Welcome to our easy-to-follow tutorial focusing on starting your plant hanger off on the right knot or knot pattern, and where to go from there!

In this comprehensive tutorial, we'll provide you with step-by-step instructions to kickstart your macrame plant hanger crafting journey. Whether you're a complete novice or have some experience, these five methods will help you get started on creating your own stunning plant hangers.

Get ready to explore the art of macrame and elevate your plant decor game!

What is Macrame?

Let's start off by understanding what macrame is and how it originated to what it is now.

Macrame, the art of knotting rope, utilizes knots to create a wide array of intricate patterns. With its origins tracing back to ancient times, it has been cherished in various cultures throughout history.

But here's the fascinating part – in the 1970s, macrame underwent a remarkable transformation, becoming a sensation. And what's the latest news? It has been experiencing a resurgence in contemporary design and decor since 2010!

Today's artisans are pushing the boundaries of macrame, infusing traditional techniques with modern innovations by adding colored cotton cords, wooden beads, and feathers.

What does this mean?

It means that functional pieces of decor such as wall hangings, plant hangers, and even jewelry have become captivating creations.

In essence, this is the heart of macrame,  macrame is not confined to a single style; it's a versatile art form that is once again captivating the imaginations of people everywhere.

Macrame Plant Hangers

Let's unravel fun facts about macrame plant hangers that will "leave" you wanting more!

Ancient Origins: Macrame plant hangers have been around for centuries. They trace their roots back to ancient Babylon, where the art of knotting was used to create intricate patterns and designs.

Boho Vibes: Macrame plant hangers became wildly popular in the 1970s, adding a touch of bohemian flair to homes and gardens across the world. They quickly became synonymous with the era's relaxed and free-spirited lifestyle.

Endless Knot Possibilities: Macrame allows for an incredible range of knotting techniques, from basic knots like the square knot to more complex designs including the double half hitch knot - this versatility means you can craft plant hangers in various styles to suit your taste.

Green Thumb's Delight: These hangers not only serve as stylish decor but also as a practical solution for urban gardeners with limited space. They enable you to create your own mini hanging garden indoors.

Modern Resurgence: Macrame plant hangers are making a strong comeback in contemporary interior design. Crafters are infusing fresh ideas, materials, and colors into this classic art, giving it a modern twist that's capturing the imagination of a new generation.

Whether you're a history buff, a DIY enthusiast, or just looking to add a touch of charm to your space, macrame plant hangers have something to offer everyone. Get ready to dive into the world of knots and greens!

Why Starting a Macrame Plant Hanger Can Be Challenging

The importance of mastering various ways to start plant hangers in macrame lies in the art's versatility and the potential for limitless creativity.

Each starting technique offers its unique flair and functionality, making it crucial for any aspiring macrame artist to explore and learn these diverse methods.

First and foremost, different starting knots set the tone for your entire plant hanger project. The choice of knot not only affects the aesthetic appeal but also impacts the structural integrity.

For instance, the Gathering Knot or Crown Knot with a ring provides a sturdy foundation and adds a decorative touch to your plant hanger. On the other hand, whether used with or without a ring, the Square Knot creates a symmetrical and balanced look, perfect for more minimalist or modern designs.

The Overhand Knot, with its simplicity, offers a clean start for those who prefer a straightforward approach.

By understanding and mastering these diverse techniques, you gain the ability to tailor your plant hanger to suit your style and needs as they lay the foundations for sennits as well.

In the world of macrame plant hangers, sennits serve as the vital link between your starting knots and the intricate web of knots that follow.

These sturdy structural components ensure your hanger's stability while allowing you to infuse your design with style and sophistication right from the very beginning.

By mastering the art of connecting sennits to your starting knots, you'll unlock the potential to create macrame pieces that not only hold your plants with care but also adorn your space with beauty and grace.

Experimenting with various ways to begin your plant hanger opens up a world of possibilities, including the ability to create your own, unique, designs which in itself is reliant on combining different knots and different knot patterns.

It encourages creativity and allows you to blend different knotting methods to craft unique and eye-catching designs.

Whether you're creating plant hangers for your own space or as gifts for friends and family, having a repertoire of starting techniques ensures that your macrame projects will appeal to your personal style, stand out and make a statement.

So, embrace the diversity of knots and discover the joy of crafting macrame plant hanger projects that are not only functional but also true works of art.

Essential Macrame Knots to Familiarize Yourself With

Macrame knots are the foundation of the whole art, and starting your plant hanger on the right knot or knot pattern will ensure its success!

Today we’re going to focus on the 4 wonderful knots with which to start your plant hanger:

• Gathering Knot
• Crown Knot
• Square knot
• Overhand knot

The majority of the knots listed above are basic knots widely used in many macrame projects. Although the Crown knot is not a basic macrame knot, it is widely used within macrame plant hangers for its beautiful aesthetic.

I have compiled a FREE EBOOK guide, "50 Macrame Knots & Sennit Guide," that goes over step by step with pictures on how to make 50 different knots and sennits.

This guide will assist you in learning the knots and provide insights into creating unique knot sequences and pattern designs.

FREE DOWNLOAD HERE

Important Macrame Terms for Beginners

Here are some helpful macrame terms you should know when following this pattern:

1. Knots: Macrame involves various types of knots, such as the square knot, double half hitch knot, and the Lark's head knot. Understanding these basic knot patterns creates the foundation of macrame. Refer to the "Macrame Knots You Will Need To Know" section for the knots used in these designs.
2. Cords: Cords are the primary material used in macrame. They are made of different materials like cotton, jute, nylon, or synthetic fibers. Macrame cords come in various thicknesses and colors.
3. Anchor cord: This refers to the fixed cord or structure to which other cords are attached or knotted, providing stability and support to the design.
4. Working cord: This is the piece of cord that is actively used to create knots and patterns, manipulated and moved throughout the project to form the desired design.
5. Sennits: This term refers to the same knot being made repeatedly to form a vertical column of knots.  
6. Plant Hanger Posts: These posts are the 'ropes' that hold the knotted basket that will hold the pot plant, and are most commonly made from sennits. 

Plant Hanger Cord & Materials

You'll need a few essential macrame materials and supplies that you use when knotting your plant hanger that form the basis of all macrame - these can, of course, be added to, but for now, let's outline the basics.

The most crucial material is the cord. Macrame cords can be made from various materials such as cotton, jute, or nylon, each offering a different texture and appearance.

Choosing a cord that is soft, sturdy, and suitable for your plant hanger is essential, ensuring durability and functionality.

We have two favorite cords from Bochiknot:

The Rainbow Line:

• Our Rainbow cord line is certified 100% chemical-free and eco-friendly as the cords are made from recycled cotton materials.
• There is a variety of sizes, types, and color offerings to choose from.
• We love using the Rainbow cords because they are smooth, soft, and sturdy, making them easy to work with.

The Foundation line:

• Our Foundation cord line is made from 100% organic natural cotton.
• The cords are unbleached and are a beautiful natural off-white color.
• The Foundation cord is the ultimate cord for all skill levels due to its super soft texture and sturdy twist, capable of sustaining multiple re-knots.

Other supplies

When it comes to making a plant hanger, you’ll find that wooden rings are your bestie - but dowels work well as well for wall plant hangers.

If you don’t have a ring or don’t want to use one to start a plant hanger, that’s okay - we have some ideas below on how to start a plant hanger without one!

Essential tools

You will also need some essential tools:

• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Tape
• Wooden Rings

Recommended Cord Lengths

When it comes to macrame plant hangers, one of the first questions that often arises is, "How much cord do I need to make my design?"

Well, here's a handy tip to get you started:

Typically, 300 cm (118") cord lengths are a fantastic starting point for practicing various ways to begin your plant hanger.

These lengths offer versatility and ample material to work with, whether you're experimenting with the Gathering Knot, Crown Knot, Square Knot, or other techniques.

However, we understand that specific projects may call for different cord lengths, and that's where the "golden ratio" comes into play.

In How to Precisely Measure Cord for Your Macrame Projects, we delve deeper into how to determine the ideal cord lengths for your specific plant hanger endeavor. 

5 Different Ways to Start Your Macrame Plant Hanger

From the elegance of the Gathering Knot with a ring to the intricate beauty of the Crown Knot with a ring, and the simplicity of the Square Knot with or without a ring, to the reliability of the Overhand Knot, we've got you covered.

Let's dive into to see how we can use basic macrame knots as the perfect starting point to turn your simple plant hanger into a masterpiece.

1. The Gathering Knot with Ring

The Gathering Knot with a wooden ring is an excellent and arguably the easiest and most popular choice to initiate a plant hanger because it not only provides a secure anchor point but also adds a touch of decorative flair, creating a strong and visually appealing foundation for your macrame project.

This simple knot offers stability and style in one elegant package.

• To start, take multiple strands of cord (the number of cords depends on the knot pattern you’ll be using for the plant hanger posts after the gathering knot) and pull them through the ring.
• Taking a separate strand of cord, make a gathering knot gathering all vertical cord ends underneath the ring.
• Trim off excess cords from the working cord used to tie the gathering knot.

2. Crown Knot with Ring

The Crown Knot with a ring serves as a fantastic starting point for a plant hanger due to its structural strength and intricate visual appeal.

This knot not only ensures the hanger's stability but also introduces an elegant and decorative touch that elevates the overall design.

• To form a crown knot with a ring you need an even number of cords split in half and pulled into the ring.
• Start the knot by taking each cord end and folding it across and on top of each other to form a square-like shape.
• Tighten the ends.
• Repeat this process to form at least 5 more crown knots.

3. Square Knot Chain with Ring

The Square Knot Chain with a ring is an excellent choice for beginning a plant hanger because it offers both stability and symmetry, creating a visually pleasing and structurally sound foundation.

This knot provides a balanced start for your macrame project, allowing for a clean and polished appearance.

• Loop several strands of cord onto your ring, and then take a strand of cord on the far left and far right sides as the working cords to make a Square knot.
• Repeat the Square knots to form a chain.

4. Square Knot Loop (No Ring Needed)

Starting a plant hanger with a Square Knot Loop without a ring offers simplicity and versatility.

It's an ideal choice for macrame beginners and allows for easy customization while providing a secure anchor point, requiring no special materials, for your macrame creation.

• Gather several cords together in the middle - make sure that your outer cords are longer because you will be using them as the working cords.
• Make 8 square knots in the middle of your group of cords.
• Form a loop with the Square knots made. Then take one strand of cord from each side underneath the loop and use them as working cords to make two more large square knots to form/ close your loop.

5. Overhand Knot (No Ring Needed)

The Overhand Knot is a simple yet effective way to commence a plant hanger, making it suitable for those new to macrame. Its minimalist design creates a clean and unobtrusive starting point, ensuring stability for your project while allowing your creativity to shine in the subsequent knots.

• Take 4 strands of cord (forms 8 once folded) and fold it into an overhand knot to form a loop
• Pull on the cords to tighten.

Now that we've explored the essential knots to kickstart your plant hanger journey, let's pivot our attention to another fundamental macrame plant hanger element: plant hanger posts.

These structural components are typically made with sennits, and these serve as the backbone of many intricate designs, adding depth and complexity to your macrame creations.

5 Ways to Start a Macrame Plant Hanger | Youtube Video Tutorial

5 Different Sennits for Your Macrame Plant Hanger Posts

You’ve started your plant hanger, now what?

Next comes the plant hanger posts. How do I make them?

With sennits of course!

A macrame sennit refers to braiding or tying cords into a repetitive column of knots or knot patterns.

From the mesmerizing Double Half Knot Spiral to the versatile Alternating Square Knot, these sennits offer depth, creativity, and a little color to your designs.

Try the intricate Alternating Half Hitch Braid, embrace loops with the Lark's Head Knot Loop Braid, or add sophistication with the Half Knot Spiral. These sennits open up a world of possibilities.

Note: ** We’ve used different colors in our patterns but you don’t have to.

1. Double Half Knot Spiral

The Double Half Knot Spiral is an excellent choice for crafting a plant hanger post due to its intricate and eye-catching spiral pattern, adding depth and visual interest to your macrame projects especially when you're using colorful macrame cords.

This knot not only enhances the aesthetics but also provides a textural dimension, making it a versatile and captivating sennit option.

• Fold the first cord in half and attach it to the dowel using a Lark’s Head knot.
• Attach the 2nd cord (Milk white) directly onto the anchor cords using a Half knot.
• Attach the 3rd (Terracotta) cord beneath the 2nd cord and directly onto the anchor cords using a Half knot.
• Alternate each color with the half knots, taking the left white cord over the bottom red cord and then switching underneath the red cord on the right side making another half knot.
• Continue making half knots in alternating directions to form a spiral pattern.
  

2. Alternating Square Knot

The Alternating Square Knot sennit is a great choice, bringing rhythmic patterns and a balanced look to your macrame projects.

Its simplicity and versatility make it an ideal knot for creating textured and visually appealing patterns, enhancing the overall design of your pieces.

• Take two strands of a color cord, fold each strand in half, and attach them to the dowel using Lark’s Head knots.
• Take the far left and far right cords and make a Square knot.
• Take a strand of a different color cord and attach it to the same anchor cords to make a Square knot.
• Bring the first color cords below and tie another Square knot underneath the preceding knot.
• Continue alternating the square knots with each color.

3. Alternating Half Hitch Braid

The Alternating Half Hitch Braid is an excellent option for crafting plant hanger posts because it creates an intricate and textured appearance, adding depth and character to your macrame designs.

This simple sennit allows for unique patterns and a sense of movement, making it a versatile and visually captivating choice.

• Take two strands of cord in two different colors, and attach them to a dowel using Lark’s Head knots.
• Take the far left cord and make a Half Hitch knot onto the two middle anchor cords.
• Take the far right cord and make a Half Hitch knot onto the two middle anchor cords.
• Continue to alternate the Half Hitch knots downwards.

4. Lark’s Head Knot Loop Braid

Lark's Head Knot Loop Braid serves as an exceptional sennit for plant hanger posts, introducing loops that offer a dynamic and playful texture to your macrame projects.

This technique not only adds visual interest but also opens up creative possibilities, allowing you to craft unique and eye-catching sennits with a sense of movement and depth.

• Take two strands of cord in two different colors, and attach them to a dowel using a Lark’s Head knots.
• Take the far left cord as a working cord and make a vertical Lark’s Head knot with the middle two cords as anchor cords.
• Take the far right cord and repeat the same pattern mirroring what you just did on the left.
• Alternate another vertical Lark’s Head knot underneath but now before you tighten the knot, leave a small loop on the left side.
• Repeat the same on the right-side.
• Continue alternating the pattern downwards.

5. Half Knot Spiral

The Half Knot Spiral is an excellent choice because it introduces an elegant spiral pattern, adding a mesmerizing and sophisticated touch to your macrame projects.

This knot brings a sense of dynamic movement and depth, making it a versatile and visually captivating sennit that stands out in your designs.

• Take one strand of three different colors and attach all three strands onto the dowel using Lark's Head knots.
• Take the far left two cords and the far right two chords as working chords for a half knot leaving the two cords in the middle as anchor cords.
• Continue repeating the half knots.
• If you use two different colors on the left side and on the right side this pattern will alternate colors as you make the Half knot spiral.

5 Unique Sennit Patterns (Using 2 Colored Cord) To Create a Macrame Plant Hanger | Youtube Video Tutorial

Wrapping it up

As we conclude our exploration of these captivating sennits as potential plant hanger posts examples, we've uncovered the intricate artistry and creativity that sennits bring to the world of macrame.

These structural elements have the power to transform simple cords into mesmerizing patterns, adding a new or additional depth and dimensions to your projects.

Sennits offer endless opportunities to infuse your creations with texture, style, and visual appeal.

The beauty of macrame is that changing even just one row of knots in your beginner macrame project can change the whole aesthetic of a simple project.

Combining different starting knots and sennets for plant hangers offers a multitude of benefits that enhance both the aesthetic and structural aspects of your macrame creations.

Firstly, it sparks creativity, allowing you to experiment with various textures and patterns, giving your plant hanger a unique and personalized touch.

Secondly, it bolsters stability and durability, ensuring your plant hanger can securely support your greenery.

Thirdly, it cultivates versatility, enabling you to adapt your designs to various plant sizes and weights. Additionally, it encourages skill development, as mastering diverse knotting techniques and sennets expands your macrame repertoire.

Lastly, it results in visually stunning pieces that not only hold plants but also serve as eye-catching decorative elements, elevating the overall aesthetics of your living spaces.

Get Started and Show Us What You Make!

The art of macrame plant hangers offers a delightful blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and greenery that can truly transform your living spaces.

From the timeless elegance of the Gathering Knot to the intricate beauty of the Crown Knot and the versatility of the Square Knot and Overhand Knot, you've now discovered five unique ways to embark on your macrame journey, coupled with fun ways to use these same or similar knots to make sennits for your plant hanger posts.

Whether you're crafting these plant hangers for your own sanctuary or gifting them to friends and loved ones, each knot you tie carries a touch of your creativity and style.

Macrame is more than just a crafting technique; it's a means of self-expression and a way to bring nature's beauty into your home.

Visit Bochiknot on YouTube, choose a design, gather your materials, follow these techniques, and let your imagination run wild.

As you create your macrame plant hanger, you're not only crafting a beautiful piece of decor but also weaving a connection between art and nature. It's time to embark on your macrame adventure and infuse your surroundings with both beauty and life. 

Happy knotting!

Are you looking for more fun and simple DIY macrame patterns?

I have numerous diverse DIY macrame patterns that you can explore, ranging from distinctive wall hangings for home decor to timeless plant hangers suitable for all skill levels.

Browse my collection of DIY macrame patterns on Etsy.

The patterns come complete with step-by-step photos, written instructions, and helpful tips and tricks to assist you throughout your macrame journey.

Are you looking to advance your macrame skills, create elegant designs, and learn unique knot patterns?

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Much love,