Let’s dive into one of my absolute favorite aspects of macrame—add-ons!

So, what exactly are macrame add-ons?

Great question!

These little extras are like the finishing touch that turns a simple macrame piece into something truly breathtaking.

Think of them as mini accents you add to your main design—like extra petals, layered leaves, or delicate stems.

They add that “wow” factor, bringing in more dimension, texture, and personality.

It’s the final flourish, or as I love to say, the icing on the cake!

For me, add-ons are everything, especially when I’m working on floral designs.

I absolutely adore adding extra petals or unique leaves to make a piece feel lush and layered.

These small details carry so much love and intention, and they’re what make your work stand out.

Add-ons say, “This piece? It’s one-of-a-kind, just like its knotter!”

In this blog post, I’ll be walking you through how to create your own mini flower add-ons.

I’ll share the pattern that helps you master the basics, and once you’ve got it down, feel free to go wild and add them to any of your macrame designs!

You’ll see how these little additions can bring a whole new vibe to your work.

If you’re looking to add some personality, depth, and that unique, unmistakable “you” touch to your macrame, then add-ons are where the magic happens.

It’s those thoughtful, extra details that make a piece unforgettable.

Let’s get started on creating some beautiful flower add-ons and take your macrame to the next level!

Macrame Knots You Need to Know

Before we jump into creating those delightful mini-flower add-ons, let's get familiar with three essential macrame knots that we'll be using.

Don't worry if you're new to them—I promise they're easier than they look, and I'm here to guide you every step of the way!

Double Half Hitch (DHH):

Ah, the Double Half Hitch knot—one of my absolute favorites!

This versatile knot is fantastic for creating detailed lines, curves, and intricate patterns in your macrame designs.

Think of it as the sketching tool that outlines the petals and leaves in our flowers, adding structure and definition.

Once you get the hang of it, you'll be amazed at how it elevates your work to a whole new level.

Square Knot:

The Square Knot is a true classic in the macrame world and a must-know for any macrame enthusiast. It's simple, sturdy, and adds a lovely texture to your pieces.

This knot forms the foundation for many macrame patterns and brings a balanced, woven look that's both timeless and elegant.

Plus, there are plenty of fun variations you can explore once you're comfortable with the basic knot!

Gathering Knot:

 

 

Think of the Gathering Knot as the finishing touch that brings everything together—literally!

This knot is used to neatly bundle a group of cords, giving your piece a polished and cohesive appearance.

It's often used at the beginning or end of a project to secure loose ends, much like tying a ribbon around a bouquet.

It adds that professional flair that makes your macrame look expertly crafted.

Why These Knots Matter:

Mastering these three knots will not only help you with this project but will also expand your macrame repertoire for future creations.

They're the building blocks for so many designs, and understanding how they work will give you the confidence to experiment and perhaps even invent your own patterns!

Tips for Practicing:

• Take Your Time: Don't rush learning these knots. Enjoy the process—put on some music, get comfy, and let your hands get used to the movements.

• Use Practice Cord: It might help to use a thicker cord or a different color when practicing so you can easily see the knot formations.

• Repeat, Repeat, Repeat: Repetition is key. The more you practice, the more muscle memory you'll build, making knotting feel like second nature.

Interested in Expanding Your Knot Repertoire?

If you’re looking to explore even more macrame knots for future projects, check out my free resource, “50 Macrame Knots & Sennit Guide.”

This guide is packed with easy, step-by-step instructions designed to help you sharpen your skills and experiment with creative, new designs.

Access it here.

Important Macrame Terms for Beginners

Before we dive into the project, let's go over a few essential terms in macrame. Understanding these will make it easier to follow patterns, build your confidence, and create a solid foundation for your macrame journey.

1. Knots

• Definition: The building blocks of macrame; each design relies on a variety of knots.
• Examples: Overhand Knot, Alternating Overhand Knot.
• Tip: Check out the “Macrame Knots You Need to Know” section in this guide to master the basics used in this pattern.

2. Cords

• Definition: The main material in macrame, made from cotton, jute, nylon, or synthetic fibers.
• Details: Available in various thicknesses and colors, which allow you to personalize your designs.
• Resource: Explore our post, “Macrame Essentials: Everything You Need—Cord, Tools, & Materials,” to learn more.

3. Loop

• Definition: Formed by crossing a cord over itself, creating a ring-like shape.
• Usage: Loops are essential in many macrame designs and patterns.

4. Fringe

• Definition: The loose ends of cords that add a decorative, free-flowing element to your piece.
• Styling Tips: You can trim the fringe to your desired length or leave it as is.
• Resource: See “My Top 5 Secrets for Creating PERFECTLY Styled Fringe” for more tips.

5. Anchor Cord

• Definition: The fixed cord to which other cords are attached, providing stability to your design.

6. Working Cord

• Definition: The cord actively used to create knots and patterns in your project.

7. Sennit

• Definition: A group of knots combined to form a specific pattern within your macrame project.

8. Frays and Tassels

• Definition: The loose, decorative ends of cords, often left intentionally as frays or shaped into tassels.

Cord & Materials You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to get started on this macrame project.

I’ve kept the materials list simple, so even if you’re a beginner, you’ll be able to find everything easily.

For this tutorial, I’m using a bamboo cord from our Lush range, which is soft, eco-friendly, and perfect for adding that natural, cozy touch to your piece.

Materials:

• 3mm Macramé Cord: A medium thickness, ideal for creating defined knots without overwhelming the design. It’s versatile and easy to work with, especially for floral and intricate add-ons.
• Craft Wire (Optional): Use this if you’d like to add structure to your piece or create specific shapes. The wire helps keep elements like flowers or leaves in place and is a great option if you want a more sculpted look.

Shop Tip: You can find all of these cords and supplies in our Bochiknot shop. The 3mm bamboo cord from our Lush range is my go-to for projects like this one because it combines durability with a soft, smooth finish.

Cord Lengths:

For this project, you’ll need the following cord lengths:

• 12 cords, each 35 cm (14”) – These will be used to create the main knots and structure of your add-on.
• 1 cord, 30 cm (12”) – This shorter cord is for gathering and securing, providing a neat finish to your project.

If you’d like to make larger add-ons, you can increase the length of each cord accordingly.

Having the right lengths prepared before you begin will make the process smoother and allow you to focus on the fun part—knotting!

Essential Macrame Tools

• Scissors
• Measuring Tape

Enhancing Your Macrame with Add-Ons: Flower Patterns for Beginners | Video Tutorial 

Enhancing Your Macrame with Add-Ons: Flower Patterns for Beginners | Step-by-Step Guide

*Note: I recommend following the tutorial video for more detailed instructions and to achieve the best results.

This will provide additional guidance and clarity as you work through each step.

Step 1:

And just like that, you’ve created a sweet little macrame flower that’ll add a gorgeous, personal touch to any of your projects!

Remember when we talked about macrame add-ons being the “icing on the cake”?

This mini flower is exactly that—bringing charm, dimension, and that little bit of extra love to make your work truly one-of-a-kind.

If you’re as hooked on macrame as I am and can’t wait to learn even more, be sure to check out our Macrame Journey page.

It’s packed with tutorials, tips, and all the inspiration you need to keep growing and experimenting with your designs.

Happy knotting, and here’s to creating pieces that are as unique as you are!