A plant hanger is the quintessential first macrame project. It’s simple, forgiving, and when you’re done, you have something genuinely useful. No shelf required — just hang it from a hook and drop in your favorite trailing plant.
This tutorial takes about 90 minutes for a complete beginner. By your second one, you’ll finish in under an hour.
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Materials
- 8 pieces of 4mm cotton cord, each 8 feet (2.4m) long
- 1 metal ring, 2 inches in diameter (or a wooden ring)
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- A hook or nail to hang your work from while you tie
Total cord needed: about 65 feet (20 meters). One standard roll of cord is more than enough.
Cord for This Plant Hanger
4mm cotton cord in multiple colors. One roll is all you need for this project.
Step 1: Attach Cords to the Ring
Fold each of your 8 cords in half. Take the folded loop and place it behind the metal ring. Pull the loose ends through the loop and tighten. This is a lark’s head knot.
Repeat for all 8 cords. You should now have 16 strands hanging from the ring.
Step 2: Divide and Tie Square Knots
Separate your 16 strands into 4 groups of 4. Space them evenly around the ring.
For each group, tie a square knot about 5 inches below the ring:
- Take the far left cord and cross it over the two middle cords, passing it under the far right cord
- Take the far right cord and pass it under the two middle cords, then up through the loop on the left
- Pull both outer cords to tighten — that’s half a square knot
- Now repeat from the right side: right cord over center, left cord under center and up through the loop
- Pull tight — that’s one complete square knot
Tie 3 square knots in a row for each group.
Step 3: Create the Net Pattern
This is where the magic happens. You’ll connect the four separate groups into a basket-like net.
About 3 inches below your last square knots:
- Take the right 2 cords from one group and the left 2 cords from the next group
- Tie a square knot with these 4 cords
- Repeat all the way around (4 connecting knots total)
Then drop down another 3 inches and repeat the same connecting pattern. You should now have 2 rows of connecting knots, creating a diamond net pattern.
Step 4: Gather and Finish
Bring all 16 strands together about 3 inches below your last row of knots.
Tie a large gathering knot (also called a wrapping knot):
- Take one separate piece of cord, about 12 inches long
- Create a U-shape with it, loop facing down
- Wrap the long end around all 16 strands and the U-shape, working downward
- After 6-8 wraps, thread the end through the loop
- Pull the top end of the U to tighten the wraps
- Trim both ends flush
Step 5: Trim and Style
Trim all the hanging ends to the same length. You can leave them as-is for a clean look, or brush them out with a wide-tooth comb or pet brush for a fringed, bohemian finish.
Sizing Your Plant Hanger
This tutorial makes a hanger that fits a 4-6 inch pot. To adjust:
| Pot Size | Cord Length | Knot Spacing |
|---|---|---|
| 3-4 inch | 6 feet each | 2 inches between rows |
| 5-6 inch | 8 feet each | 3 inches between rows |
| 7-8 inch | 10 feet each | 4 inches between rows |
| 10+ inch | 12 feet each | 5 inches between rows |
For larger pots, also consider using 5mm or 6mm cord for extra strength.
Tips for a Professional Finish
Keep your tension consistent. The most common issue with beginner plant hangers is uneven knots. Don’t pull too tight or leave them too loose — find a middle ground and stick with it.
Measure your spacing. Use a ruler between each row of knots instead of eyeballing it. Consistent spacing is what separates “handmade” from “homemade.”
Test with your pot before finishing. Drop your pot into the net before tying the gathering knot. Adjust spacing if needed — much easier to fix now than after you’ve finished.
What You’ll Need
Shop Macrame Supplies
Cord, rings, hooks, and tools to make your plant hanger look professional.
Happy making.
