Essential Macrame Knots for DIY Projects

Creating a macrame plant hanger is a journey of discovery and mastering the basic knots is the key in successfully creating custom plant hangers, wall hangings, keychains and many items.

Here ia a list of some of the basic macrame knots used by macrame lovers all around.

1. Lark’s Head Knot

This knot is often used to attach cords to a ring or dowel, forming the foundation for many designs.

• How to make:
  1. Fold the cord in half to create a loop.
  2. Place the loop over the dowel or ring.
  3. Pull the ends of the cord through the loop and tighten.

2. Square Knot

One of the most versatile and popular knots, often used in patterns. It can be done with two working cords and two filler cords. Square Knot id the most basic of macrame knots used in many macrame plant and wall hanger kits.

• How to make:
  1. Take four cords. The two outer cords are the working cords, and the two inner ones are the filler cords.
  2. Cross the left working cord over the two middle cords, forming a "4" shape.
  3. Bring the right working cord over the tail of the left one, then pass it behind the filler cords and up through the "4" loop.
  4. Tighten to complete half of the square knot.
  5. Repeat the process in reverse to complete the full square knot.

4. Clove Hitch / Half Hitch Knot

This knot is used to create horizontal, diagonal, or vertical lines in macrame patterns.

• How to make:
  1. Take one cord (the anchor cord) and hold it horizontally or diagonally across your project.
  2. Use another cord (the working cord) to loop over the anchor cord, passing behind and up through the loop.
  3. Tighten to create the half hitch.
  4. Repeat the knot to make a full clove hitch.

5. Gathering Knot / Wrap Knot

This knot is used to gather multiple cords together neatly.

• How to make:
  1. Take a separate piece of cord and place it parallel to the gathered cords.
  2. Wrap the working cord around the gathered cords several times, creating a neat bundle.
  3. Tuck the end of the wrapping cord through the loops and pull tight to secure.

6. Double Half Hitch Knot

A popular knot for creating diagonal, horizontal, or curved lines. It gives a neat, structured look.

• How to make:
  1. Hold one cord horizontally or diagonally as the anchor cord.
  2. Wrap another cord (working cord) over and under the anchor cord, pulling it tight to create a half hitch.
  3. Repeat the same knot on the same anchor cord to complete a double half hitch.

8. Josephine Knot (Carrick Bend)

This knot creates an elegant looped design, often used as a decorative feature.

• How to make:
  1. Take two cords and form a loop with the first cord.
  2. Pass the second cord over, under, and through the loop of the first cord in an over-under pattern.
  3. Tighten to form an intricate, decorative knot.

9. Overhand Knot

This is a very simple knot that can be used as a decorative element or for finishing ends.

• How to make:
  1. Form a loop with the cord.
  2. Pass the end of the cord through the loop and pull tight.

10. Berry Knot

 How to make:

1. Create a series of square knots, usually 4–6.
2. Take the two outer cords and pass them through the space above the first square knot.
3. Pull them tight to create a "berry" shape and secure it with another square knot.

11. Chinese Crown Knot

The Chinese Crown Knot, also known as the Mystic Knot or Pan Chang Knot, is a decorative knot often used in macrame, jewellery, and traditional Chinese crafts. This is a fun, raised knot that adds a 3D element to your work.

Follow these steps to create chinese crown knot.

1. Start with Four Cords:

   • Lay two cords horizontally and two cords vertically, crossing them in the middle to form a "+" shape. You’ll be working with the four ends.

2. Create a Loop with Each Cord:

   • Take the top cord and place it over the one to the right.
   • Now, take the right cord and place it over the bottom cord.
   • Take the bottom cord and place it over the left cord.
   • Finally, take the left cord and pass it through the loop created by the top cord.

3. Tighten the Knot:

   • Gently pull all four ends evenly to tighten the knot into a square-like shape.

4. Repeat:

   • If you'd like to create a longer, decorative chain, you can repeat the above steps using the same cords. This creates a beautiful, stacked design, perfect for macrame embellishments.