Directions for Making Macrame Plant-Holders

Macrame is the art of decorating using knots. Macrame plant hangers provide a way to display plants close to windows for sunlight. Plants hangers are handy for hanging plants outdoors in the summer. Plant hangers can be made to match a room's decor.

Things You'll Need

• 16 yards 4mm craft cord
• One 1.5 inch brass ring
• One 32mm wooden bead

Instructions

1. Cut four strands of cord 4-yards long. Double all four strands over the brass ring and center. There are now eight strands. Slide all eight strands through the wood bead and push up to the brass ring.

2. Separate the strands into four pairs. Make double half knots on each pair about 15 inches down from the ring. To make a double half knot start with four cords. The two inside cords (core) remain stationary and the two outside cords are the knotting cords. Place the right cord over the two core cords and then place it under the left cord. Bring the left cord under the two core cords and up through the loop formed by the core cords and the right cord. Repeat.

3. Form the net of the basket, by dropping down 4 inches and make double half knots using one strand from each side of the former knots just made.

4. Repeat by dropping down another 4 inches and make double half knots using one side from each side of the former knots.

5. Make square knots using four strands on two sides.Square knots are made by starting with four strands two of which will be stationary (core). Lift the right side and lay over the core cords. Lay the left side under the core cords and pull the end of the right cord through the loop made by the left cord. Pull the end of the left cord through the loop made by the right cord. Pull the cord snug, like tying a shoelace. Reverse the order of operation and repeat. Switch sides and repeat.

6. Finish by tying half knots using one strand from group to form a base knot.

7. Trim ends.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a hot glue gun, without glue, to sear the ends of the cords for easy insertion through the bead.

References

• Plant hangers : ideas and techniques, macrame, weaving, twining, coiling, leather, antiques, and more: Meilach,D.; 1977
• Macrame : 20 great projects to knot : Gentry, J.: 2002