The Beginner Plant Hanger That Teaches You Six Knots
Last updated: August 20, 2026
A Note from Nicole
This is the plant hanger I point people to when they say they want to learn macramé properly rather than just follow one pattern. It uses six foundational knots — lark's head, half hitch, double half hitch, square, berry and gathering — and those six carry almost every macramé project you'll ever make.
Nineteen steps sounds like a lot. It isn't, really: most steps are one instruction, and the same knots keep coming back in different arrangements. That repetition is the point. By the end you won't have looked up how to tie a double half hitch in a while.
I've also added the thing nobody covers — how to actually hang it, including options that don't involve drilling. It's the question I get most from renters, and it's a genuinely frustrating place to get stuck after two hours of knotting.
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A beginner macramé plant hanger is a hanging planter holder knotted from cotton cord and mounted on a ring, designed so that a first-time maker can complete it using only foundational knots. This pattern uses six knots — the lark's head, half hitch, double half hitch, square knot, berry knot and gathering knot — across 19 steps, and finishes at approximately 3 inches wide by 25 inches long. It holds a small to medium pot between 4 and 7 inches, takes 1–2 hours, and requires one 200 cm cord plus eight 300 cm cords of 3mm cotton.
Quick Answer
- What you'll make: A macramé plant hanger with a DHH top pattern, two square knot diamonds and a combed tassel.
- What you'll learn: Six foundational knots that carry almost every macramé project.
- Skill level: Beginner-friendly, though 19 steps means it rewards patience.
- Time: 1–2 hours across three phases.
- Finished size: 3" wide × 25" long. Fits a 4–7" pot.
- Cord: 3mm single-strand cotton — one 200 cm and eight 300 cm strands.
- Also covered: how to hang it safely, including no-drill options for renters.
🎥 Watch the video first. The DHH rows in Steps 3–8 are much easier to follow demonstrated, and they set up everything below.
What's in this tutorial
- The six knots you'll use
- Materials you'll need
- Cord cut lengths
- Project details at a glance
- Watch the video tutorial
- Phase 1: The top pattern (Steps 1–8)
- Phase 2: Diamonds and the basket (Steps 9–14)
- Phase 3: Finishing and tassel (Steps 15–19)
- How to hang a plant hanger (including without drilling)
- Which pots fit
- Common mistakes (and how to fix them)
- What to make next
- FAQ
The Six Knots You'll Use
Every knot below appears more than once in this pattern, which is exactly why it works as a learning project. Each links to a full tutorial if you want to practise it on its own first.
| Knot | What it does here | Used in |
|---|---|---|
| Lark's Head | Mounts the eight main cords onto the ring | Step 2 |
| Half Hitch | Wraps the ring to cover and pad it | Step 1 |
| Double Half Hitch | Builds the angled top pattern | Steps 3, 5–8 |
| Square Knot | Forms both diamonds and the basket | Steps 4, 9–14 |
| Berry Knot | The raised decorative detail near the top | Step 4 |
| Gathering Knot | Closes the base and secures the tassel | Steps 15, 19 |
If six feels like a lot, start with the three essential knots and come back. Nothing here is hard individually — it's the volume that can feel daunting on day one.
Materials You'll Need
3mm Single-Strand Cotton Cord
Soft, forgiving and holds shape — the easiest weight to learn on.
💡 Also needed: a 3-inch ring. Metal or wooden both work, but it does need to be 3 inches — a 2-inch ring leaves too little space to mount eight cords. We don't currently stock this size, so here's the one Nicole uses: 3" metal rings on Amazon. Most craft shops carry them too. You'll also want a 4–7 inch plant pot beside you from Step 11 — that's where you size the basket to fit it.
Not sure which cord? Read the complete guide to selecting macramé cord. Supplies also ship from our Amazon US and Amazon Canada storefronts.
Cord Cut Lengths (Cut These Before You Start)
Nine cuts, two lengths. One of the simplest cut lists of any plant hanger — five minutes with a tape measure and you're ready.
| Length | Quantity | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| 200 cm (79") | 1 strand | Wrapping the ring in half hitch knots (Step 1) |
| 300 cm (119") | 8 strands | The body — folded in half for 16 working cords (Step 2) |
| 60 cm (24") | 1 strand | Gathering knot at the base (Step 15) |
| 20 cm (8") | 1 strand | Gathering knot on the tassel (Step 19) |
| 7" scrap | 10 strands | The tassel (Step 18) — ideal for leftovers |
Total: about 27 metres. One 100m roll makes roughly three hangers.
Project Details at a Glance
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Skill level | Beginner ★★☆☆☆ |
| Time | 1–2 hours |
| Finished size | 3" wide × 25" long |
| Fits | 4–7" plant pot |
| Cord | 3mm single-strand cotton (~27 m) |
| Structure | 3 phases · 19 steps · 6 knots |
Watch the Video Tutorial
▶ Watch full-screen on YouTube →
Step-by-Step Photo Tutorial
Nineteen steps across three phases. Most are a single instruction — the count is high because every stage is photographed rather than because the work is complex.
The Top Pattern
Steps 1-8 build the decorative section below the ring — half hitch wrapping, the main cord attachment, DHH rows and a berry knot.
Wrap the ring with half hitch knots
- Take a 200 cm cord and wrap it around the ring using Half Hitch knots, leaving 1/3 of the ring uncovered.
Attach the eight main cords
- Attach eight 300 cm cords to the empty section of the ring using Lark’s Head knots.
First row of double half hitch knots
- With the far-right and far-left cords as anchor cords, make a row of Double Half Hitch (DHH) knots from each side, moving toward the center.
Add a berry knot at the centre
- Use the four center cords to make a Berry knot, finishing with a Square Knot below it.
Angle DHH rows toward the centre
- On the right, use the far-right cord as the anchor cord to make a row of DHH knots toward the center.
- Repeat on the left, then add one DHH knot in the middle.
Second DHH row from the centre out
- Take the second cord from the center on the right, and make a DHH knot toward the middle.
- Repeat on the left, then add a DHH knot in the center.
Third DHH row on both sides
- Create another row of DHH knots on both sides, stopping just before the center.
Separate the centre cords and close the pattern
- Separate the two center cords, then add one more DHH knot on each side with the same anchor cords.
Top pattern done
Eight steps in. The ring is wrapped, all sixteen cords are hanging, and the DHH pattern with its berry knot is finished.
The diamonds are next.
Diamonds and the Basket
Steps 9-14 form the square knot diamonds and turn them into a cradle sized to your pot.
First square knot diamond
- About 3.5" below the center, make a Diamond shape using Square Knots, leaving out the far-left and far-right cords.
Larger square knot diamond
- Another 3.5"–4" down, create a larger Square Knot Diamond by including the far-left and far-right cords.
Measure your pot before the basket
- Measure your plant pot’s circumference, divide by 2, and subtract 1 inch.
- Measure this length from each side and make a Square Knot in the middle with the far-left and far-right cords.
Alternating square knots on both sides
- Using the next two cords on each side, make two Alternating Square Knots, then finish with one more Square Knot in the middle.
Mini diamond on the reverse side
- Turn the piece over and, 3.5" below the large Square Knot Diamond, make a mini Square Knot Diamond.
Join front and back into the basket
- Align the front and back mini Diamonds, then connect both sides with a Square Knot.
It holds a pot now
Both diamonds are formed and the basket is joined front to back. Drop your pot in and check it sits level.
Five steps to go.
Finishing and the Tassel
Steps 15-19 close the base, add the hanging loop and finish with a combed tassel.
Gathering knot at the base
- Take a 60 cm cord and use it to make a Gathering knot at the bottom.
Double overhand knot and hanging loop
- At the top, tie the two center cords in a Double Overhand knot and trim the excess, leaving a few inches as a fringe.
Trim the bottom fringe
- Trim the excess cords at the bottom fringe.
Weave the tassel through the top loop
- Take ten 7" strands of scrap cord, comb through them, and weave them through the top loop from the Overhand knot.
Finish the tassel with a gathering knot
- Use a 20 cm cord to make a Gathering knot around the tassel and trim the fringe ends.
Six knots, one plant hanger
Lark's head, half hitch, double half hitch, square, berry and gathering — all practised, repeatedly, in one project.
Show us — tag #BochiknotPlantHanger on Instagram.
How to Hang a Plant Hanger (Including Without Drilling)
This is where most people get stuck — two hours of knotting done, and no idea what to actually put it on. Here's the practical answer, starting with weight.
Work out the weight first
A hanging plant weighs considerably more than people expect, and almost all of it is water.
| Pot size | Dry weight | Freshly watered | Minimum hook rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4" | ~1 lb | ~2–3 lb | 5 lb |
| 5" | ~1.5 lb | ~3–4 lb | 10 lb |
| 6" | ~2 lb | ~4–6 lb | 10 lb |
| 7" | ~3 lb | ~6–9 lb | 15–20 lb |
Rule of thumb: pick a hook rated at least double the watered weight. Ratings assume a static load, and a plant that gets knocked or swings puts more through the fixing than its resting weight suggests.
If you can drill
- Into a joist — the strongest option by a wide margin. Find one with a stud finder (typically every 16 inches), then use a screw-in ceiling hook. Good for anything up to a 7" pot.
- Toggle bolt into drywall — when there's no joist where you want the plant. A butterfly or spring toggle spreads the load behind the board and handles 20–50 lb depending on size.
- Never a plain screw into drywall alone. It will hold for a while and then pull out, usually with the plant.
If you can't drill — renter-friendly options
| Method | Holds | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Adhesive ceiling hooks | 3–5 lb | Small 4" pots only. Clean the surface first and let the adhesive cure a full 24 hours before hanging anything. |
| Tension rod in a window recess | 10–20 lb | Excellent option — no fixings, good light, and you can hang two or three hangers along one rod. |
| Over-the-door bracket | 5–10 lb | Hooks over the door frame. Best on doors you rarely close. |
| Existing curtain rod | Varies | Already fixed and load-bearing. Hang near the bracket end, not the middle of the span. |
| Freestanding plant stand | 10–25 lb | No fixing at all. The most flexible option if you move often. |
| Clamp-on shelf bracket | 5–15 lb | Clamps to a shelf edge or desk. Good for renters wanting plants at eye level. |
💡 A practical note on watering: whatever you hang it from, work out how you'll water it before you hang it. Either choose a spot you can reach with a long-spout can, or take the pot down each time — which means you want a hanger you can lift off easily rather than one knotted permanently around the pot.
Which Pots Fit
This hanger suits a 4 to 7 inch pot. The basket is sized in Step 11 using your own pot, so the range is genuinely flexible.
| Pot | Fit | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 4" (10 cm) | Good | The lightest option, and the only size safe on adhesive hooks. |
| 5–6" (13–15 cm) | Ideal | The sweet spot for 3mm cord. |
| 7" (18 cm) | Upper limit | Fine, but watered weight climbs fast — use a 15–20 lb hook. |
| 8"+ | Too large | Size up to 4mm or 5mm cord and widen the basket. |
The measurement that matters is in Step 11: circumference ÷ 2 − 1 inch. That gives the basket width for your specific pot rather than the sample one.
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
| Problem | Cause and fix |
|---|---|
| Ran out of ring space in Step 2 | Step 1 wrapped too far. Leave a full third of the ring bare — all eight cords mount into that gap. |
| DHH rows sit at uneven angles | The anchor cord went slack. Keep it taut and at a consistent angle; the knots then space themselves. |
| Berry knot looks flat | The filler cords weren't pulled fully up and back through. It should form a distinct raised bump, not a bulge. |
| Diamonds are different sizes | Intentional — the second includes the outer cords. If they look the same, you likely left those out in Step 10. |
| Pot doesn't sit level | Front and back mini diamonds aren't aligned. Undo Step 14 and match them before rejoining. |
| Basket too tight or too loose | Step 11's measurement was skipped or taken from the wrong pot. Circumference ÷ 2 − 1 inch, using the pot you'll actually use. |
| Fringe looks uneven | Trimmed flat on a table. Hang it first — fringe falls differently under its own weight. |
| Tassel looks sparse | Comb the ten strands before weaving them through. Uncombed cord stays in ropes instead of fanning out. |
What to Make Next
🔗 You now know six knots. Here's where they go next:
- 12 free beginner projects — nearly all of them use only the knots you just learned
- Plant hanger with beads — same foundations, with beads worked in
- Braided beaded plant hanger — adds one new knot, the wave knot
- 5 ways to start a plant hanger — mounting variations for your next build
🎨 Want PDF patterns? Browse the macramé pattern library.
Prefer to buy finished? Handmade pieces are on our Etsy shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I hang a macramé plant hanger without drilling?
Several options work. A tension rod in a window recess is the strongest no-drill choice at 10–20 lb and needs no fixings at all. Adhesive ceiling hooks hold 3–5 lb and suit only small 4-inch pots — clean the surface and let the adhesive cure a full 24 hours first. Over-door brackets, an existing curtain rod, and freestanding plant stands all avoid making holes.
How much weight can a macramé plant hanger hold?
The hanger itself, in 3mm cotton, comfortably carries a 4–7 inch pot. The limiting factor is almost always the ceiling fixing, not the cord. A watered 6-inch pot runs 4–6 lb, so use a hook rated at least double that — ratings assume a static load, and plants swing.
What hook do I need for a hanging plant?
Choose one rated at least twice the watered weight. For a 4-inch pot that means a 5 lb hook; for 5–6 inch pots, 10 lb; for a 7-inch pot, 15–20 lb. Screw into a joist wherever possible. If there's no joist, use a toggle bolt rather than a plain screw into drywall — plain screws pull out eventually, usually taking the plant with them.
Is this plant hanger good for beginners?
Yes. It uses six foundational knots and every one repeats several times, which is what makes it a genuine learning project rather than a pattern you follow once. Nineteen steps sounds daunting but most are a single instruction.
What are the six knots used in this plant hanger?
Lark's head (mounting the cords), half hitch (wrapping the ring), double half hitch (the angled top pattern), square knot (both diamonds and the basket), berry knot (the raised detail near the top), and gathering knot (closing the base and the tassel).
What cord should I use for a beginner plant hanger?
3mm single-strand cotton. It's soft enough to handle comfortably while learning but holds its shape well enough that your knots stay where you put them. Thicker cord is harder to tie neatly at this size; thinner cord makes the pattern hard to see.
How much cord do I need?
One 200 cm strand for the ring, eight 300 cm strands for the body, one 60 cm for the base gathering knot, one 20 cm for the tassel, and ten 7-inch scraps for the tassel itself — about 27 metres total. A 100m roll makes roughly three hangers.
What size pot fits this plant hanger?
Anything from 4 to 7 inches. The basket is measured to your own pot in Step 11 — circumference divided by two, minus one inch — so the fit is genuinely adjustable rather than fixed.
How long does it take to make?
One to two hours depending on how familiar the knots already are. First-timers should expect closer to two, mostly spent on the double half hitch rows in Steps 3 to 8.
How long is the finished plant hanger?
About 25 inches long and 3 inches wide. To lengthen it, add roughly 100 cm to each of the eight main cords for every extra 10 inches of drop.
Can I use a wooden ring instead of metal?
Yes. Both work. A wooden ring is slightly thicker, so you'll wrap a little less of it in Step 1 — the important thing is still leaving a third bare for the cords to mount onto.
Why do I wrap the ring in Step 1?
Two reasons. It pads the ring so the cords don't slide, and it hides the metal or wood for a cleaner finish. It also gives you half hitch practice before the knot appears in its harder form later.
What's the difference between a half hitch and a double half hitch?
A half hitch is one wrap of the working cord around the anchor cord. A double half hitch is two wraps in the same place, which locks it and makes it hold position. This pattern uses single half hitches on the ring and doubles everywhere else.
My diamonds came out different sizes — is that wrong?
No, that's the design. The second diamond includes the far-left and far-right cords, which the first one leaves out, so it's deliberately larger. If yours look identical, you probably left the outer cords out of Step 10.
Can I make this without the tassel?
Yes. Stop after Step 17 and the hanger is complete. The tassel in Steps 18–19 is decorative and a good way to use up scrap cord, but nothing structural depends on it.
Where should I hang a macramé plant hanger?
Somewhere the plant gets appropriate light and you can reach it to water. Window recesses are ideal — good light, and a tension rod gives you a no-drill fixing. Avoid hanging directly above seating or a bed until you're confident in the fixing.
Can I sell plant hangers made from this pattern?
Yes. These are traditional knots, not proprietary designs — anything you make is yours to sell. Please don't redistribute the tutorial itself.
Where can I buy the cord and ring used here?
3mm cotton cord, metal and wooden rings, scissors and combs are all on Bochiknot.com, and supplies also ship from our Amazon US and Amazon Canada storefronts.
Keep Learning with Bochiknot
5 Ways to Start a Plant Hanger
With or without a ring — five mounting methods compared.
View tutorial
You Might Also Be Interested In
📸 Made one? Show us.
Tag #BochiknotPlantHanger on Instagram — first plant hangers are always the best ones to see.
About Nicole Woo
Nicole is the founder of Bochiknot and has been teaching macramé for 5+ years to a community of 100,000+ makers across YouTube, Instagram and Patreon. She specialises in beginner-friendly cotton cord projects that feel approachable no matter your skill level.
Join her on Patreon for exclusive patterns, or explore individual ebook patterns.
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