12 Free Macramé Projects for Beginners — Step-by-Step Tutorials

Whether you've just bought your first cord or you're looking for your next quick project, this list has something for every beginner. These 12 free macramé tutorials cover everything from 10-minute keychains to full wall hangings — no experience required for most of them.

Every project below links to a free step-by-step tutorial. For most, we've included the recommended cord type and a rough time estimate so you can pick the right project for your afternoon (or your whole weekend).

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New to macramé? Start with the 10-Minute Plant Hanger or the Daisy Keychain. Both use just one or two knots and can be finished in a single sitting.

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Macramé Keychain Projects (3 Free Tutorials)

Keychains are the perfect first macramé project. They use small amounts of cord, take under an hour, and teach you the foundational knots you'll use in every future project. They also make great gifts.

1. Daisy Keychain

Skill level: Beginner | Time: 45-60 minutes

The Daisy Keychain is one of our most-loved beginner tutorials. The circular petal pattern looks impressive but uses only the basic Lark's Head knot — which takes about five minutes to learn. It's a great first project because you get a beautiful finished piece quickly, which keeps you motivated to keep going.

What you need:

• 3mm cotton macramé cord
• Lobster clasp ring
  
• Scissors

Knots used:

• Lark's Head knot
• Double Half-Hitch knot
• Half Hitch knot
• Gathering Knot

→ Free Daisy Keychain Tutorial | Shop 3mm macramé cord

Can't see the video? Watch on the Bochiknot YouTube channel — 100,000+ subscribers.

2. Fishtail Keychain

Skill level: Beginner | Time: 20–30 minutes

The Fishtail Keychain features a repeating diagonal pattern that creates a fish-scale effect. It uses the Half Hitch knot, which is one of the three essential macramé knots every crafter should know. Once you've finished this keychain, you'll have the foundation for almost every pattern you'll ever attempt.

What you need:

• 3mm cotton macramé cord
• Lobster clasp ring
  
• Scissors
• Fringe comb

Knots used:

• Lark's Head Knot
• Double Half Hitch

→ Free Fishtail Keychain Tutorial

3. Keychain Lanyard Shell Pattern

Skill level: Beginner | Time: 30-60 minutes

Our third and final keychain project is one of our favorites — the Keychain Lanyard Shell Pattern.

This design is a beautiful blend of form and function. Built around a stunning shell-inspired pattern, it's practical enough to hold your keys, ID, or small everyday items, while still being something you'll actually want to show off.

The knots behind this intricate look are simpler than they appear, making it a wonderful project for beginners who want to level up their skills while creating something they'll use every day.

The best part? It's completely customizable — play with different cord colors, adjust the size, or add beads and charms to make it truly your own.

What you need:

• 3mm cotton macramé cord
• Lobster clasp ring
  
• Scissors

Knots used:

• Lark's Head Knot
• Double Half Hitch Knot
• Gathering Knot

→ Keychain Lanyard Shell Pattern Tutorial | Shop macramé cord

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Macramé Wall Hanging Projects (3 Free Tutorials)

Wall hangings are what most people picture when they think of macramé — and for good reason. A finished wall hanging transforms a blank wall into a statement piece. These three tutorials range from straightforward to impressive.

4. Feather Wall Hanging

Skill level: Beginner | Time: 1–2 hours

Macramé feathers are one of the most popular standalone projects — and once you know how to make one, you'll want to make a dozen. The leaf/feather shape comes from unravelling cord and trimming it into shape. No complex knotwork required. They look stunning as a simple arrangement on a wall or as part of a larger installation.

What you need:

• 3mm cotton macramé cord
  
• Scissors
• Fringe comb
• Beads
• 9-12" wooden dowel 

Knots used: 

• Lark's Head Knot
• Reverse Lark's Head Knot
• Double Half Hitch Knot
• Square Knot

Completed size: 12.5 x 6"

→ Free Feather Wall Hanging Tutorial | Shop 3mm cord

5. Half Mandala Wall Hanging

Skill level: Beginner–Intermediate | Time: 1–3 hours

The Half Mandala is a semicircular pattern hung from a wooden dowel. It's one of the most striking beginner-to-intermediate patterns because the geometric repetition creates the appearance of a complex design — but it's built from just two knots repeated in sequence. Once you learn the pattern repeat, you can make this entirely from memory.

What you need:

• 3mm cotton macramé cord
• 12" Wooden dowel
• Scissors
• Fringe comb

Knots used: 

• Lark's Head Knot
• Double Half-Hitch Knot
• Square Knot
• Berry Knot
• Reverse Lark's Head Plus Half Hitch Knot

→ Free Half Mandala Tutorial | Shop macramé starter kits

6. Rose Heart Wall Hanging

Skill level: Intermediate | Time: 1–3 hours

This is a step up in complexity — the Rose Heart pattern features a detailed floral and heart motif that makes a stunning Valentine's Day, anniversary, or gift piece. Don't attempt this as your very first project, but once you've done a couple of beginner pieces, this is a beautiful next challenge.

What you need:

• 3mm cotton macramé cord
• 12" Wooden dowel
• Scissors
• Fringe comb

Knots used: 

• Lark's Head Knot
• Square Knot
• Rose Knot

→ Free Rose Heart Tutorial

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Macramé Plant Hanger Projects (3 Free Tutorials)

Plant hangers are one of macramé's most practical outputs — functional, beautiful, and endlessly customisable. These three tutorials go from "I've never tied a knot" to confidently making multi-tiered hangers.

7. 10-Minute Plant Hanger

Skill level: Complete beginner | Time: 10–15 minutes

This is the fastest macramé project on the list. The 10-Minute Plant Hanger uses only Gathering Knots and basic cord grouping — no complex knotwork at all. If you're brand new to macramé and want to make something today, start here. It genuinely takes 10 minutes.

What you need:

• 4mm cotton cord 
  
• Scissors
• 5-8" plant pot

Knots used: 

• Half Hitch Knot
• Lark's Head Knot
• Double Half Hitch Knot
• Berry Knot
• Square Knot
• Gathering Knot

→ Free 10-Minute Plant Hanger Tutorial | Shop 4mm cord

8. 6-Knot Plant

Skill level: Beginner | Time: 30–45 minutes

The 6-Knot Plant Hanger introduces the Square Knot — the most fundamental knot in all of macramé — and shows you how to use it to create a classic hanging pot holder. By the end of this tutorial, you'll understand knot spacing, tension, and how to create a finished bottom to hold a pot securely.

What you need:

• 4mm cotton cord 
  
• Scissors
• 5-8" plant pot

Knots used:

• Reverse Lark's Head Knot
• Square Knot
• Half Hitch Knot
• Double Half Hitch Knot

→ Free 6-Knot Plant Hanger Tutorial

9. 3-Tiered Plant

Skill level: Intermediate | Time: 1.5–2 hours

The 3-Tiered Plant Hanger holds three pots at different heights — creating a dramatic cascading plant display. It uses the same knots as the 6-Knot hanger but with more complex spacing and structure. This is one of our most-photographed tutorials because the finished result looks stunning in any room.

What you need:

• 4-5mm cotton cord
• Scissors, measuring tape

Knots used: Square Knot, Gathering Knot, Spiral (Half Square) Knot

→ Free 3-Tiered Plant Hanger Tutorial | Shop 5mm cord

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Macramé Bag Projects (3 Free Tutorials)

Macramé bags have exploded in popularity — and for good reason. A handmade macramé bag is something you'll actually use every day. These three tutorials range from beginner-friendly to a satisfying intermediate challenge.

10. Net Bag (Market Tote)

Skill level: Beginner–Intermediate | Time: 2–3 hours

The Net Bag — sometimes called a market tote or mesh bag — is one of the most practical macramé projects. The open net structure uses alternating Square Knots to create a stretchy, flexible bag that holds more than it looks like it should. It's a fantastic first bag project.

What you need:

• 3-4mm cotton cord — approx. 100–120m
  
• Scissors

Knots used: 

• Overhand Knot
• Gathering Knot

→ Free Net Bag Tutorial

11. Fringe Handbag

Skill level: Intermediate | Time: 4–6 hours

The Fringe Handbag is one of our most stunning bag tutorials. Long cord fringe creates a boho curtain effect on the front panel — the kind of bag you'd see in a boutique for $150. The construction involves building a flat knotted panel and attaching it to handles. Time-consuming, but the result is genuinely impressive.

What you need:

• 3mm cotton cord 
• Gold bag handles
• Scissors
• Fringe comb

Knots used:

• Lark's Head
• Square Knot
• Double Half Hitch
  

→ Free Fringe Handbag Tutorial | Shop bag handles & accessories

12. Mobile Phone Bag

Skill level: Intermediate | Time: 2–3 hours

The Mobile Phone Bag is a crossbody-style mini bag sized to hold your phone and a few essentials. It's a great intermediate project because the small scale means it works up quickly — but the construction techniques are transferable to any larger bag project.

What you need:

• 3mm cotton cord 
• Metal clasp (optional)
• Scissors
• Fringe comb

Knots used:

• Lark’s Head
• Square Knot
• Half Hitch 
• Overhand Knot 
• Berry Knot 
• 4-Ply Braid 
• Gathering Knot

→ Free Mobile Phone Bag Tutorial | Shop 3mm cord

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What Supplies Do You Need to Get Started?

For the beginner projects above, you need very little:

• Cord: 3-5mm cotton cord for most projects, 3mm for keychains
• Tools: Sharp scissors, metal ring or wooden dowel, S-hook for hanging
• Nice to have: Fringe brush, measuring tape

If you want to skip the guesswork entirely, our macramé starter kits include everything for a specific project in one box — cord, hardware, pattern, and access to a video tutorial.

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Frequently Asked Questions