5 Macrame Knots Every Beginner Should Learn

Every macrame project — from a simple keychain to a 6-foot wall hanging — is built from the same handful of knots. Learn these five and you’ll have the vocabulary to follow any pattern you find.

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1. Lark’s Head Knot

Used for: Attaching cord to a dowel, ring, or branch. This is always your first knot.

How to tie it:

1. Fold your cord in half to find the center
2. Place the folded loop behind your dowel
3. Pull the two loose ends through the loop
4. Tighten by pulling the ends downward

Tip: For a cleaner look, try a reverse lark’s head — place the loop in front of the dowel instead of behind it. The bump sits at the back.

2. Square Knot

Used for: Almost everything. This is the bread and butter of macrame.

You need 4 cords: 2 working cords (outer) and 2 filler cords (inner).

How to tie it:

1. Left cord goes over center cords, under right cord
2. Right cord goes under center cords, up through left loop
3. Pull tight — this is half a square knot
4. Now from the right: right cord over center, left cord under and up
5. Pull tight — one complete square knot

Tip: Your filler cords should stay straight and taut. If they’re bending or twisting, your tension is uneven.

3. Spiral Knot (Half Square Knot)

Used for: Creating twisted, spiral columns that look far more complex than they are.

How to tie it: This is literally just the first half of a square knot, repeated over and over from the same side. After 4-5 half knots, the piece will naturally start to twist. Let it — that’s the spiral.

Tip: Keep your tension very consistent. Inconsistent tension creates an uneven spiral that looks messy rather than intentional.

4. Double Half Hitch

Used for: Diagonal lines, chevrons, diamonds, and any angled design element.

How to tie it:

1. Choose one cord as your “holding cord” — this determines the angle
2. Take the next cord and wrap it around the holding cord twice, pulling each wrap tight
3. Move to the next cord and repeat
4. Continue across all cords

Tip: The angle of your holding cord determines the angle of your line. Pin it in place or hold it taut with your non-dominant hand for clean, straight lines.

5. Gathering Knot (Wrapping Knot)

Used for: Bundling multiple cords together. You’ll see this at the bottom of plant hangers and at the top of wall hangings.

How to tie it:

1. Cut a separate piece of cord (about 12 inches)
2. Make a U-shape with it, loop facing down
3. Place it against the bundle of cords
4. Wrap the long end around everything 6-8 times, working downward toward the loop
5. Thread the working end through the loop
6. Pull the top end to draw the loop under the wraps
7. Trim both ends flush

Tip: Use a contrasting color cord for the wrapping knot to create a design accent. Or match it exactly for a seamless look.

Practice Pattern: Square Knot Sampler

Once you’ve learned all five knots, try this sampler to practice them together:

1. Cut 8 cords, each 4 feet long
2. Mount them on a 12-inch dowel with lark’s head knots (16 strands)
3. Tie 3 rows of square knots
4. Switch to spiral knots for 6 inches
5. Add a row of diagonal half hitches (V-shape)
6. Finish with a gathering knot
7. Trim and fringe the ends

This sampler uses all five knots and takes about 45 minutes. Hang it on your wall or give it as a gift.

What You’ll Need

All you need to practice is cord, scissors, and something to mount on. A clipboard or a pants hanger clipped to a door handle works perfectly.

Grab Some Practice Cord

Affordable cotton cord perfect for learning and practicing your knots.

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