Learning the Ropes: Essential Knots for Beginner Macramé
Macramé is tactile, detailed, and beautifully handmade. At first glance, it can feel intricate or even intimidating - but the truth is that most macramé projects are built from just a handful of simple knots.
Whether you’re creating your first plant hanger or planning a decorative wall hanging, understanding these foundational knots will give you the confidence to start tying and experimenting. This guide walks you through the essential macramé knots, explains where they’re used, and shows you step by step how to tie them.
✨ Tip: Two people can follow the same macramé pattern and still end up with slightly different results.
Tension matters:
Tighter knots = neat, compact patterns
Looser knots = soft, relaxed, boho texture
Let’s get knotting…
Essential Macramé Knots for Beginners
1. Lark’s Head Knot
The Lark’s Head Knot is usually the very first knot you’ll learn. It’s used to attach your cords to a dowel, ring, or hoop - making it the foundation of almost every macramé project.
Where you’ll find it:
Plant hangers, wall hangings, keyrings, bags
How to tie a lark’s head knot:
- Fold your cord in half
- Place the loop behind the dowel or ring
- Pull the loose ends through the loop and tighten
Tension tip:
Pull evenly to create a straight, tidy starting row. Uneven tension can lead to a wiggly beginning.
Reverse Lark’s Head Knot
This version works the same way, but the loop is placed in front of the dowel, with the ends pulled through from behind. It creates a subtle visual difference and is often used for pattern variation.
2. Square Knot
The Square Knot is the bread and butter of macramé. Made using four cords, it creates a strong yet decorative knot you’ll see repeated again and again in macramé designs.
Where you’ll find it:
Plant hanger bodies, belts, bag straps, detailed wall hangings
How to tie a square knot:
- Use four cords (two working cords, two filler cords)
- Cross the left working cord over the centre cords and under the right cord
- Bring the right working cord under the centre cords and up through the loop on the left
- Pull to tighten
- Repeat on the opposite side to complete the square
Tension tip:
Keep tension even on both sides to avoid twisting.
3. Half Square Knot / Spiral Knot
This knot uses the same motion as a square knot - but instead of alternating sides, you repeat just one half of the knot. Over time, the cords naturally twist into a soft spiral.
Where you’ll find it:
Spirals on plant hangers, keyrings, jewellery, decorative details
How to tie a half square knot:
- Use four cords (two working cords, two filler cords)
- Take the left working cord and cross it over the two centre cords
- Bring it under the right working cord and up through the loop
- Pull to tighten
- Repeat this same side only, over and over (do not alternate)
Result:
A relaxed, twisting spiral that forms naturally as you work.
Tension tip:
Consistent, gentle tension helps the spiral develop evenly without forcing it.
4. Half Hitch & Double Half Hitch Knot
The Half Hitch Knot is incredibly versatile. When tied twice, it forms a Double Half Hitch - perfect for creating straight lines, curves, and detailed shapes. This is the knot that lets you almost draw with cord.
Where you’ll find it:
Waves, arches, diamonds, borders, lettering, pixel-style macramé art
How to tie a double half hitch knot:
- Choose one cord to hold horizontally - this is your guide cord
- Take a working cord and wrap it over the guide cord, then through the loop
- Pull to tighten
- Repeat once more to complete a double stitch
- Continue along the guide cord to create a line or shape
Creative note:
Tighter double half hitch knots create crisp, graphic designs - ideal for modern or pixel-style macramé.
5. Gathering Knot (Wrapping Knot)
The Gathering Knot is a finishing knot used to neatly bundle cords together. It’s both practical and decorative, and is most often seen on macramé plant hangers.
Where you’ll find it:
Top or bottom of plant hangers, tassels, finishing edges.
How to tie a gathering knot:
- Cut a short separate piece of cord
- Place it along the bundle with a small loop at the top (pointing upward)
- Using the longer end, wrap the cord tightly around the bundle several times, working downward
- Thread the end through the loop at the bottom
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Pull both ends firmly:
- Pull the top tail to draw the loop and knot up underneath the wrapped cords
- Pull the lower end to tighten everything securely
- Trim excess cord - the knot should now be hidden behind the wraps
Finishing tip:
Trim neatly and comb out fringes for a smooth, polished look.
Why Your Macramé Knots Might Look Different
Something I wish I’d known when I started: even when you follow a pattern exactly, your finished piece can still look different from someone else’s. More often than not, that comes down to tension.
- Tighter knots create a denser, more structured finish
- Looser knots give a softer, more relaxed feel
There’s no right or wrong - just your natural rhythm showing through. That’s the beauty of handmade macramé. Every piece carries the maker’s hand, and no two creations will ever be truly the same.
Learn Macramé by Doing
Macramé is a hands-on craft. Reading and planning help, but everything clicks once you get cord in your hands and start tying.
If you’d like to practise these knots:
- Follow tutorials on YouTube (I’ll be sharing a few favourites soon)
- Join me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes making and knot breakdowns
- Keep an eye out for my beginner-friendly macramé kits, coming soon - thoughtfully designed with sustainable materials and step-by-step guidance
However you approach it, take your time. Knotting can be incredibly calming once you find your rhythm - and your confidence grows faster than you think.
Prefer to Skip the Knots?
If macramé isn’t your thing, you can always let me do the knotting for you. All of my handmade macramé plant hangers and wall hangings are crafted using these very knots - each piece tied slowly and with care.
✨ Browse the Sambrini Studio macramé collection