How do I Make an Easy Macrame Plant Hanger?

Weave homemade hangers for hanging plants.

Hanging plants not only save space in small areas, they balance out the look of a planted porch and add color to higher spaces. Since hanging plants draw the eye upward, they make your garden space seem larger and well balanced. Though hanging planters can be expensive, don't worry. You can make a very simple macramé plant hanger with just a few simple tools.

Things You'll Need

• ¼ inch thick cotton or hemp cord
• Scissors
• 4 metal rings, 2-inch
• Pliers
• Hanging planter with rim hooks

Instructions

1. Cut three lengths of cord about 2 1/2 times longer than the expected finished hanging cords. Cut three more lengths of cord about six times longer than the expected finished hangers. For hangers about 3 feet long, cut three cords 8 feet long and three cords 18 feet long.

2. Separate your cords into pairs, matching a long cord with a shorter cord. Set two of your pairs aside and place one in front of you. Fold both cords in half and lay the shorter cord on top of the longer so the folds line up. Pinch the folds between your fingers to make a double loop about 2 inches long. Bend the loop down over the rest of the cords, creating a second loop. Pass the double loop through the second loop and pull tightly to create a granny knot.

3. Lay your cords on a flat surface with the loops pointing away from you. Separate the cords so the shorter ones are in the center and the longer ones are to either side. From left to right they are cords A through D. Bring cord A over the center cords and under cord D. Bring cord D under the center cords and up through the loop created by cord A. Pull the cords tight to create your first half knot.

4. Continue making half knots until you reach the last 2 inches of your cords. Tie them in a tight granny knot and weave your other two pairs of cords this way. Pry open your four 2-inch rings. Slip the top loops from all three woven hangers onto one ring and squeeze it closed. Pry open the other rings and wiggle one ring through the granny knot at the bottom of each hanger. Squeeze the rings closed again.

5. Slip a ring through each of the three hooks on the rim of your hanging planter. Plant the planter as you like and hang it from an eye hook sunk into masonry or wood. You may also use a rod iron lantern hook or very sturdy clothesline for your hanging plants.

References

• University of Maryland Extension: Growing Hanging Plants
• Garden Super Mart: Install Hanging Basket
• Made by Hippies: How to Tie Hemp Jewelry