Enjoy this collection of 25 free macrame patterns for beginners and intermediate crafters. You find all sorts of projects, from plant holders to table runners to handbags to bookmarks. Once you learn a few basic macrame knots, the possibilities are endless!
Free Macrame Patterns
Macrame is a textile craft made with cords and knots. It’s a fun art that even beginners can pick up. And with just a little practice, you can quickly make a whole variety of beautiful and useful projects.
In the list below, you’ll find a variety of projects, including:
- Various home decor
- Bags and purses
- Table runners
- Camera straps
- Light fixture art
- Chair
- Curtain
- Jewelry
- Coasters
- Nursery decor
- Keychains
- …and more!
Once you become comfortable with different knotting techniques, you can continue using your macrame skills to make all sorts of unique patterns!
Easiest Macrame Projects
If you’re looking for a simple project that’s great for beginners, here are some good options from the list below.
- #3 – Macrame Mirror
- #4 – Dollar Tree DIY Mini Macrame Wall Hangings
- #14 – Macrame Bookmark
- #14 – Scandinavian Style Knotted Trivet
- #18 – DIY Woven Macrame Bracelet
- #25 – DIY Macrame Keychain
25 Free Macrame Patterns
Enjoy these free macrame patterns to inspire your next project!
Giant Macramé Rope Lights
Macrame over a lamp wire with this simple yet productive project! Besides your rope, you’ll need to gather a few other supplies for this design, such as a lightbulb, socket kit, drill, and a small vessel for your socket cover.
DIY Macrame Bag with Comfy Braided Handles
Make this boho bag with macrame. It’s cute, yet comfy, and would be great for grocery shopping or beach days. A video tutorial is included with this pattern.
Macrame Mirror
This cheery macrame mirror is made with yellow string and inspired by the sun. It’s a great way to take a small and lifeless mirror and turn it into a beautiful wall piece. You’ll need to know the square knot and double half hitch knot to make this pattern.
Dollar Tree DIY Mini Macrame Wall Hangings
This wall decor idea is super affordable and doesn’t take much time at all to make. It’s a great option for making a simple project that quickly turns any room into a more beautiful and homey place to be.
DIY Macrame Fruit Hammock
Free up your counter space with this simple, hanging fruit and veggie hammock. It’s perfect for a small kitchen or simply for displaying your beautiful, fresh produce!
Macrame Air Plant Holder
This little hanging air plant holder can be used for regular air plants (which you can purchase locally or online) or for handmade paper air plants. Here are some ideas and instructions for making your own air plants.
Simple Macrame Table Runner
This useful design adds an element of charm to each meal. It’s totally customizable so you can make it to fit your table. If you decide to change up your table decor later, this project can also transform into a beautiful wall piece.
Macrame Purse
Use this macrame purse tutorial to boldly show off your individuality and style. You can use a bright color (as shown) or change it up for a more neutral look. When you’re finished knotting, you’ll need to use a sewing needle and thread to create some basic seams that will shape your purse.
Simple Macrame Camera Strap
Photographers, trade your boring nylon strap for this cute and comfy handmade macrame strap. If you don’t need the full-length shoulder option, you can also use this tutorial to make a wristlet strap. Don’t take many pictures yourself? This project would make a great gift for a friend or loved one who does!
DIY Macrame Chandelier
Not a fan of fancy, delicate chandeliers? This boho, macrame chandelier may be just the thing that you didn’t know you needed. Besides your regular macrame supplies, you’ll also need a simple lampshade to complete your project.
DIY Macrame Desk Chair
Transform a boring, wooden desk chair into a delightful, decorative, and useful piece using macrame. Shop around at thrift stores or Facebook Marketplace to find an inexpensive chair to use for this lovely project.
Macrame Curtain
Use this curtain to decorate a closet door or window, or simply create it to use for a larger, decorative wall piece. Depending on the type of rope you choose, you’ll need a strong wooden dowel or curtain rod to hang your macrame piece.
Macrame Laptop Mat
Spruce up your workday with this beautiful laptop mat. By keeping your computer on a mat, you can help protect it from scratches and stains. You’ll need to know the square knot, horizontal double half hitch, and diagonal double half hitch to work this pattern.
Macrame Bookmark
Readers, keep your spot marked with this handmade, knotted bookmark. This is a quick project that doesn’t take much cord. It’s made using the half-hitch knot.
Scandinavian Style Knotted Trivet
A trivet protects your table from heat and scratches. To make this simple design, you’ll need some rope, an embroidery hoop, and a few wooden beads.
DIY Macrame Feathers
Want to know the secret to these perfectly soft feathers? Hint: it involves a tool used for grooming animals. These feathers are so soft and make such a unique and dreamy decoration!
DIY Macrame Bucket Bag
You’ll need a leather bottom, some cane webbing, two handles, and cord to make this trendy bucket back. With this fun project, you’ll have a unique bag that just can’t quite be duplicated!
DIY Woven Macrame Bracelet
Remember the summer days spent knotting friendship bracelets? This comeback design includes gold floss that really makes the bracelet shimmer. Just a warning: once you start making these, you might not be able to stop!
Macrame Earrings
This tutorial includes instructions for three different types of macrame earrings. You can purchase earring blanks online, or just use a regular hoop earring. A video tutorial is included for these three earring designs.
Macrame Table Runner
Inspired by Anthropologie, this artistic table runner is a relaxing project to work on while watching tv. It’s made from clothesline and includes a video tutorial.
Minimal DIY Macrame Coasters
You only need to know one knot - the vertical double half-hitch knot - to make these cute and modern macrame coasters. This minimalistic design is so simple and yet adds so much to a space! A video tutorial is included for this pattern.
Macrame Coasters
All you’ll need is some cord and some basic household supplies to make these circular macrame coasters. In fact, you can make a set of 4 coasters for less than $20! These would be great for adding to your own home decor or for giving as a thoughtful gift.
DIY Macrame Rainbow
You’ve probably seen similar designs all over the internet, but did you know that it’s really pretty simple to make this DIY rainbow yourself? It’s easy to personalize with your favorite colors, and you can even try out different fibers to get your perfect look.
Macrame Keychain
A macrame keychain is a fun project that’s quick to make and can be displayed nearly anywhere! Add it to your purse or backpack, keep it with your car keys, or just hang it somewhere in your home. You can use food coloring to create a cute and unique two-tone design.
DIY Macrame Keychain
This minimalistic keychain is not too bulky and can be made on short notice. For this project, you’ll use the lark’s head knot, spiral knot, and gathering knot. These would be fun to make for a group of friends or as party favors.
Learn the Basic Macrame Techniques
Never tried macrame before? Before you start creating your project, you’ll need to know these basic steps.
Setting Up
Before you begin knotting, it’s important to fasten your cord so that it’s held securely while you work. You can work vertically or horizontally – it’s up to your personal preference and the size and nature of your project.
To work vertically, you can hang your project by a loop or dowel. Secure it on the top of a doorframe, from a clothing rack, or over a chair.
If you prefer to work horizontally, you can hook your project around a table leg, clip it on a clipboard (for small projects), or secure it to a surface with masking tape (just make sure to avoid sticking masking tape to painted, textured, or wallpapered surfaces).
Measuring and Cutting the Cord
Now it’s time to prepare your cord. Read through your pattern to find out how many strands you will need and how long to cut each one. Then, double-check yourself before making the cuts.
Common Macrame Knots
To make your macrame pattern, you may need to know anywhere from one knot to a handful of different knots. Familiarize yourself with the knot(s) necessary for your pattern before getting started. Here are some of the most common macrame knots that you might use:
- Lark’s head knot
- Vertical lark’s head knot
- Half square knot
- Square knot
- Spiral knot
- Half knot spiral
- Gathering knot
- Half hitch
- Double half hitch
For pictured instructions on knotting and more about learning macrame, check out my post, How to Macrame.
Macrame Supplies You’ll Need
Before getting started, make sure to read through your project to see what supplies you will need. Basic macrame supplies include:
- Macrame cord (cotton rope or cord is common, but you might also use hemp string, embroidery floss, nylon, or even clothesline, depending on your project)
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Other supplies (such as beads, rings, dowels, keychains, jewelry findings, a drill, etc.)
What Type of Cord is Best for Macrame?
The type of cord you will need depends on the size and nature of your project as well as your personal preference.
Many medium-sized, decorative projects suggest using cotton rope or cord. For smaller projects, such as bookmarks and friendship bracelets, you might use embroidery floss or hemp string.
For large projects, such as rope lights, table runners, and curtains, you will likely need thicker rope or even clothesline.
Explore More Macrame Ideas
For even more macrame inspiration, check out these related articles.
- 20+ Free Macrame Wall Hanging Patterns and Tutorials
- 21 Free Macrame Plant Hanger Patterns
- How to Make a Macrame Plant Hanger: Easy DIY Tutorial
- How to Macrame: Get Started with this Easy Beginner’s Guide
- 17 Basic Macrame Knots: Step-by-Step Instructions
- How to Make Friendship Bracelets
What’s Next?
Pin this post: Save this tutorial to your Pinterest boards so that you can come back to it later.
Leave a comment: We love to hear your feedback. Tell me in the comments below!
Share on Instagram or Facebook: When you make this project, share it on social media and tag me @sarahmaker_. We love to see what you make!
Have questions? Join the Facebook Group!
We hope this article was useful for you! If you have any additional questions, feel free to join my Facebook Group. We created this group for you to share pictures, ask questions, and help each other out.
Similar Posts
How to Macrame: Get Started with this Easy Beginner’s Guide
21 Free Macrame Plant Hanger Patterns
17 Basic Macrame Knots: Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Make a Macrame Plant Hanger: Easy DIY Tutorial
20+ Free Macrame Wall Hanging Patterns and Tutorials