Create a beautiful macramé plant hanger perfect for displaying your favorite potted plants. This project takes about 2-3 hours and requires no prior macramé experience. Great for adding a boho touch to any room while learning the basics of knotting.
Collect all your supplies and lay them out on a clean workspace. Cut eight pieces of macramé cord, each measuring 10 feet long. This might seem long, but the cord shortens significantly as you tie knots.
Gather all eight cords together and align the ends. Fold the bundle in half to find the center point. Tie a simple overhand knot about 2 inches from the fold to create a hanging loop. This loop will be used to hang your finished plant hanger.
Hang the loop you just created on a sturdy hook, door knob, or coat rack at about chest height. This keeps your work stable and makes knotting much easier. Make sure it's secure and won't slip as you work.
Below the starting knot, you now have 16 cord strands hanging down (8 cords folded in half). Divide these evenly into four groups of 4 strands each. Spread them out evenly around the starting knot so they're positioned like a plus sign when viewed from above.
Using your measuring tape, measure down 5 inches from the starting knot on each of the four groups. You can tie a small piece of scrap cord loosely around each group at this point as a guide, or simply keep the measurement in mind.
Working with one group of 4 strands at a time, tie a square knot at the 5-inch mark. To make a square knot: cross the left outer cord over the two middle cords, then pass the right cord over it and under the middle cords, coming up through the left loop. Pull tight. Then reverse: cross the right cord over the middle, left cord over it and under the middle, up through the right loop. Pull tight. Repeat on all four groups.
Measure down 4 inches from your first set of square knots. Now you'll create a diamond pattern by combining cords from adjacent groups. Take 2 cords from one group and 2 cords from the neighboring group (4 total), and tie a square knot. Repeat all the way around until you have 4 new square knots, each connecting two of your original groups.
Measure down another 4 inches from the second row. Repeat the same process: take 2 cords from each adjacent group and tie square knots. You should again have 4 knots in this row, creating an interwoven diamond mesh pattern that will cradle your plant pot.
After completing the third row of knots, gather all 16 cord ends together in one hand. Make sure they're aligned and untangled. Measure down about 4 inches from the last row of knots to determine where you'll tie the gathering knot.
With all 16 cords held together, tie a large overhand knot (or wrap one cord around the bundle several times and tie it off for a wrapped look). This knot holds everything together and prevents the plant pot from slipping through the bottom. Make sure it's tight and secure.
Below the bottom knot, trim all the cords to your desired length—typically 6-10 inches creates a nice tassel effect. Cut straight across for a blunt look, or at an angle for a more dynamic finish. You can also unravel the individual strands of each cord for a fluffier, more textured tassel.
Place a small to medium-sized plant pot (4-6 inches in diameter) into the macramé cradle to test the fit. The pot should sit securely in the diamond mesh with the bottom knot supporting it from underneath. Adjust knot placement if needed before final use.
Find the perfect spot for your new plant hanger—near a window with good light is ideal. Use a ceiling hook, wall hook, or sturdy curtain rod to hang it. Add your favorite trailing or compact plant, step back, and admire your handmade creation!