Learn the basics of macrame with these beginner-friendly macrame knots, and see how you can use them in your own macrame DIYs.

Image by Fall for DIY

It seems like a lot of times when I pop on here out of nowhere, it’s to say that I’m working on a super-secret collaboration. Well, surprise! I’m working on a super-secret collaboration. This one is really, really, really epic, and I cannot WAIT to tell you about it! 

Here’s a giant hint in the meantime: it involves macrame. I’m finally getting knotty! (Too much?)

In anticipation of the macrame DIY that I’ll soon be able to share with you, today I’m going to round up the best tutorials on how to tie beginner-friendly macrame knots, and gorgeous projects you can make with them. Then, check back next week when I’ll be able to share my own project and my exciting news!

Beginner-Friendly Macrame Knots

How to tie a lark’s head knot:

Image by Made in a Day

Every macrame project begins with a simple little loop known as the lark’s head knot. This attaches the macrame cords to…whatever they are being attached to. Rings, dowels, branches, hoops, etc. Made in a Day has a perfect explanation about how to make this easiest of knots, and then goes on to use it to make one of my favorite macrame DIYs, a boho hanging macrame mirror. 

 

How to tie a square knot:

Image by Persia Lou

The square knot, and its fraternal twin, the alternating square knot, form the basis of many a macrame creation. This knot looks so good that it’s often the only one you need to make a beautiful piece. And I promise you, it looks more complicated than it is! Just follow Persia Lou’s square knot video tutorial and you will have this thing down in 10 minutes or less.

Besides using the square knot in Alexis’ plant hanger above, you can also create a sweet mini macrame wall hanging that’s made of only square and alternating square knots. Here they are doubled for a more intricate look.

Image by A Pretty Fix

Looking for other fiber arts projects to try? Check out how to make a statement DIY wall weaving hack using a blanket and chunky yarn. 

How to tie a spiral knot, AKA half square knot:

Image by Decor Hint

If you spent summers at a sleep-away camp, you probably remember singing lots of rounds and making lanyards out of those garish plastic cords. That was macrame! And likely, the spiral knot, or more formally, half square knot.

I found this lovely spiral knot on Decor Hint’s great post on basic macrame knots. Blogger Karen breaks each knot down beautifully (she even has a pdf you can print out), and I love that she teaches this easy knot too. The spiral knot shines in a longer piece like a DIY macrame plant hanger. (You know I adore how plant-friendly macrame is!)

How to tie a diagonal double half hitch knot, AKA clove hitch:

Image by Macrame UK

This knot is how diamond shapes are started! And it’s another eeeeaaaasy one. Macrame UK has a perfect breakdown of how to tie this macrame knot.  

How darling is this mini macrame tree ornament using the double half hitch knot? I think this DIY by Life is a Party would be just as adorable scattered amongst a wall gallery, or decorating a fridge.

Image by Life is a Party

This macrame bag charm from We Make Collective is also made with the double half hitch knot, and shows you how to add beads to your macrame projects:

Image by Claire Wilson for We Make Collective

And one more project with the double half hitch knot, a stunning oversized jute macrame tote by Fall for DIY:

Image by Fall for DIY

How to tie a Carrick bend knot:

Image by Stephen Devries for Coastal Living

Ready to get a bit more adventurous? Jk, the Carrick bend knot is still for beginners! Lia Griffith teaches this knot in her beautiful colorful macrame necklace DIY.

How to tie a Pippa knot:

Image by Instagram user @malin_ove

Possibly my favorite of all the beautiful beginner-friendly macrame knots we’ve talked about, the Pippa knot is truly unique looking, don’t you think? Check out Malina Macrame’s video tutorial on how to make the Pippa knot.

Once you’ve made a few Pippa knots, you can create this FRIGGIN GORGEOUS wall hanging by Vania O. for Koel Magazine. I mean, wowowow.

Ok, that ought to keep you busy while I go off on my super-secret trip for my super-secret collaboration. Yes, I have to travel to get there. Intrigued yet? Muahaha.

Have you made any macrame projects? Do you have any beginner-friendly macrame knots I should add to this list?