3 Easy Macrame Knots for Beginners (Step-by-Step Guide + Video)
Learn how to make 3 easy macrame knots for beginners step-by-step, including the square knot, spiral knot, and double half hitch.
Learn how to make 3 easy macrame knots step-by-step, including the square knot, spiral knot, and double half hitch. Perfect for beginners starting their first macrame project.
If you’re new to macrame, learning just a few basic knots can open the door to endless DIY projects. In this beginner-friendly tutorial, you’ll learn the 3 essential macrame knots that every crafter should know—simple, versatile, and perfect for your first project.
Most macrame designs are built using just a handful of simple techniques—making it one of the easiest and most rewarding crafts to start.
In this beginner-friendly tutorial, you’ll learn the 3 Easy Macrame Knots for Beginners (Step-by-Step Guide + Video). These knots are simple, versatile, and used in everything from wall hangings to plant hangers and home decor.
👉 The best part? These three knots are used in most macrame patterns, so once you learn them, you’ll be ready to tackle a wide range of projects.
If you love easy DIY projects, you might also enjoy this guide on how to sew bra cups into backless dresses and this roundup of plush toy knitting patterns—both great beginner-friendly creative ideas.
3 Easy Macrame Knots for Beginners (Step-by-Step Guide + Video)
Supplies you will need:
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Macrame cord (I used 3mm cotton)
Support- you will need something to tie your knots onto. This can be a dowel rods, branch, hoop or ring.
Macrame terms
Working cord- This is the cord (or set of cords) you use to make the actual knots.
Filler cord- the cord (or set of cords) you wrap the knots around.
How to Make The Square Knot
The Square Knot is a versatile knot that’s widley used in Macrame. It can be knotted in many different patterns to create projects like wall hangings, plant hangers, bags, and home decor items.
Start by tying on 4 cords.
1.Bring the right facing cord over and to the left of the two filler cords.
2. Place the left facing cord over the right cord.
3. Bring the left cord under the filler cords and through the loop formed by the right cord.
4. Pull to create the first half of the Square Knot.
5. Bring the left cord over and to the right of the two filler cords and place the right cord over it.
6. Bring the right cord under the filler cords and through the loop formed by the left cord.
7. Pull the cords and to create the finished Square Knot.
Why It’s Important
The square knot creates a strong, structured pattern that’s perfect for:
Wall hangings
Plant hangers
Bags
Decorative panels
If you enjoy structured, beginner-friendly designs, you’ll also love this easy knit market bag pattern, which is another practical project you can use every day.
The Spiral Knot
Once you know how to make the Square Knot, you can easily make a Spiral Knot. The spiral knot is simply half of a Square knot that always repeats on the same side. While you repeat the knot, you’ll notice the cords start twisting.
Start by tying on 4 cords.
1.Bring the right cord over and to the left of the two filler cords.
2. Place the left cord over the right cord.
3. Bring the left cord under the filler cords and through the loop formed by the right cord.
4. Pull to on the ends to tighten.
Why It’s Popular
The spiral knot is one of the easiest and most visually interesting knots for beginners.
It’s commonly used in:
Macrame plant hangers
Decorative ropes
Keychains
Jewelry
👉 This knot is great if you want something that looks complex but is actually very simple to make.
If you enjoy quick, satisfying projects like this, you might also like this easy toddler sweater knitting pattern, which is another beginner-friendly design that comes together beautifully.
Double Half Hitch Knot
The Half-Hitch Knot brings movement and variation to your macrame project and is very easy to tie. The Half Hitch Knot can be made horizontal or on the diagonal (as pictured).
1. Stretch the far left piece diagonally across the five macrame cords.
2. Pull the left diagonal cord tight and loop the next cord in line in a “U” shape, laying the end over the diagonal cord. Loop the end over the diagonal anchor and through the center of “U” shape. Pull it tightly. Repeat this step with the same cord before moving on to the next cord in line.
3. When you come to the end of your line of cords, pull the diagonal anchor the other direction and start over.
What Makes It Special
This knot is incredibly versatile and allows you to:
Create geometric designs
Add texture
Form patterns and outlines
It’s often used in more detailed macrame pieces and gives your projects a more polished, professional look.
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Tips for Beginners
Starting something new can feel overwhelming, but macrame is one of the easiest crafts to pick up. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Practice on Scrap Cord
Before starting a full project, practice each knot a few times. This helps you build muscle memory and improve consistency.
2. Keep Your Tension Even
Try to pull each knot with the same tightness. This will make your finished piece look neat and uniform.
3. Start with Simple Projects
Begin with small designs like keychains or simple wall hangings before moving on to larger pieces.
If you enjoy beginner-friendly crafts, you might also love exploring this easy kids garter stitch hat knitting pattern, which is another simple and rewarding project.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Even though macrame is easy to learn, there are a few common mistakes beginners make:
- Pulling knots too tight or too loose
- Using cord that’s too stiff
- Skipping practice and jumping into large projects
- Not securing the work properly
👉 Take your time and focus on learning the basics first—it will make everything easier later.
What Can You Make with These Knots?
Once you’ve mastered these three knots, you can create a wide variety of projects, including:
Wall hangings
Plant hangers
Table runners
Coasters
Keychains
These knots are the foundation of most macrame patterns, so learning them gives you the skills to create almost anything.
Watch the Video Tutorial for 3 Easy Macrame Knots for Beginners (Step-by-Step Guide + Video)
If you’re a visual learner, watching the knots in action can make a big difference. Follow along with the video tutorial to see each step clearly and practice in real time.
👉 Seeing the movement of the cords will help you understand how each knot is formed.
Learning macrame doesn’t have to be complicated. By mastering just three simple knots—the square knot, spiral knot, and double half hitch—you can start creating beautiful handmade pieces right away.
These knots are easy to learn, incredibly versatile, and used in countless designs, making them the perfect starting point for beginners.
Once you feel comfortable, you can start experimenting with patterns, textures, and more advanced techniques.
And if you enjoy creative projects like this, be sure to explore more beginner-friendly tutorials and patterns on the site—you’ll find plenty of inspiration to keep making.
I love seeing your finished projects! If you enjoyed making this post- 3 Easy Macrame Knots for Beginners (Step-by-Step Guide + Video) or any of my other craft projects, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, just tag me @ginamicheleny. Happy crafting!
