Macramé, the ancient art of knot-tying, is experiencing a modern renaissance, and it’s easy to see why. With its intricate patterns and textured designs, macramé adds a unique and handmade touch to any home. And it’s not just for wall hangings and tapestries anymore – plant hangers are the latest trend taking the craft world by storm.

Creating knotted plant hangers may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools, techniques, and a bit of practice, anyone can master this timeless art form. This beginner’s guide will take you through the tools you’ll need, the basic knots that form the foundation of macramé, and simple step-by-step instructions to create your very own knotted plant hanger.

Let’s start with the tools and materials you’ll need to get started. The great news is that macramé requires very few materials, and most of them are easily accessible and affordable. The most important tool is, of course, your cord. For plant hangers, it is best to use a natural fiber cord like cotton or jute, which is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. You’ll want to choose a cord thickness that is comfortable to work with and suits the size of your project. Typically, cord sizes range from 3mm to 6mm for plant hangers.

In addition to the cord, you’ll need a pair of sharp scissors to cut the cord and a tape measure to ensure your hanger is the correct size. Optionally, you may want to invest in a macramé board, which is a helpful tool for keeping your work-in-progress secure and at the right tension. While not necessary, it can make the process easier, especially for beginners.

Now, let’s move on to the basic knots that form the foundation of macramé plant hangers: the square knot and the gathering knot. The square knot is a simple knot that creates a flat, woven pattern. To create this knot, you’ll need four cords, divided into two pairs. Cross the right pair over the left, and then bring the left pair over and under the right pair, creating a twist. Pull the cords tight, and you’ve made your first square knot!

The gathering knot is used to bring cords together and create a secure hold. To form this knot, lay one cord on top of the other, bringing the working end under and then back over the standing end. Pull tight, and you’ve formed a half-hitch. Repeat this process, creating multiple half-hitches in a row, and you’ve formed the gathering knot.

Now that you know the basic knots, you can start creating your own plant hanger. Start by cutting your cord to the desired length, allowing for a few extra inches for knots and adjustments. Then, take four cords and secure them to your macramé board or a fixed object. You will create the base of your plant hanger using the gathering knot.

Once you have a secure base, divide your cords into pairs and start adding square knots. Build up a pattern of square knots, leaving a small space between each one. You can create interesting designs by varying the number of square knots in each section and leaving larger or smaller spaces between them. This will form the main body of your plant hanger.

Continue knotting until you’ve reached your desired length, and then finish off with another gathering knot to create a secure loop for your plant pot to sit in. And there you have it – your very own knotted plant hanger!