DIY Macrame Mirror with Beads: One Petal, a Beautiful Mandala
Hi, I’m Nicole. A round design can look complicated when you see the finished piece. Here, you only need to learn one beaded petal and repeat it around a ring. This free macrame pattern includes the full cutting list, 16 written steps, close-up photos and a follow-along video.
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Project at a glance
- Skill level
- Advanced beginnerPractice Double Half Hitch knots first.
- Making time
- About 2 hoursAllow extra time if you’re still learning.
- Finished diameter
- About 15 in / 38 cmIncludes the brushed fringe.
- Mirror size
- 8 in / 20.3 cmUse a matching 8-inch metal ring.
- Pattern repeat
- 11 beaded petalsOne bead in each petal.
- Knots to know
- 3 knot typesLark’s Head, Double Half Hitch & Overhand.
Cord and Materials for Your Macrame Mandala Mirror
Choose your mirror, ring and beads before cutting the cord. The original pattern uses 4mm single-strand Foundation cotton cord; a different thickness or construction can change the petal size, threading fit and cord needed.
4mm Single-Strand Cord
Choose 4mm for this pattern’s cutting list. Allow 42.85m, plus extra for practice.
Shop Single-Strand Cord →
8-Inch Round Mirror
You’ll need one 8-inch (20.3cm) mirror to match the metal ring. This listing contains a pack of ten.
Shop The Mirror on Amazon →
Large-Hole Wooden Beads
You’ll need 11 beads. Test both cord ends through the hole before starting.
Shop Wooden Beads →
Macrame Fringe Comb
Gently separate the cotton fibers, then trim the fringe into an even border.
Shop The Fringe Comb →Complete materials and tools checklist
Need help deciding between cord types? Read the macrame cord guide before substituting materials.
Cut Your Cord Once, Then Work One Petal at a Time
| Quantity | Length per strand | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 55 strands | 75cm (about 29.5 inches) | 11 petals, using 5 folded strands each |
| 1 strand | 160cm (about 63 inches) | Securing the mirror at the back |
Total for the listed cuts: 42.85m of cord (about 46.9 yards). Keep extra for a practice petal and adjustments. The lengths above are measured before folding; five folded strands give you 10 cord ends.
Separate the 55 short strands into 11 groups of five. Set the 160cm finishing cord aside so it does not get used in the petal pattern. If you change cord thickness, ring size or tension, test a petal before cutting all 55 strands.
Three Knots to Practice Before You Start
- Lark’s Head: attaches folded cord to the ring.
- Double Half Hitch (DHH): forms the angled rows and petal outlines.
- Overhand: secures the back attachment.
The anchor cord sets the direction of a DHH row; the working cord wraps around it. Keep the anchor steady instead of pulling it toward each working cord. For help, revisit five fixes for neater Double Half Hitch knots.
A REFERENCE BESIDE YOUR CORD
Keep Your Next Knot Within Reach.
Use the free 50 Macrame Knots & Sennits guide when a pattern introduces a technique you want to practice.
Watch Nicole’s Mandala Mirror Tutorial
Follow the original video alongside the photographs below. Pause after the first petal, and watch the back attachment before securing your mirror.
Open the tutorial on YouTube →
How to Make a Macrame Mirror with Beads: 16 Steps
Steps 1–9 make one petal. Repeat that unit in Step 10, then finish the fringe and attach the mirror.
Step 1: Mount the first five cords
Fold five 75cm cords in half and attach them to the metal ring with Lark’s Head knots. You now have 10 hanging cord ends for one petal. Keep the remaining 50 short cords aside for the other 10 petals.
Step 2: Start the inner V
Count from the left. Use the third cord as the anchor and tie two diagonal Double Half Hitch (DHH) knots toward the right. Keep the anchor at the angle you want the row to follow.
Step 3: Mirror the row
Repeat on the right, mirroring the left side. Join the middle two cords with one diagonal DHH knot toward the left to finish the V.
Step 4: Begin the left outline
Use the top-left cord of the V as an anchor. Tie two DHH knots toward the left, then one DHH knot back toward the right.
Step 5: Build the left side
Use the next cord down on the left as the anchor. Tie two DHH knots to the left and one back to the right. With the next cord down, make another two DHH knots toward the left.
Step 6: Repeat on the right
Mirror the same sequence on the right side. Pause to compare both outlines before continuing; adjusting one row now is easier than reshaping a completed petal.
Step 7: Bring the knotwork inward
Use the middle-left cord as the working cord and tie a DHH knot toward the center on the left anchor. Repeat on the right, using the photographs to follow the cord paths.
Step 8: Thread the bead
Tape the ends of the middle two cords together into a narrow tip and thread both through one large-hole bead. Slide it into position without forcing the opening or stripping fibers from the cords.
Step 9: Close the petal
Using the cords beneath the bead, make one more DHH knot on each side. Close the middle with a final DHH knot. Check that the bead sits centrally and the two sides have a similar shape.
Step 10: Make 11 petals around the ring
Repeat Steps 1–9 with the remaining cords, using five folded strands and one bead per petal. Make 11 petals in total. Space their mounting knots evenly around the ring before trimming.
Step 11: Make a first trim
Trim the excess cord ends around the petals, leaving enough fringe for brushing and a final shaping pass. Cut conservatively; brushed fringe will spread wider.
Step 12: Comb the fringe
Gently comb the loose single-strand cotton from the ends toward the knotwork in small sections. Support the knots with your other hand so brushing does not pull the petals out of shape.
Step 13: Shape the edge
Trim the brushed fringe into the outline you want. Turn the piece as you work and compare opposite sides for a balanced circular border.
Step 14: Position the mirror on the back
Lay the knotwork face down on a clean, soft surface. Center the mirror over the ring with its reflective face toward the front of the design. Tie the separate 160cm cord to the ring with an Overhand knot.
Step 15: Lace across the back
Bring the cord ends across the back of the mirror and weave them through the petals on opposite sides. Secure with Overhand knots, following the cord route in the photographs and video.
Step 16: Secure and check the assembly
Make an Overhand knot on the left and right sides, then bring the cords back to the starting point and secure with Overhand knots. Check that the mirror is retained before lifting the piece. If it shifts or can slip out, redo the attachment before display.
Small Checks That Make the Whole Mirror Look Neater
- Compare each petal with the first. Check row direction and knot count before tightening everything.
- Distribute the petals before cutting. Adjust spacing around the ring rather than trying to disguise gaps with fringe.
- Test the bead with both cords. Excess tape can make the tip too thick. If it still will not fit, choose a larger opening.
- Brush first, shape second. Leave trimming room, then make small final cuts after the fibers are separated.
Macrame Mirror Questions, Answered
Is this a good first macrame project?
It is best for an advanced beginner who can already make a Double Half Hitch. The repeated petal makes the pattern easier to learn, but mirrored rows require some control. Practice one petal before committing to the whole ring.
Can I use 3mm cord instead of 4mm?
You can experiment, but the original cutting list and 11-petal arrangement were written for 4mm single-strand cord. Thinner cord may leave more space around the ring and produce smaller petals. Make a sample and adjust the layout rather than assuming the same cuts will give the same result.
Why will my bead not fit over two cords?
Hole diameter, cord firmness and the thickness of the taped tip all matter. The original 6mm minimum is not a guarantee for every pair of 4mm cords. Test gently with the actual materials and choose a larger hole if needed.
Can I make the mirror larger?
A larger ring changes the number or width of petals needed to cover it. Larger petals can also need longer cords. Treat it as a new sizing exercise: test a petal, check coverage around the ring and recalculate before cutting.
Does this pattern use glue to attach the mirror?
The original method uses the separate 160cm cord to lace and tie the mirror into the back. Check the fit and retention carefully; a mirror that can move or slip out is not ready to hang.
How do I keep the fringe looking tidy?
Handle it gently, avoid moisture on the cotton, and lightly comb the fringe when needed. Clean the mirror without soaking the surrounding knotwork.
More Free Macrame Patterns to Try Next
Once you have made a full circle of petals, you have practiced much more than bead threading: you have worked with mirrored rows, repetition and spacing.
Half Mandala Wall Hanging
Try a different mandala layout with a semicircle of knotwork.
Open The Pattern →
Macrame Coaster
Practice a neat Double Half Hitch border on a useful small project.
Open The Pattern →
Beaded Macrame Keychain
Use beads and mirrored knotwork in a smaller accessory.
Open The Pattern →- Explore beads, sequins and feathers for other ways to personalize your knotwork.
- Make a half mandala wall hanging to try a different mandala layout.
- Plan your own macrame design when you are ready to adapt a pattern.
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A NOTE FROM YOUR MACRAME TEACHER
Made By You. Shared With Love.
You have turned one beaded petal into a complete mandala mirror. Notice how repetition, spacing and a soft fringe bring the whole design together. Where will you display yours? Tell me in the comments.
Much love,
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