Not long after you start tying macrame knots, you’ll probably want to make something. That’s where macrame patterns come in handy.
You can find plenty of free patterns to get started making beautiful and practical things with your newfound skill. But what exactly is a macrame pattern? And what do you need to know to use one?
This article will walk you through some of the basics so you can begin knotting your way to success in no time.
Table Of Contents
What’s A Macrame Pattern?
Macrame as a craft relies on tying parallel strands of cord or rope into knots. Depending on which knots you tie, in what order, and with which particular strands, you’re able to create different designs. A pattern simply guides you step-by-step to reach a particular desired end.
Some patterns provide written instructions, photographs, or illustrations to help you visualize the process. Others provide step-by-step videos from a skilled macrame artist.
But before you launch into a search for patterns, here are a few things you’ll want to have ready first.
What You Need To Start Macrame Patterns
To get started, you’ll need a rod or stick to hang your starter cord from. It will hold your project together as you build it.
Having a measuring tape handy also helps you make sure your cord lengths are correct for your project and avoid wasting any material. You’ll also need a pair of scissors to cut your lengths of cord and trim any excess once you’ve tied some knots.
Lastly, there’s the cord itself. To practice, you can use almost anything — even twine. But when you begin making something that you’ll want to hang, wear, or use in some way, you’ll want to make sure the cord you’re using is appropriate for your project.
You can use string, cord, or rope for your macrame. But keep in mind these are actually different, building from thinnest to thickest. For example, string is single, unplied thread. Cord is comprised of multiple strands of string, and several cords twisted together yield rope.
GANXXET supplies a wide range of all these materials in enough colors to help you create just about anything you want. And our cotton cord is twisted in a continuous forward motion that ensures all strings are synchronized.
Why does that matter? It gives our cotton cord extra smoothness and makes sure it’s even. This means that when you tie it into beautiful patterns, it will shine and not have uneven interruptions that could mar your creation.
In general, cotton cord is softer than rope and is easier on your hands. GANXXET macrame cotton cord comes in 4 mm for detailed pieces, and 6 mm and 8 mm for projects that require more heft. But whatever the size, fringes of this cord won’t look frayed or fuzzy.
Practice Your Knots
Before you launch into finding a macrame pattern for that sweater you’ve always wanted to make, take time to master a basic range of macrame knots. This will help you in two ways.
First, you’ll find it easier to actually tie your way through whatever it is you’re creating. But equally important, you’ll be better able to understand a pattern as it refers to and demonstrates various knots if they’ve already become second nature to you.
Also, make sure that before you choose a pattern, you see what knots it requires. If they’re knots you already know, you’re all set. If not (no pun intended), you may want to learn them before diving in.
Once you have your materials and your knotting ability, you’ll be ready to try a macrame pattern. Here are a few free ones to choose from.
30 Free Macrame Patterns
Beginner
The first section of patterns on our list of macrame patterns is filled with perfect starter projects for beginners. Take a look below!
1) Book Holder
Turn a favorite book or magazine into instant wall art with this macrame pattern.
2) Coasters
Protect your furniture from glass rings and spills with these adorable heart-shaped coasters.
3) Yoga Strap
Sling your yoga mat over your shoulder with ease once you make this personalized strap.
With our 3 mm 3-ply Cotton Rope and Natural Wood Hoops, you can take your yoga practice to the next level with your own unique style.
4) Curtain Tiebacks
Amp up the beauty of your curtains with these elegant macrame curtain tiebacks.
5) Bookmark
If you’re a bibliophile and a macrame enthusiast like we are, this quick and easy bookmark pattern is right up your alley.
We recommend using 2 mm macrame cording to preserve the spine of the book, but 3 mm will also work in a pinch.
Once you get going, this project shouldn’t take you too long, so you can make multiple markers in one sitting.
6) Decorative Feathers
Looking for a simple, inexpensive, and attractive way to fill up some blank space on your wall? Try this decorative feather pattern.
You will need a fringe brush to give the final product a feather vibe, but the rest is pretty straightforward.
Not sure which cord or color to use? For cord, try the GANXXET Dual Recycled Cotton Macrame Cord — it’s perfect for this project. As for color, use your imagination, get creative, and mix things up a bit for a truly unique wall hanging.
7) Belt
We love wearable macrame, and you will too when you try this simple addition to our list of easy and free macrame patterns.
This riff on the yoga strap from earlier is a great way to add a bit of style and color to any wardrobe choice.
Plus, the basic concept can be used in a variety of different ways for a variety of different purposes (check out the Camera Strap project in the next section).
8) Keychain
Got a lot of cord scraps from other projects cluttering up your closet? Whip out a few of these macrame keychains as a way to tidy up.
Plus, they make great gifts and stocking stuffers so you can add a little DIY to any special occasion or holiday.
9) Headband
We love a good headband! Whether it’s to keep your hair in check during that five-mile run or just a decorative accessory that matches your new favorite outfit, macrame headbands are infinitely practical and stylish.
10) Hat Hanger
After a full season in the garden or at the beach, our sun hats are worn out and ready to be retired. Instead of throwing them away, why not put together a macrame hat hanger and display them like the badges of honor that they are?
These macrame patterns are super easy to create and make great gifts for everyone on your list.
Not sure what the right size cord is for this project? Try GANXXET’s Macrame Cotton Rope Zero Waste 3 Ply 3 mm to start and work your way up or down from there.
Intermediate
When you’re ready for something a little more challenging, try one of the following.
11) Plant Hanger
Simple, practical, and lovely, a plant hanger dresses up any space. Measure your flower pot heights, and follow the step-by-step tutorial below:
12) Wall Hanging
You can make wall hangings of different sizes and shapes to display as artwork around your home! Watch this video to see how you can turn our Single Strand Cotton Cord into the tapestry of your dreams.
13) Placemat
Call it what you want — placement, laptop mat, or just table decoration — this macrame pattern is sure to get you compliments while also being practical.
14) Crossbody Bag
To show off your newfound skills, create a cute and functional crossbody bag.
Personalize it to your style with our Linen Flamé collection. This material has a finish that is softer than normal linen but still maintains a rustic touch and incredible shine.
Learn how to create your own masterpiece here:
15) Necklace
Macrame necklaces are fun statement pieces to master and wear. Learn how to tie one of these intricate macrame patterns here:
16) Feather Earrings
Add flair to your style with macrame feather earrings. Follow this tutorial and pick up a Macrame Cord Fringe Brush to make any fringe designs a reality.
17) Bracelets
Looking for a great gift idea or want to create matching bracelets for you and a little one? Check out this video for how to make macrame bracelets below:
18) Fruit Hammock
Not only is this an attractive way to store your fruit, but it’s also practical.
With a “loose weave” design, you’ll be able to keep an eye on whatever you store there so it doesn’t get moldy and soft. And, depending on how you mount it, grabbing a fruit snack on the way out the door has never been easier.
We’ve used this design to store everything from apples, oranges, lemons, and limes to non-fruit items, such as onions, potatoes, radishes, and peppers.
19) Camera Strap
Instead of setting out to hold up your pants with a macrame belt, why not repurpose the pattern to hold up your fancy camera?
That’s the idea behind this next entry on our list of macrame patterns. With a few simple tweaks, you can create a one-of-a-kind strap that is both practical and fun to look at.
20) Photo Holder
Looking for a simple way to add a bit of macrame charm to your existing decor? Try this photo holder pattern.
You can try it with any size and color of cord you like, but we’ve found that GANXXET’s chunky, 9mm macrame cord is super attractive and adds lots of texture and personality to any photo display.
Expert
When you're ready for a larger challenge, here’s one more to try.
21) Curtain
A macrame curtain is a statement piece that will totally transform your space. Shop the GANXXET line of string, cord, or rope to get started on this exciting project!
22) Handbag
A macrame handbag makes for a stylish and practical addition to any outfit and situation. Tote it to the beach. Carry it to work. Pack it full of groceries. The sky’s the limit!
The pattern included here only uses one color and cord type, but feel free to include other hues and textures for a truly unique accessory.
23) Pillow Cover
Tired of the look and feel of your old pillows? Don’t get rid of them. Recover them.
Start with a smaller pillow — perhaps one of the throws on your couch. Once you’ve got some experience under your belt, try recovering something larger — like that four-foot body pillow you use every night!
These projects can get big so make sure you have enough cord on hand to cover the area. We like to mix and match our leftovers to create a truly technicolor final product.
24) Full-Size Hammock
Complete your outdoor space with this comfy macrame hammock.
If you tried the fruit hammock from the intermediate macrame patterns earlier in this article (or even if you haven’t), you’re ready for this human-size version.
Like some of the other projects in this expert section, constructing this macrame hammock is a big undertaking. Consider working on it through the winter months, and you’ll be ready once summertime rolls around.
25) Dream Catcher
There are lots of dream catcher macrame patterns out there. Some are super simple while others are more complex.
Try this Tree of Life design for an attractive way to decorate any space.
For an even bigger challenge, try starting with a larger hoop to make your macrame dream catcher an eye-catching addition to your room.
26) Beach Dress
While creating your own wearable macrame patterns is super fun, getting the fit just right can be a challenge.
If you’ve got plenty of time and patience (not to mention the skills to match), try this beach dress to put a bit of DIY in your summer fun time.
27) T-Shirt Jersey Dress With Macrame Detail
Looking for more of a macrame outfit you can wear anywhere? Try this pattern for a T-Shirt Jersey Dress with macrame detail.
It’s made using two t-shirts, has an open-backed macrame design in the middle, and, depending on the shirts you use, costs less than that fancy cup of coffee you buy every day before work.
Like the beach version earlier in the list, you may need a dress form to make this work so plan ahead before you get started.
28) Storage Basket
Keep any area tidy and organized with a macrame storage basket. Start out small and then try your hand at larger and larger versions of the same pattern.
Smaller baskets are perfect for storing small items, like pens, perfume, and lotion bottles, while larger baskets can hold bedside reading, magazines, or even dirty clothes.
Check out the tutorial below, pick your favorite color (or colors) from GANXXET’s selection of Cotton Rope Zero Waste 3 Ply - 3mm, and get started!
Embedded YouTube: https://youtu.be/kK6TT9PENHg
Source: Macrame Art Tutorial
29) Arch/Doorway Decoration
Need a statement piece for a wedding, an outdoor party, or a doorway in your house or apartment?
Try this extra-large arch decoration/backdrop for a truly unique addition to any space.
Be sure to check out the supply list and gather everything before you start. Then, give yourself plenty of time to work your way through this stunning project!
30) Kid’s Play Tent
Kids and adults alike love these stylish indoor play tents. You may even find your pets enjoying the space when you’re not there!
In fact, this pattern on a smaller scale would be the perfect way to add a bit more of an enclosed feel to your favorite four-legged friend’s sleeping area.
All you need to do is adjust the size of the wood supports up or down as necessary, and you’re good to go.
Have Cord, Will Create
No matter which macrame pattern you choose, it’s easy to get started when you have the right supplies on hand.
When selecting your materials, be sure to use high-quality cord with a beautiful sheen and color, like GANXXET Soft Cotton Cord, to ensure an end product you’re proud of.
Of course, the 30 patterns we’ve listed only scratch the surface of what you can do. In addition to hundreds of patterns available online from the macrame enthusiast community, you can get creative on your own.
You’re only limited by your imagination — and maybe how much time you have to tie knots. Happy knotting!
