Macramé · Complete beginner guide
Macramé for beginners
Everything you need to get started — what to buy, which knots to learn first, the best first project, and whether a class or online course suits you better.
✅ No specialist tools
Cord, a dowel or ring, and scissors. Total setup cost under £25.
✅ Fast first results
A plant hanger in 1–2 hours. You see progress immediately — unlike pottery or embroidery.
✅ Works well from video
Knot sequences are easy to follow with pause-and-rewind. One of the best crafts for online learning.
What to buy to get started
| Item | What to get | Cost | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macramé cord | 3mm natural cotton, twisted (not braided), 100m spool | £8–£15 | Hobbycraft, Amazon, Macramé Store UK |
| Dowel (wall hanging) | 30–40cm wooden dowel, 8–10mm diameter | £2–£5 | Hobbycraft, Amazon, DIY stores |
| Ring (plant hanger) | 10–15cm metal ring | £2–£3 | Hobbycraft, Amazon, craft shops |
| Scissors | Any sharp scissors — preferably dedicated craft scissors | £3–£10 | Already own / craft shops |
| Brush | Stiff-bristled nit comb or pet brush for fringing | £2–£5 | Pound shops, Amazon |
| Tape measure | For cutting cords to length | £2–£5 | Already own |
Total first-project cost: approximately £15–£25, with enough cord left for 3–5 more projects.
Want to try macramé before buying supplies? A beginner workshop gives you all the materials and a finished piece to take home.
Find a workshopThe best first macramé project
Single plant hanger
Uses only lark's head, square knot, and gathering knot. Takes 1–2 hours. Immediately functional. Teaches cord tension and working in the round — both foundational skills.
⏱ 1–2 hours
🪢 8 × 2m cords in 3mm cotton
Small wall hanging
More design freedom and a visible finished piece for your wall. Takes 3–5 hours. Introduces half hitch and spiral techniques. More complex to mount evenly — better after the plant hanger.
⏱ 3–5 hours
🪢 16–20 × 2m cords in 3mm cotton
The 5 knots beginners need
You don't need to know all five before starting — the plant hanger only uses three. Learn them in order as you encounter them.
Lark's head knot
Mounts cords onto a dowel or ring. Your starting point for every project. Takes 30 seconds to learn.
Used in: All projectsSquare knot
The most important macramé knot — two alternating half hitches. Creates the classic woven texture. The bulk of every plant hanger.
Used in: Plant hangers, wall hangings, bagsGathering knot
Wraps multiple cords together into a bundle. Used to start and finish plant hangers.
Used in: Plant hangersHalf square knot (spiral)
A square knot always tied in the same direction — creates a spiral twist column. Decorative and easy.
Used in: Plant hangers, wall hangingsHalf hitch (diagonal)
Creates diagonal lines and patterns across the piece. Unlocks more complex wall hanging designs.
Used in: Wall hangings, advanced piecesFor step-by-step instructions on each knot → Macramé knots guide
How to learn: online, workshop, or self-taught?
Online course
Domestika from £7.99
Structured progression, professional close-up video, lifetime access. Best for clear knot instruction.
Recommended for most beginners
Browse →YouTube
Free
Great content exists — especially for specific knots or projects. Requires more self-direction.
Good supplement; harder as only starting point
In-person workshop
ClassBento from £35
Hands-on feedback, social element. Good for people who struggle with video learning or want accountability.
Worth it if you learn better in person
Browse →Recommended beginner path
- 1
Buy a 100m spool of 3mm cotton cord (£10–£15) and a metal ring or wooden dowel.
- 2
Watch a 10-minute YouTube tutorial on the lark's head and square knot — just to see the motion.
- 3
Make a single plant hanger. Don't worry if it's uneven — tension improves with repetition.
- 4
Take a Domestika beginner course (from £7.99) to learn the full 5-knot foundation with better instruction.
- 5
Make a small wall hanging applying what you learned. By this point you'll know if macramé is for you.
Ready to start macramé?
Find a beginner workshop near you, or start at home with a Domestika course from £7.99.
Macramé for beginners
FAQs
Everything you need to know before you book.