Macrame is a fun and creative outlet but it can be confusing if you’re just starting out. In this post, I share 7 tips to learn macrame for absolute beginners.
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1. Set up a macrame work station.
Decide if you want to sit on the couch, your bed etc. You need something to hang your macrame cord on so think about what you can use around the house — for example: a macrame board (for small projects), a rolling clothes rack with S hooks, an over-the-door hanger with hooks or even a clipboard will work.
2. Watch Youtube videos at half speed
When I watch a Youtube tutorial, I adjust the playback speed so it’s slower and easier to follow. Here’s how you do that:
- Click the video you want to watch. On the right hand side, click the small gear icon for “Settings”
- On the pop-up menu, click “Playback Speed”
- Click “0.5” to play the video at half speed
3. Start with a beginner friendly project
Starting small is the best way to learn macrame knots and to see if you like it. Try my beginner-friendly tutorial for a macrame keychain.
4. Learn the basic knots
There are a few basic knots in macrame that make up a lot of projects and are a good starting point.
Here are the simple knots that I recommend learning first:
- square knot
- lark’s head knot
- spiral knot
- gathering knot
5. Take an online course
If you prefer learning by watching videos with an expert walking you through a project, step-by-step, try an online class on Skillshare. They have lots of creative classes online in macrame and other crafts.
6. Buy a macrame kit
You can find tons of kits on Etsy that will have everything you need to finish a project! Kits are a great way to test if you like macrame before you invest in a lot of supplies.
Most kits will have everything that you could possible need for the project like pre-cut macrame cord, accessories like beads or hooks, video instructions, etc.
7. Join an in-person workshop
It’s always fun to learn in a group setting and chat with others that might be learning macrame for the first time too. Check if a craft store or plant store (for macrame plant hangers) near you is hosting in-person events.
Most of all, have fun and don’t be afraid to make mistakes since that’s how you learn macrame and get even better.
