong: 5 Beginner Tips to Succeed in Macrame

Ready to take your macrame skills to the next level? Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your technique, these five essential tips for beginners will set you up for success.

From mastering the basic knots to perfecting your tension, you’ll find everything you need to get started on your macrame journey with confidence.

Let’s dive in!

What is Macrame?

Let’s break it down—what exactly is macrame? At its core, it’s a craft that uses simple cords or threads to create beautiful, decorative knots.

By mixing and matching these knots, you can create stunning patterns, designs, and textures.

Some of the most common knots you’ll come across are the square knot, double half hitch, and the lark’s head.

But here’s where it gets fun: with just a handful of these basic knots and a bit of creativity, you can craft truly unique pieces.

Throw in some different materials, colors, and techniques, and the possibilities are endless!

One of the reasons macrame is so popular is because it's super accessible—you don’t need a lot of fancy tools to get started.

Plus, it gives you so much room for creativity and personal flair, making each project truly your own.

Getting Started with Macrame

This blog post article is designed to help you—especially if you’re new to macrame—find your footing and feel confident as you start your crafting journey.

Let’s be honest, macrame can feel intimidating at first, but we’re here to make it easier.

This post breaks down the basics and offers simple, practical tips to help you overcome common challenges and get started with confidence.

Now, let's begin.

5 Tips When Getting Started with Macrame

Below are my top 5 tips you should know when getting started with macrame.

These valuable insights are designed to simplify the process and help you get started with confidence. 

Tip #1: Having the Right Tools and Supplies

Before diving into macrame, it’s essential to gather the right tools and materials to set yourself up for success.

Luckily, macrame is a pretty low-maintenance craft when it comes to supplies, but having a few key items will make your projects easier and more enjoyable.

Macrame Cord

The foundation of any macrame project is, of course, macrame cord.

For beginners, I recommend starting with a 3-4mm cotton cord, which is easy to handle and knots well. Cotton cord is soft, flexible, and perfect for a variety of projects.

Scissors

A sharp pair of scissors is a must. You’ll be cutting through thick cord, so make sure your scissors are heavy-duty enough to handle it without fraying the ends.

Measuring Tape

Precision matters in macrame, especially if you’re working on symmetrical designs. A measuring tape will help ensure your cords are the right length.

Mounting Surface

Whether it’s a wooden dowel, a metal ring, or even a wooden branch, having something to attach your cords to is crucial for your project.

Make sure you have a sturdy base for your knots.

Optional Supplies

Depending on your project, you might also want to grab some T-pins for securing your work to a corkboard or tape to hold your cord in place while you knot.

Starting your macrame journey with the right macrame tools ensures smoother progress and fewer frustrations as you learn the craft.

Once you have these essentials, you’ll be ready to tackle a wide range of projects!

Tip #2: Master the Essential Macrame Knots

Before jumping into more complex projects, it's important to learn and practice the fundamental macrame knots.

These basic knots are the building blocks of nearly every macrame design and will help you feel more confident as you progress. 

Focus on mastering the Lark's head knot, Square knot, and the Double Half Hitch knot—once you’ve got these down, you’ll be ready to create a wide variety of stunning patterns!

Lark’s Head Knot

Here’s how to tie a Lark’s Head Knot in simple steps:

• Step 1: Fold your cord in half, creating a loop at the folded end.
• Step 2: Place the loop over your holding rod, dowel, or ring.
• Step 3: Pull the two loose ends of the cord through the loop.
• Step 4: Tug the loose ends downward to tighten the knot securely around the rod or ring.

And that's it! The Lark's Head Knot provides a secure way to attach cords and serves as a solid starting point for your macrame projects.

Square Knot

A macrame Square Knot is one of the most essential and versatile knots in macrame, often used for both decorative and functional purposes.

This knot is created by combining two half knots in opposite directions, resulting in a symmetrical, flat knot that adds texture and strength to your design.

The Square Knot is commonly used to create repeating patterns in macrame projects like plant hangers, wall hangings, and jewelry.

It can be tied using four cords, where the two outer cords are used to create the knot, while the two middle cords act as anchors.

By mastering this knot, you'll have a solid foundation for many macrame projects, as it’s frequently repeated to form various designs, from simple rows to intricate patterns.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to tying a macrame Square Knot:

• Step 1: Start with four cords – the two middle cords are the anchor cords, and the two outer cords will form the knot.
• Step 2: Take the left outer cord and cross it over the two middle anchor cords, forming a loop on the left side.
• Step 3: Take the right outer cord and place it over the left cord, then behind the middle cords, and finally through the loop on the left side.
• Step 4: Pull both outer cords tight to form the first half of the knot.
• Step 5: To complete the Square Knot, repeat the process in reverse: this time, cross the right outer cord over the middle cords, forming a loop on the right side.
• Step 6: Take the left outer cord, place it over the right cord, then behind the middle cords, and through the loop on the right side.
• Step 7: Pull both outer cords tight to complete the Square Knot.

Double Half-Hitch Knot

 

The Double Half Hitch Knot (DHHK) is one of the most versatile and important knots in macrame. It's perfect for adding detailed lines and shapes to your designs, offering precision and a refined look.

The DHHK allows you to form straight, diagonal, or curved lines, making it ideal for outlining and adding structure to your projects.

The knot is made by wrapping a working cord around a holding cord twice, securing it firmly with two half hitches.

This simple technique can be used to create a variety of patterns, including zigzags, waves, and arches. It’s particularly popular in wall hangings, where it adds definition, texture, and creates clear, clean lines.

The DHHK is perfect for outlining shapes or creating borders between sections of your design.

What I love about the Double Half Hitch Knot is how much control it gives you.

You can shape your cord into intricate designs or bold patterns, all with just a little practice. It’s like unlocking a whole new level of creativity in your macrame projects.

So, if you’re looking to take your skills up a notch, mastering the DHHK is definitely the way to go!

Once you get the hang of popular knots like the Square Knot, Lark's Head Knot, and Double Half Hitch Knot, you'll be able to tackle all sorts of projects—yes, even macrame keychains!

But if you really want to dive deeper into the art of macrame, it’s worth learning a few more essential knots, like the Gathering Knot and Berry Knot.

To help you on your way, I’ve put together a free resource called the "50 Macrame Knots & Sennit Guide". It’s packed with step-by-step instructions to help you expand your knotting skills and discover new creative possibilities.

Tip #3: Be Prepared to Undo a Lot of Knots

Let’s be real—mistakes happen, especially when you’re learning a new craft like macrame.

One thing you’ll quickly discover is that unknotting will become a regular part of your process.

Whether it's a misplaced knot, uneven tension, or simply trying out a new design that doesn’t quite work, you’ll find yourself undoing knots more often than you might expect.

And guess what?

That’s totally normal! Every experienced macrame artist has had to backtrack and undo their knots at some point.

The good news is that unknotting is part of the learning experience. It helps you understand the flow of the cords, how different knots come together, and how to refine your technique over time.

Patience is key here. Don’t rush through your projects—take your time and be willing to pull a knot apart if it doesn’t look quite right.

The more you practice unknotting and re-tying, the more confident and skilled you’ll become.

Plus, it gives you a chance to perfect your work and ensure your final piece is as polished as possible.

So, don’t get discouraged when you have to undo a knot (or ten!). It’s all part of mastering the art of macrame.

Consider it a chance to refine your skills and get one step closer to creating something beautiful.

Tip #4: Measure twice, cut once

One of the most important habits to develop in macrame is taking the time to carefully measure your cords before cutting them.

The old saying, "measure twice, cut once," couldn’t be more relevant here.

Once your cords are cut too short, there’s no going back, and nothing's more frustrating than running out of cord mid-project!

When starting a new project, always plan ahead and allow extra length for your cords.

Keep in mind that many knots, especially more intricate ones, will use up more cord than you might expect.

To avoid any unwanted surprises, double-check your measurements before making that first cut. It’s always better to have a bit too much cord, which you can trim down later, than to come up short and have to start over.

This extra attention to detail can save you from wasted materials and unnecessary frustration.

Plus, it gives you peace of mind as you work through your project, knowing that you won’t run out of cord halfway through.

Remember, taking a few extra minutes to double-check measurements can make all the difference, especially when you're creating a large or complex macrame piece.

It’s a small step that ensures your project stays on track from start to finish.

Tip #5: Don’t Toss Those Scraps! Save Them

One of the best-kept secrets in macrame is that those leftover pieces of cord can be incredibly useful.

Instead of throwing away your scraps, hold onto them—you'll be surprised by how many creative ways you can use them in future projects.

Scrap cords are perfect for practicing new knots, experimenting with designs, or testing out color combinations.

They’re also great for smaller projects like keychains, coasters, or even mini wall hangings.

You can even use them to add decorative fringes or tassels to larger pieces, giving your work extra texture and flair.

Another bonus? Saving your scraps is a more sustainable way to craft. By repurposing leftover pieces, you reduce waste and get the most out of your materials.

Over time, you’ll accumulate a variety of scrap lengths in different colors and textures, offering a treasure trove of possibilities for unique and personalized creations.

Looking for ideas on how to use those scraps?

We’ve got simple and fun projects waiting for you over on our YouTube channel.

Bonus Tip! Embrace a Positive Attitude and Enjoy the Process

Macrame, like any craft, is as much about the journey as it is about the finished product.

While it can sometimes feel frustrating when knots don’t turn out quite right or a project takes longer than expected, having a positive mindset makes all the difference.

Instead of focusing on perfection, focus on enjoying the act of creating. Each knot you tie is a step toward improving your skills and finding your own rhythm.

Mistakes are part of the learning process, and every time you untangle a knot or rework a section, you’re getting better.

Take it slow, and don’t rush—there’s something meditative about the repetitive nature of macrame.

Let yourself get lost in the process, and you’ll find that crafting becomes a relaxing and rewarding experience.

Celebrate small wins along the way. Whether it's finally mastering a tricky knot or seeing your project take shape, acknowledge your progress.

Macrame is all about patience, creativity, and allowing yourself to explore new ideas. By maintaining a positive attitude and enjoying the moment, you’ll not only improve your skills but also find more joy in every project you create.

Macrame is a beautiful, creative journey that takes time and practice. By starting with these essential tips, you’ll set a solid foundation for your craft.

Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about enjoying the process, learning from mistakes, and finding joy in creating something with your own hands.

Happy knotting!