Macramé: what it is, the basic knots explained and how to start

Macramé is the art of creating fabric and decorations by knotting threads with your hands alone: no crochet hook, no needles. Born centuries ago and back in the spotlight with boho style, it is booming today: wall hangings, plant hangers, bags, jewellery. In this guide you will find what macramé is, the basic knots step by step, the right materials and the first projects to try.

What is macramé (in a nutshell)

The word probably comes from the Arabic migramah, "knotted fringe". The technique reached Europe with Arab weavers and sailors spread it through ports around the world. The essence has not changed: cords are interlaced and knotted following knot patterns. From a handful of fundamental knots, endless textures are born. It is a relaxing, inexpensive technique for everyone: if you can tie a knot, you can do macramé.

The basic macramé knots, step by step

All macramé is built with five fundamental knots. Learn them in this order and you will be able to read any pattern.

1. Lark's head knot (the mounting knot)

This is the knot you use to mount the cords onto the support (a stick, a ring, a bar). Fold the cord in half, pass the loop behind the support and pull the two ends through the loop. Tighten: the cord is attached. Repeat for all the cords you need.

2. Square knot (flat knot)

The most used knot of all. It works over 4 cords: the 2 central ones stay still (core cords), the 2 outer ones knot. Bring the left cord over the core and under the right one; then the right cord under the core and through the left loop. Tighten. Repeat mirrored (start from the right) and you have a complete square knot. In sequence it creates the classic flat bands of wall hangings and bracelets.

3. Half knot (and the spiral)

It is half a square knot: always repeat the same side (for example, always start from the left) and the band will naturally twist on itself, creating the spiral — one of the best-loved effects for plant hangers and keyrings.

4. Double half hitch (clove hitch)

The knot that "draws": each cord is knotted, one at a time, around a guide cord held horizontally or diagonally. Two tight wraps of each cord around the guide and you get a raised line. With diagonals you create diamonds, zigzags and the leaves you see in boho wall hangings.

5. Simple finishing knot and fringes

To finish a piece: a tight simple knot at the base of the cords, then trim the fringes to the desired length and comb them with a fine-tooth comb for the feathered effect. It is the final touch of dreamcatchers and wall hangings.

Which cord for macramé? The materials to start

The golden rule: a 3-5 mm cotton cord, soft to knot but firm enough to hold the knot. Our picks to get started:

Olly — thick cotton blend cord
The generous calibre that makes knots stand out: perfect for wall hangings and plant hangers.
Discover Olly →

Tornado — matte round cord
Soft hand and clean finish: the ally of square knots and spirals.
Discover Tornado →

Mini Macramé Board
The work surface with grid and stoppers: it keeps your cords in order while you knot.
Discover the board →

For macramé jewellery (bracelets, anklets) the right thread is thinner: 1 mm waxed cotton holds the knot perfectly. And to explore all the cords, there is the cords for bags and macramé category.

Your first macramé projects, easiest first

• Keyring: 4 cords, square knots and a fringe. One hour of work and you have your first macramé;
• Bracelet: waxed cotton, square knot or spiral, one bead in the centre;
• Plant hanger: spirals and square knots worked vertically — instant boho effect;
• Dreamcatchers and feathers: double half hitches on a ring + combed fringes;
• Wall hanging: the iconic project — wooden stick, hitch diamonds and long fringes;
• Macramé bag: the next step, with 200 g cords and the right bag handles.

Frequently asked questions

Now you have the knots, the materials and the projects: all that's left is to cut your first cords and let your hands find the rhythm. We can't wait to see your first macramé!

Rosaria Tessiland®