How to create the very best macrame plant hanger DIY

Plants indoors are an absolute win. Nothing boosts the aesthetics and comfort of a space more than a little greenery, and with a macrame plant hanger DIY, you can add some colour all over the home.

Macrame plant hangers are perfect for small spaces as you can hang them on the wall or from the ceiling. This avoids taking up a shelf or floor space while still adding more plants!

Read on for our macrame plant hanger DIY tips and turn your home into a mini-jungle today! Macrame is really easy because you don’t need any special equipment, just some rope and knot-tying skills.

The materials you’ll need for an easy macrame plant hanger DIY:

You can change the size of your hanger to fit your space; we’ll work with a pretty standard length today, but feel free to customise as you see fit! you’ll need the following to make your hanger:

• 2, 1-yard pieces of 3mm macrame cord
• 8, 3-yard pieces of 3mm macrame cord
• 2” wooden ring
• Scissors
• A potted plant of your choice

How to make a macrame plant hanger DIY: Step-by-step

The simple process for creating a macrame plant hanger DIY just takes a little patience, but once you get the hang of it (pun intended), you’ll be unstoppable!

Step 1: Combining the cords and ring

The eight 3 yard pieces of cord need to be slid through your ring. Centre the ring on the cords, and ensure your ends are even.

Step 2: Tying a gathering knot

The first knot that is required is known as a gathering knot. To tie this, follow these steps:

1. Take the 1-yard piece of cord
2. Lay the piece on top of your cord bundle in the shape of a “V”
3. Position the piece, so the left side of the V is shorter than the right
4. Hold the bottom of the V and wrap the bundle with the longer piece of cord
5. Keep wrapping from the top downwards, placing each coil underneath the previous one neatly

You can do this until you are happy with the length of your gathering knot. Then, slide the wrapping cord into the loop and pull the short end of the V shape up. This will cause your loose end to secure within the coils of the knot, and you can trim the excess cords.

Step 3: Knotting your cords with a square knot

We know, you need some boy scout level knotting skills to do this, but keep going! Next, you need to knot your cords, and luckily, the square knot is one of the most basic of the macrame section.

The square knot is aptly named as it creates a box-shaped knot. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Split a chosen four cords away from the rest of the group
2. Separate them so you have two in the middle, which will be known as your anchors
3. Place one of the other cords on each side, which will be your knotting cords
4. Pull the left knotting cord over the others to create the shape of a number 4
5. Take the right knotting cord and lay it over the left knotting cord, which should now be on the right side
6. Bring the right knotting cord behind the two middle anchor cords then back up through the triangle section of your number 4 shape
7. There should now be cord on the top and the bottom of the anchors
8. Pull both of the knotting cords evenly, then slide the knot up the anchor cords

This is the completion of one half of the square knot. These next steps are the same but on the other side, which will complete the knot:

1. Take the right knotting cord and pull it over the two anchor cords creating a backward number 4
2. Put the left knotting cord over the right, which should now be on the left side
3. Take the right and left knotting cords and pull them evenly while sliding the knot up the two centre cords
4. Continue for roughly 1.5 feet and repeat for the remainder of the cords

Step 4: Creating a net

The next step will use an alternating square knot that will form a net to hold the plant pot. To do this, combine the left anchor and knotting cord from a chosen group with the knotting cords and right anchor of the adjacent group.

Create a single square knot roughly three inches below the knotted cords and continue to repeat this, creating a square knot in between all of the knotted cord groups.

Step 5: Finalising your plant holder

At this point, there should be four square knots that connect all of your cords. From there, you can complete the second row of square knots that alternate approximately 3″ down from the previous row.

When this is done, gather all of the cords and tie a final gathering knot 3 inches down from the final square knot. Make it tight, as this will be the main support holding your pot!

Your springtime plants need a macrame plant hanger DIY

When spring rolls around as it does every year (we checked), there is nothing better than filling your home with new houseplants! Plants are proven (by science!) to be naturally stress-relieving, so the more in the house, the merrier! From little baby sprouts to something more established from your local nursery, a plant collection needs its accessories.

By making your own macrame plant hanger, you maximise your space while also showcasing your impressive plants. Hang them from the ceiling, shelves, or window frames; just ensure your layout looks intentional rather than cluttered. It’s also important to ensure that all of your plants are positioned in spots that provide the ideal amount of sunlight.

Frequently asked questions

What materials do I need to make a 5-minute macrame plant hanger?

The main materials you need to make a quick macrame plant hanger:

1. Three lengths of 3⁄16”-thick cotton cord
2. A wooden or brass ring
3. Something to hook the planter to a wall
4. Scissors
5. A bowl or pot
6. Rocks for drainage
7. Potting soil

What is the best material for macrame plant hangers on the wall?

Wooden dowels are available in different diameters and lengths, offering an affordable option that can be stained or painted for different looks. This is a perfect option for something to hang your next macrame project.

How much cord do I need for a macrame plant hanger?

A safe rule is for your macrame cord to be roughly four times the length of your desired project size. If you are doubling your cords, aim for eight times the length. This is all customisable to match your space (e.g. higher ceilings etc.)

Is macrame an expensive hobby?

The cost varies for your macrame project and will essentially depend on the size of your piece. The price comes down to the number of materials you need to purchase and the quality you select. A DIY macrame project will always be less expensive than buying a pre-made macrame product.

Time to get hanging!

You now have the power to create as many hanging plant pots as you want! So go crazy, fill the air with plants, or keep it chill with a few here and there (like a normal person). Once you master your first one, the rest will be easy, and you’ll have a very cost-effective planet solution forever.

If your thumbs aren’t as green as you would like, there are many expert gardening Taskers available to help ensure your green areas are actually as green as they should be.

For those looking to improve their indoor gardens, we have a stack of helpful blogs for you. Check out our guide to keeping your indoor plants alive and our list of the best indoor plants for the Australian climate. We also have a list of the five best hanging plants that will be perfect for your newly made hanging planters! With a little reading and some spare time, you’ll have an indoor jungle that will make your home look great!