You’ve no doubt seen a macrame plant hanger (or two) on your Instagram feed more than once. You can spot them in celebrity homes, or even in a few restaurants, bars, and resorts. Macrame is making a comeback! And this time, it’s here to help plant lovers stylize their favorite ferns, flowers, and succulents.
But what exactly is this craft ? And why are we seeing it everywhere?
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What Is Macrame?
Macrame is a kind of textile art thought to have originated from 13th century Arab weavers. It’s believed that the word ‘macramé’ came from the Arabic word migramah, meaning fringe’. Back then, people would tie the loose ends of their towels or shawls in a decorative manner. Sometimes, they’d even add beads or creative knots for flair.
The craft was particularly popular during 70s. It was easy, required little and affordable materials, and anyone could do it! Plus, it provided a chic, carefree Bohemian vibe. One could do wall art, room dividers, coasters, shawls, short accents, and more.
It’s also a great activity to do as a group. Invite a couple of friends, introduce them to the wonderful world of macrame, and spend hours tying knots and sharing stories.
Tips Before Making Your First Macrame Plant Hanger
Nowadays, it’s trendy to create macrame plant hangers, especially for those who love greenery. It’s a nice introduction for beginners, and can get anyone making something practical in a few hours. Creating patterns is the easy part. However, there are several things to consider before you begin hanging your ferns or spider plants.
The first factor to look at is weight. How much weight can your macrame plant hanger handle? It may look cute in photos, but a poorly planned craft could spell disaster. Your plant hangers should be able to carry the bulk of plant, soil, and pot. Next, consider materials. Jute and cotton are good options because they are sturdy and aesthetic. They’re simple to clean, too. Just pop them in your washing machine and they’re ready for the ‘gram again!
Lastly, think about how your final product will be hanging. Make sure you count for hooks for quick installation. This should help you decide for the best patterns, materials, and knots to ensure a solid but lovely result.
Best Plants for Macramé Plant Hangers
Macrame plant hangers can instantly brighten any room. They will look amazing whether you prefer one next to a window or grouped together along a wall. Bring out their effortless charm by choosing the right plants.
Low maintenance gems with dangling leaves such as Peperomia prostrata (String of Turtles), Scindapsus pictus (Satin Pothos), Philodendron cordatum (Heart Leaf), and Senecio herreianus (String of Beads) are always a crowd pleaser.
Of course, you can’t forget ferns. They’re hardy and require indirect sunlight, so they’re the best bet for macrame hangers. Go for Nephrolepis exaltata (Boston fern), Nephrolepis Cordifolia ‘Duffii’ (Button fern), Asplenium nidus (Birds Nest), and the Asparagus aethiopicus (Asparagus fern).
Cacti may not be trendy – but dressed in a macrame plant hanger and it instantly transforms into something fancy. The Chinese money plant on the other hand, does more than give your room a modern touch. Its stacked, circular leaves resemble coins, which could give you good fortune, too! Give it a nice home with your macrame crafts.
Best DIY Macrame Plant Hangers
Looking for a stylish yet practical way to display all your plants? Check out these clever macrame plant hanger ideas and be inspired to create your own!
1. Simple Macrame
With a strong cord, scissors, and a small pot (succulents are perfect for this), you can make your first macrame plant hanger in about 5 minutes. Tie a knot at the top (this planter can be hung on hooks on your ceiling) and create adjacent knots to fit your pot. The final knot below should secure it.
2. Colorful Cords
Credits to Lia Griffith
Off-white, nude, or black may complement anything – but there’s nothing like colorful cords to bring your macrame crafts to life. You can even use three or more hues, depending on the project. Colors can make the simplest patterns pop!
3. Basket Style Macrame
Make a little basket to secure your pots in place. This works well for planters that can be hung against the wall or from ceilings.
4. Pom Pom Macrame Pattern
Credits to Sarah Hearts
Tired of the same old knots but you’re yet ready for something too intricate? Go for pom poms! They’re adorable and add interest to modest patterns.
5. Single Knot
Credits to Foxy Oxie
This macrame pattern involves a single knot at the top and braiding the cords as you move downward. In the end, you should get three braids. This project is great for big pots.
6. Spiral Macrame Plant Hanger
After mastering basic knots, you may want to move to more complex designs, such as a spiral pattern. It’s suited for small pots to complement its eye-catching form. It’s definitely different than your usual macrame and will add modern flair to your spaces.
7. Thin Twine Macrame
You will need small knots and a thin cord for this craft. It’s delicate, minimalist result will charm sensitive souls and will look amazing with painted pots and ferns.
8. T-Shirt Macrame Plant Hanger
Macrame encourages the use of eco-friendly materials. So yes, this is the best excuse for you to re-purpose those old shirts from college. Give them new life as a stylish macrame plant hanger instead of simply wasting away inside your closet.
9. Long Macrame Plant Hanger
Credits to Deuce Cities Henhouse
Experiment with height as you make one macrame project after another. Focus on knots on your macrame basket instead of the hanging cords to get a simple but chic design.
10. Wall-Mounted Planters
Macrame plant hangers typically hang from ceilings or stands. You can change it up a little by making a pattern that’s suited as a wall décor.
11. Make It Three
Credits to My French Twist
Want something elaborate and perfect for more than just one pot? This macrame idea may seem difficult, but all those steps and hard work will reward you with this gem of a wall hanging.
12. Add Rings or Dowels
Credits to World Market
Rings can provide a solid shape to your macrame patterns. Dowels, on the other hand, can be used to hang the planters from. These are wonderful accents that will give your macrame designs more variety.
13. Dip Dyed Macrame
Credits to Commatose
This cool concept will turn your plain cords and ropes into lovely gradients of your favorite colors.
14. Keep It Small
Credits to Think Make Share
Don’t leave out your smaller plants out of the fun! Let your succulents hang from doorknobs, ceilings, or walls with cute macrame hangers created just for them.
15. DIY Fringe Plant Hanger
Credits to Honestly WTF
Think of it as ‘dressing up’ your indoor plants. Why cut up those fringes when they can just hang loosely around your plants like a textile waterfall?
16. Macrame Floating Shelf
Credits to Place Of My Taste
Got a lot of plants in different sizes and you want to hang them all up? The solution: a beautiful yet practical floating shelf suspended using macrame cords. Display this in your kitchen, living room, or patio for an organic, carefree vibe.
17. Mason Jar Plant Hangers
Credits to The Spruce Crafts
The fun part isn’t just making macrame – it’s also about choosing the right planter to complete the look. Aside from clay or plastic pots, you can opt for copper or ceramic materials. Another great alternative is mason jars, especially for small plants like succulents.
18. Use Hangers for Macrame
Credits to West Elm
If you don’t want to hang your macrame planters from hooks, you can use hangers or stands instead. These can be made from metal or wood. What’s important is that they’re sturdy enough to handle the weight of the pots you plan to put on it.
19. DIY Gift Idea
Credits to Place Of My Taste
You can customize your macrame crafts with just about anything – from beads, rings, to pins, flowers, and jewels. Do this for a personalized gift that will surely make someone smile!
20. Macrame Terrarium Hanger
Credits to Marching North
Terrariums are a fun alternative to potted plants for your macrame hangers. Include moss, small rocks, and assorted succulents to give your terrarium depth and character. Hang it near windows to get direct sunlight. You will love admiring it during easy mornings or lazy afternoons.
Can’t wait to start but not sure where to begin? There are tons of great macrame plant hanger DIY kits online. Be sure to read reviews for an informed decision before you purchase anything. Goodluck and happy crafting!