9 SECRET Macrame Tips You’ve Likely Never Heard Of

Avoid Common Mistakes with these Top 9 Tips for Macrame Beginners.

When I first discovered macrame, I found it overwhelming to figure out how to get started.

I even knotted my first keychain project with 1mm hemp string instead of cord!

I was thinking back on my knotting mishaps over the years, and my 5+ years of experience inspired me to write this guide, along with many others, to help those struggling get started on the right foot.

I want to share my top 9 tips for macrame beginners to help you avoid these silly mistakes.

I don’t want you to give up because you don’t know what to do. Macrame allows you to create beautiful projects using basic knots and strands of cord. Many find it therapeutic and fulfilling as well.

These nine tips will provide valuable insights and guidance to enhance your macrame skills.

From measuring and cutting the appropriate macrame cord lengths to techniques for untying common macrame knots, I’ve written each tip to help you create beautiful and balanced macrame projects.

So, let's dive in and unlock the secrets to success in the world of macrame with my top 9 tips for macrame beginners.

9 Lesser-Known Tips Every Macrame Beginner Should Know

Tip 1: Measuring & Cutting Cord

To measure short lengths, you can use a ruler or tape measure.

However, the dowel stick method is an easy way to ensure all your cords are even and accurate for large pieces.

It's beneficial when working with multiple colors or patterns – you don't want one cord to be longer than the others!

Let’s get practical.

Tape two dowels to your working surface at half the cord length you need.

Now, wrap your cord around these wooden dowels, once for each cord length you need.

Cut through all the loops at once.

Voila! There you have all the pieces of cord you need at precisely the right length.

Tip 2: How to Create a Straight Line of Macrame Double Half-Hitch Knots

To improve your knotting skills, I recommend a knotting weaving technique when creating a series of knots in a straight line; it can be challenging, particularly for those new to macrame.

The example shown below is a row of diagonal double half-hitch knots.

To simplify this process, use a dowel stick to guide you as you create a row of double half-hitch knots.

Let’s get practical.

Start by securely tying the ends of your rope or cord around the dowel stick.

Use a heavy-duty dowel stick that won't bend when pulling the rope or cord.

Straight knots always make your project look more refined, so take some time and practice – see how many knots you can tie in a straight line in the span of your favorite song.

Tip 3: Macrame Fringe Cutting

Cutting the fringe on your latest creation can be challenging due to its constant movement – I know, and I know that an unplanned uneven fringe on the perfect project can be very disappointing. 

I’ve been there. 

And I’ve become besties with my roll of scotch tape! 

Let’s get practical.

To ensure a precise cut, use tape to secure the fringe in place and then cut underneath the tape.

This method will help you achieve a flawless, beautiful fringe without unwanted shifts.

You can apply this technique to boho-style wall hanging Macrame, plant hangers, or any projects with fringe.

Think of this as taping for the perfect eye-liner – a little tape saves a lot of unnecessary work. 

Tip 4: Untying Knots for Beginners

Untying knots can sometimes be challenging and heartbreaking, but it happens to all of us, so it’s best to accept it as a part of the craft now…

You can get through it with patience and the right approach.

Let’s get practical.

Start by identifying the knot where things went off pattern (so to speak)...

And work slowly and methodically to loosen it—pulling and tugging can lead to tightening other knots, and we don’t want that. 

A crochet hook or tweezers can be very helpful in untangling and releasing the cords.

Take your time gently unraveling the knots; with practice, you'll become more adept at effectively undoing macrame knots.

It is the only part of macrame I don’t like, to be honest, but I will also say – I love seeing the knots come together in the perfect project once it’s fixed!

 Double half-hitch knots have a nice little trick you can use to undo them: 

Simply pull on the anchor cord, until you pull it out, to untie a row of double half-hitch knots.

The entire row should loosen up easily.

While it’s not great to undo your knots – being able to pull the cord out like you pull off a band aid certainly helps! 

Tip 5: Measuring Cord Length

Measuring strands of cord for macrame projects can be tricky.

Factors like cord stretch, tension, and desired length affect measurements.

Considering these variables, verifying measurements, and including additional length for unforeseen variations is essential.

Taking the time to measure the cord accurately is vital for a successful macrame project.

One potential mistake to avoid is cutting the cord too short for the project.

It is essential to consider the cord length needed before making any cuts.

Cutting the cord too short can limit your ability to complete the macrame design or result in an unfinished and unbalanced appearance.

Luckily, I have a hack for you.

Let’s get practical.

A good rule of thumb is to measure cords at least four times the desired length of your project.

• Double the length if you attach these cords with Lark's Head knots.
• 3.5 times the project length will suffice for simple projects with basic knots and lots of fringe and space in the design.
• Intricate projects would need 4.5 times the project length.

Pro-Tip: Go read our Golden Ratio blog! It really makes the math here easy! 

Tip 6: How to Deal With Unravelling Cord When Working on a Macrame Project

When your cotton rope strands unravel during a macrame DIY craft project, it can cause a few challenges.

Firstly, it disrupts the overall aesthetic and symmetry of the design, resulting in an unfinished or messy appearance – nobody wants that…

Secondly, unraveling strands of the cord weakens the knots' structural integrity, compromising the piece's stability.

It also makes maintaining consistent tension difficult and achieving clean and even knots harder.

Trying to fix or reattach unraveled cords is time-consuming (I, personally, would instead be knotting)

Let’s get practical.

When working with different types of macrame cords, it is recommended to knot the cord ends or wrap them in tape.

Securing the loose ends with tape or clips helps keep your cords intact and your design intact.

I’d also remember periodically checking for any signs of unraveling, especially if you have had to undo knots on the piece of cord before – this will help you catch and address the issue early on.

It may seem like such a simple tip, like, “Uh Nicole!” but this simple step provides:

• Stability
• Ensures that your knots remain secure and your project stays intact
• Focus on creating and enjoying your macrame artwork without worrying about unraveling cords and a messy result.

Tip 7: How to Manage Large Amounts of Cord for a Macrame Project.

Maneuvering and managing long cords can be cumbersome, and maintaining consistency throughout the design requires careful attention.

When working on a large project, like a wall hanging, multi-tier macrame plant hangers, macrame wedding backdrops, or macrame curtains.

I am constantly managing and handling a significant amount of cord, and I must avoid having my cords scattered all around.

• They tangle easily – and as I’ve said before, unknotting cords is not my favorite part of this art, so keeping things neat while I’m working is extremely important… and sometimes somewhat complicated.

Let’s get practical.

My trick is so simple but so effective: rubber bands. 

I like to roll these long cords into balls and secure them with rubber bands.

This technique effectively keeps the cords tidy and keeps them out of the way during the macrame process.

I love how easy it is to pull the cord I need from the rolled cord balls as I progress with a macrame project and require additional cords to continue working.

By gently pulling a small amount of cord from the rolled balls, you have a steady and accessible supply to work with.

This method helps maintain organization and prevents tangling or knotting of the cords, allowing you to incorporate the necessary length smoothly without any interruptions or frustrations.

It also ensures that the rest of the cords remain neatly rolled and secured until needed, keeping your workspace clean and efficient.

Tip 8: How to Create Evenly-Spaced Macrame Knots

Achieving even spacing in basic macrame knots and patterns can be one of the most challenging endeavors in this craft.

 The truth is that attaining perfect spacing is nearly impossible when you first start out due to factors such as cord thickness, tension, and the complexity of the design.

These variables impact the overall balance, making it difficult to achieve absolute uniformity.

However, by maintaining consistent tension and practicing careful execution, you can strive for an aesthetically pleasing result with reasonably balanced spacing between your macrame knots and knot patterns.

Here is a simple hack that has helped me: Use a spacer or measuring tape.

Using a spacer or measuring tape is a valuable technique to ensure the even spacing of macrame knots and patterns.

You can maintain consistent intervals by placing a spacer, such as a small piece of dowel or a dedicated macrame tool, between knots or using a measuring tape as a guide.

By employing this method, you can achieve precise measurements and enhance the balance and harmony of your macrame designs.

This approach lets you carefully measure and plan your knots, resulting in a well-proportioned and visually pleasing final piece.

Tip 9: Achieve Straight Fringe with a Steamer and Stiffener

Soft, lush fringe (my favorite) can be easily achieved with readily available household products.

Let’s get practical.

I recommend using a clothing steamer on the cord ends and then treating the pieces of rope cord ends with fabric stiffener or hair spray.

End by using fabric stiffener or hair spray to add an extra layer of protection, preventing fraying and ensuring that the fringe maintains its shape and structure over time.

I hope you find this article, " 9 Important Macrame Tips and Hacks You Probably Don't Know," valuable and inspiring as you embark on your creative Macrame journey.

Remember, patience and practice are crucial to mastering this intricate art form.

If I had to add a final bonus tip, it would really be to embrace the beauty of the process.

Practicing basic knots and trying out different patterns will help your creativity grow.

You’ll figure out which tips work best for you and might even come up with your own tricks along the way.

If you do, I'd love to hear about them—feel free to share on Facebook!

Don't be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them; they are stepping stones towards growth.

With dedication and perseverance, you'll soon create stunning modern macrame pieces that bring joy and beauty into your life.

So grab your cords, follow these tips, and let the art of Macrame weave its magic in your hands. Happy knotting!

P.S.