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 for bookmark, leaf, bag, and bookmark

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.

25 Free Macrame Patterns

Enjoy these free macrame patterns to inspire your next project!

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.

free macrame patterns for bookmark, leaf, bag, and bookmark

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.

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