How to DIY Macrame Crossbody Bag Pattern with Tassel Accents and Strap

Have you ever experienced losing yourself within the captivating pages of those effortlessly fashionable boho-chic magazines, where your thoughts drift into a realm where you effortlessly embrace that diverse and free-spirited fashion style?

Well, prepare for a delightful journey because we're about to unravel the captivating world of macramé!

Get ready to witness the transformation of simple cord into a jaw-dropping accessory that's not only about turning heads but also sparking conversations and crafting your unique style statement.

So, whether you're sipping on a glass of fine wine or indulging in a cozy cup of coffee, let's elevate the experience and embark on the thrilling journey of creating your very own crossbody macramé bag – a masterpiece where fashion and functionality intersect in the most fabulous way imaginable! 🌿✨

As we dive into the art of macrame, you'll soon discover that it's much more than just a craft; it's a means of self-expression and a celebration of the bohemian spirit that resides within you.

Through a series of knots, loops, and patterns, you'll be crafting a piece that not only complements your unique style but also serves as a canvas for your creative energy.

Imagine the sensation of effortlessly slinging your personalized macrame bag over your shoulder, its intricate designs and playful tassels swaying with your every move.

It's an accessory that speaks volumes about your individuality, your love for artistry, and your appreciation for the finer things in life.

Throughout the step-by-step guide that I share in the blog post, you'll explore various techniques, from the basic square knot to more intricate patterns, allowing you to infuse your personality into every twist and turn of the cord.

You'll choose colors and textures that resonate with your personal style, ensuring that your macrame crossbody bag becomes an extension of your unique fashion identity.

Moreover, crafting your crossbody macramé bag is not just about the end product; it's a therapeutic and meditative experience in itself.

The rhythmic weaving of cords, the gentle pull of knots, and the gradual emergence of your bag will transport you to a place of pure creativity and mindfulness.

It's a journey of self-discovery through fashion art, where you'll find a profound connection with the boho-chic spirit that has always lived within you.

So, whether you're a seasoned artisan or a beginner looking to embark on a new creative adventure, get ready to immerse yourself in the world of macramé.

Your DIY crossbody macrame bag awaits, ready to be infused with your unique style and personality, becoming not just an accessory but a testament to your free-spirited, eclectic fashion sense.

Get those creative juices flowing, and let's turn cord into a masterpiece that'll leave everyone in awe. 🌟👜✨

What is Macrame Fashion?

Before we dive into the creative world of macrame, it's essential to grasp the roots and evolution of this timeless art form and how it has seamlessly woven its way into the fabric of the fashion scene.

Macramé, at its core, is a crafting technique that involves creating intricate patterns and designs by knotting cords or threads together.

Its origins can be traced back centuries, with its roots firmly planted in various cultures around the world.

From the Middle East to China, macramé found its place in history as a practical method for creating everything from functional items like hammocks and fishing nets to decorative pieces like wall hangings and clothing embellishments.

However, it wasn't until the 1970s that macramé truly had its moment in the fashion spotlight.

This was a time when the world was embracing the bohemian spirit, and macramé perfectly encapsulated the free-spirited and unconventional ethos of the era.

It became synonymous with the hippie movement, adorning everything from clothing to home decor, and epitomizing the carefree and artistic lifestyle of that time.

Fast forward to today, and macramé has experienced a remarkable resurgence in the fashion world.

Designers and artists have reimagined this ancient technique, infusing it with a modern twist.

Runways have been graced with macramé dresses, handbags, and accessories that seamlessly blend the old with the new, the traditional with the contemporary.

In a world where fast fashion dominates, macramé stands out as a sustainable and artisanal alternative.

It's a craft that encourages creativity, celebrates individuality, and honors the art of handmade.

By understanding the evolution of macramé and its impact on fashion, we can truly appreciate the timeless beauty and versatility of this art form.

So, as we embark on our macramé journey, let's keep in mind the rich history and the contemporary fashion renaissance that has made it an integral part of the style landscape.

Advantages and Applications of Crafting Your Own Macrame Crossbody Bag

With its bohemian-inspired aesthetics, functionality, and commitment to sustainability, a boho-style macramé crossbody bag provides numerous advantages tailored to individuals with a keen eye for fashion and an appreciation for handcrafted artistry.

Below, we'll explore the benefits of owning or creating your own macramé bag designs:

• Boho-Chic Elegance: Elevate your fashion game with a dash of bohemian flair that seamlessly complements a wide array of outfits and occasions.

• Effortless Hands-Free Convenience: Revel in the freedom of unhindered movement while keeping your essentials within easy reach, making it an ideal companion for travel, festivals, or city explorations.

• Artistry in Every Thread: Each macramé bag stands as a testament to the craftsperson's skill, featuring intricate knots and patterns that gracefully meld tradition with contemporary aesthetics.

• Feather-Light and Adaptable: Embrace comfort without compromising on storage capacity; the lightweight design accommodates your must-have items without the encumbrance of a bulky bag.

• Tactile Charm: Elevate your ensemble with the tactile allure of woven cords, adding both visual and sensory appeal to your look.

• A Canvas for Personal Expression: A macramé crossbody bag serves as your personal canvas for self-expression; choose from an array of colors, sizes, and designs that harmonize with your unique style.

• Heartfelt Gifting: Surprise a loved one with a meaningful gift that's not only fashion-forward but also bears the mark of creativity and care.

• Eco-Conscious Accessory: Embrace a sustainable fashion choice by supporting handmade products and reducing your ecological footprint with this environmentally friendly accessory.

• Effortless Maintenance: Keep your bag looking pristine with straightforward care routines, ensuring it remains your go-to accessory for many seasons to come.

• Conversation-Starter Extraordinaire: Be prepared to receive compliments and inquiries about your distinctive accessory, igniting discussions about craftsmanship and personal style.

Macrame Knots You Need to Know to Make The Boho Macrame Cross Body Bag

You'll frequently hear me reiterate this point, but it bears repeating: Macramé knots serve as the foundation for mastering the art of macrame.

In order to create your own Boho Macramé Crossbody Bag using the DIY pattern, you should familiarize yourself with the following knots

1. Square Knot: This knot is fundamental in macrame, created by alternately crossing two cords over each other. It plays a pivotal role as an essential decorative knot and serves as the building block for numerous patterns and designs, both independently and in conjunction with other knots.

2. Gathering Knot: A gathering knot is a wrapping knot and often used as a finishing knot that gathers all cords together. Typically, you'll find the gathering knot at the bottom of a macramé project.

3. Double Half Hitch Knot: This knot is not only fundamental but also incredibly versatile in Macramé. It serves as the foundation for many intricate knot patterns, making it an indispensable technique for crafting beautiful macramé designs.

4. Lark's Head Knot: The Lark's Head Knot is a crucial mounting knot used in various macramé projects. As a mounting knot, it provides a secure attachment point for your macramé design to a dowel, ring, or another supporting structure. This knot allows you to easily hang cords onto your macramé creation, offering a stable foundation for further knotting and design elements.

These knots form the essential toolkit commonly utilized in various macrame projects.

Nevertheless, your exploration shouldn't end here.

By familiarizing yourself with renowned knots like the different types of Lark's head knot and the double half hitch knot, you'll establish a solid foundation for creating a diverse array of macrame projects and designs, including all types of macrame bag patterns.

Remember, practice and repetition are key to gaining confidence in executing these knots, enabling you to explore more intricate patterns and designs in your macrame journey.

I've put together a complimentary eBook titled "50 Macramé Knots & Sennit Guide." This eBook provides a detailed, step-by-step visual guide on creating 50 distinct 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

Macrame Bag Cords and Materials

To DIY your own boho-chic macrame crossbody bag, you'll want to ensure you have the right materials on hand.

Specifically, you'll require a sturdy 4mm or 5mm cotton cord. This choice of cord thickness is crucial, as it provides the necessary structural integrity for your bag while allowing you to create those intricate and eye-catching macramé patterns.

Choosing the cord

The primary element to focus on is the cord. Macramé cords can be crafted from a variety of materials, including cotton, jute, or nylon, each imparting a distinct texture and visual aesthetic.

Choosing a cord that is soft, sturdy, and suitable for your desired net bag design is essential, ensuring durability and functionality.

What's unique about this pattern is that we combined premium cotton cords with metallic cords to create a macrame crossbody bag.

We used a 5mm Lush Giza Cotton Cord in Sage and a 3mm single-strand twist Metallic Cord in gold from our Lush line.

• Our Lush cord line consists of premium quality OEKO-Tex certified cords and an eco-friendly variety of sizes, types, color offerings, and makes of cord to choose from.
• We love this cord line because of its unique features. From muted matte colors to shiny, swirly, or sparkly, the Lush line will bring out the extra spark your project needs.

If you can't get your hands on our giza cotton or metallic cords, try substituting it with our single-strand Rainbow cotton cord, which will also work well for this pattern and is a more budget-friendly

Other supplies

• You will also need a wooden dowel to mount the cords onto for the first part of the pattern.

Essential tools

You will also need some essential tools:

• Scissors
• Measuring Tape
• Crochet Hook
• Comb

DIY Boho-Chic Macrame Crossbody Bag Pattern Details

Skill level:

• Beginner

Completed Size:

• 8” wide x 2” length x 5” height

Completion time:

• 2-3 hours depending on skill level

Materials Needed (for 1 unit):

• 3mm macrame cord
• 5mm Macrame cord
• 3 x Swivel Lobster Clasp

Cord lengths needed:

• 16 x 190 cm (75”)
• 24 x 120 cm (47”)
• 4 x 60 cm (24”)
• 8 x 15 cm (6”)
• 10 x 30 cm (12”) 
• 2 x 650 cm (256”)

** Note: The cord lengths suggested here are based on the pattern using  5mm Giza Cotton and 3mm Metallics Cord. Should you use a different size cord or cord from another brand, actual cord lengths may differ slightly and, therefore, should be adjusted accordingly.

Important Macrame Terms for Beginners

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

1. Knots: The Macrame involves various knots, such as the overhand knot, and alternating overhand 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 this pattern.
2. Cords: Cords are the primary material used in Macrame. They are made of cotton, jute, nylon, or synthetic fibers. Macrame cords come in various thicknesses and colors.
3. Loop: A loop is formed by crossing the cord over itself to create a ring-like shape. Loops are fundamental in many macramé design.
4. Fringe: Fringe refers to the loose ends of cords that hang down, adding a decorative element to beginner projects. The fringe can be left as is or trimmed to a desired length. 
5. Anchor cord: refers to the fixed cord or structure to which other cords are attached or knotted, providing stability and support to the design.
6. Working cord/ Holding Cord: This is the cord that is actively used to create knots and patterns, manipulated and moved throughout the project to form the desired design. 
7. Sennit: A sennit is a series of knots, typically grouped together, forming a pattern or part of your macramé project.

8. Frays and Tassels: These are the loose ends of your cords. In some projects, you might intentionally create frays or tassels for decorative purposes.

Macrame Boho Cross Body Bag | Step by Step Pattern Instructions

Step #1

• Mount all 16x190 cm strands of cord into a dowel using Lark's Head knots.

Pro Tip* Add more cords, in groups of 2, for a bigger pattern.

Step #2

• Skipping approximately 1.5" down, make a row of Square knots.

Step #3

• Make a row of Alternating Square Knots underneath, and then repeat the pattern downwards. Make a total of 21 rows of Square knots. 

Step #4

• Remove the dowel from the pattern.

Step #5

• Take 2 x 120 cm cords folded in half and make a square knot. Repeat again with another 2 cords.

Step #6

• Connect the 2 Square Knots with an Alternating Square Knot. Then make 9 more rows of Square knots underneath.

Step #7

• Repeat the same steps for a second piece.

Step #8

• Using 120 cm cords again, make another 2 individual Square Knot patterns and connect them.
• Then continue adding more individual square knots until there are 8 Square knot columns.

Step #9:

• Add 9 more rows of Square Knots for a total of 11 rows.

Step#10

• Cut the loops from the back pattern in half.

Step #11

• Use a 60 cm cord to weave each of the sides together. Seal at the bottom with a Double Half Hitch ("DHH") knot.
• Then, repeat the exact same pattern on the other side, and attach the front and side pattern to the back side using another 60 cm cord with the exact same methods.
• Once all the sides are attached together, turn the pattern inside out and seal the bottom cords.

Step#12

• Separate the cords at the bottom into 4 sections, front, sides, and back.
• The side section will be Anchor cords for a row of square knots.
• Use 2 cords from the front and back sections as working cords. 

Step #13

• Make a total of 6 Square knots.

Step #14

• On the opposite end, make another 6 Square knots, but this time, opposite facing square knots.

Step #15

• Cut off half of the anchor chords on both sides.
• Then crisscross the anchor cord groups and finish off the remaining Square Knots.

Step #16

• Pull on the anchor cord to tighten then cut off the excess anchor cords.

Step #17

• Take a long scrap cord 30-40 cm long and use it as an anchor cord for a row of DHH knots at the bottom. Repeat the same on the other side.

Step #18

• Seal the anchor cord ends with another DHH knot on both sides.

Step #19

• Cut off the excess cords, and then flip the bag again inside and out.

Step #20

• Using 15cm, strands of 3mm cord, make Gathering knots underneath each Square Knot on this front flap.

Step #21

• Trim the tassels on the front flap.

Step #22

• Take 2x650 cm cords, measure both cords for a 250 cm end, and fold over the cords.
• Attach both cords onto the bottom of the lobster clasp with Lark's Head Knot.

Macrame Boho Cross Strap for Bag | Step by Step Pattern Instructions

Step #23

• Use a 20-25 cm scrap cord as a working cord for a Gathering knot.
• Then make consecutive Square knots (with the longer ends as working cords) until the desired strap length is reached. 

Step #24

• Take 2 cord ends and attach them to the bottom of the second lobster clasp with Vertical Larks Head Knots.
• Then make a Gathering Knot underneath with a 25 cm scrap cord.

Step #25

• Cut off Excess Cords.

DIY Macrame Crossbody Bag Pattern | Video Tutorial

It's a wrap – Your Chic Boho Macrame Crossbody Bag is finally done!

And there you have it, fellow creators! Your own DIY macrame crossbody bag. You can use it as a macrame clutch or a macrame purse handbag; it's ready to accompany you on your daily adventures.

From those first knots that might have seemed a bit perplexing to the final fringe you trimmed with a triumphant snip, you've crafted more than just a bag – you've woven a piece of your spirit into every twist and loop.

So whether you're hitting the streets, hitting the beach, or just hitting that snooze button for a well-deserved lazy morning, your boho masterpiece is by your side, a reminder that DIY dreams are always within reach.

Now go on and rock that effortlessly chic boho vibe with your newfound accessory, and remember, the world's your runway – so strut it with style, one macramé step at a time!

In search of additional enjoyable and straightforward DIY macrame bag designs and patterns?

Are you also interested in discovering a variety of DIY handmade macrame bag patterns to experiment with?

I offer a wide array of diverse DIY macrame patterns that you can delve into.

These encompass one-of-a-kind wall hangings designed to enhance your home decor and timeless plant hangers suitable for individuals of 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,