Macrame Plant Hanger Instructions

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Macrame uses the technique of knotting, instead of weaving or knitting. It is an excellent hobby for not only those who are creative with their hands, but also for those people who want to try out something new.

Macrame, derived from the Arabic migramah, means 'striped towel' or an 'ornamental fringe'. It is an art of decorating with knots and beads, and is believed to have been used for the first time by 13th-century Arab carpet weavers.

During the Victorian era, many households were adorned with this craft and women used it to create rich trimmings not only for their clothes but also draperies. Since then, this art has flourished and taken many different forms.

The art of macrame can be used for decorative plant holders. It adds to the beauty of the plants, as using varied colored cords, beads makes the plant hanger pretty. This is simple and easy to learn. For those wondering how to make these hangers, start by trying out these instructions.

Plant Hanger - Type 1

Materials Needed: Macrame rope, Metal ring, Scissors, Flower pot Directions: For deciding length of the rope, one would need a measure at least six times more the length of the finished holder. After cutting them, have minimum 6 pieces of same length. Fold in half to create 12 rope ends. Tie them to the ring, with overhand knot.

Separate the 12 rope ends into three groups of 4 each. Knot one of the rope ends with a simple square knot, at the height of the planter's top. Take another two sections, and tie a knot at the same height. Separate each section of the 4 rope ends in half, pairing off every half with the one to its immediate right or left.

After doing this, you will be left with 3 sets of 4 strands each. Knot these remaining rope ends, by holding them together at the height of the bottom of the pot. Bring all 12 ends to the center of the bottom of the pot, and wind it up with a final knot. One can cut off the leftover ends, or bead them. Place your pot, inside the plant hanger.

Plant Hanger - Type 2

Materials Needed: Macrame cords, Wooden ring, Scissors, Flower pot Directions: One has to place the pot in the center and braid the macrame all around. Take 16 cords, each about three meters long. Out of these, take 4 cords and double them by holding from center. Bind ten times using square knot, making 10-15 knots.

Make a loop of the square knot braid and tie the ends with a small wind knot. When you reach the end, just 2-3 inches under the wind knot, hook the ends of four cords on a wooden ring, using the double half hitches. Gather the other cords below the ring and make one more wind knot. With the spiral braid knotting technique, tie 4 braids with the 4 cords.

Tie 2 chain braids, about 2 inches long, on the two cords. Connect these chain braids using the gourmand pattern. Under each gourmand pattern, make two chain braids and tie them again with the pattern.

These steps have to be repeated, until the pot is braided till the bottom. Collect all the ends under the bottom of the pot and tie them with a large wind knot.

Macrames are easy to make. The instructions may seem a little daunting at first, but practice will definitely make you perfect. Making your own outdoor plant hangers for your pots will not only bring you a lot of satisfaction and joy, but win you many compliments as well.