3 Free Tutorials for Learning How to Tie Basic Macramé Knots

Learn the techniques for tying square knots, carpet knots, and more - as well as the essential materials for getting started

Macramé is a versatile artisanal technique that uses knots to create natural, beautiful pieces. It's an ancient practice that, in addition to being an art in itself, can be used to create functional objects like plant hangers.

The name macramé has two possible origins: according to the most widely accepted version, the word derives from the Arabic term "migramah" (ornamental fringe), but it may also have originated from the Turkish "makrama," which means napkin or towel.

Part of the charm of macramé, is that while it can look extremely elaborate, it's also beautifully simplistic. For this reason, once you've mastered the basic technique, it is easy to achieve striking results. Ready to give it a go?

Why Is Macramé So Popular?

Macramé has made a strong comeback within the creative community in recent years, some of the main reasons for this are:

- It can be applied to fashion, home décor, and art pieces.

- People love its vintage style.

- People love to see it applied to innovative designs, modern adaptations complemented by other luxurious elements (such as feathers), or cute novelty objects like pet hammocks.

- Many artists consider it a symbol of simplicity and resistance: with only a few materials, you can achieve a variety of finishes and create all kinds of decorative objects that are made to last.

Getting Started: Essential Materials

To follow the tutorials, you'll need to know (and source) the essential materials for creating macramé knots. They are as follows:

- Thread: Some options are cotton, woolen thread, jute, hemp, leather straps, bows, and even nylon thread. Remember that the thinner the material, the smaller your knots will be. Also, if you haven't decided on the color yet, you can work with white yarn and dye it later.

- A dowel: If you decide to make a piece to decorate your wall, you will need something to knot your macramé and hang it from. This object is known as a dowel. It is a bar or cylinder usually made of wood, metal, or plastic.

- A fixed ring: To make functional and resistant objects with macramé, such as hanging pots, you will need a ring to fix the dowel to the wall or ceiling.

- Hooks: These are necessary to hold your dowel or hoop frame while you work.

- Scissors: For cutting the thread.

If you want to go one step further and learn about all the essential materials to create macramé tapestries, textile artist and founder of the Aram Studio brand, Natalia Corbi (@nataliacorbi) specializes in creating macramé using natural fibers and materials which she details in this article.

Once you've got what you need, it's time to jump in and get to work!

Free Tutorials For Tying Macramé Knots

Let yourself be guided by experts in the art of macramé in the following tutorials and learn all about tying knots artfully. Watch the videos below or, for more information about these techniques, click on the red titles.

Weaving Tutorial: Macramé Carpet Knot

Tapestry loom techniques, like the carpet knot, are very useful for creating decorative pieces. Its simplicity and versatility make it an ideal option for your macramé practice. In the video below, textile artist Belén Senra (@belensenra) clearly walks you through the steps for how to tie carpet knots.

Macramé Tutorial: Basic Knots for Borders and Braids

The textile art of macramé became a trend, in part, because of its versatility. Artists are able to achieve unique pieces even with traditional resources. A true expert, Mariella Motilla (@mariellamotilla) is a designer who decorated the interior of several important hotels, residences, and various public places in Mexico. In this tutorial, she shows you how to make tassels and a braid to decorate the upper part of the loom.

Macramé Tutorial: How to Tie a Square Knot (Step by Step)

If you are new to macramé, it's best to take your practice step-by-step so you don't get information overload. To avoid thoughts that end up more tangled than your pieces, take a slow approach by starting with simple knots. In this tutorial, textile artist Natalia Corbi (@nataliacorbi) shows you how to create a simple double knot and its variations.

Have you enjoyed these tutorials? Develop your skills with one of Domestika's macrame courses.

English version by @acesarato.

You may also like:

- 5 Online Courses to Learn Macramé From Scratch
- What is Macramé?
- How to Make a Lucky Knot
- Macramé: Basic and Complex Knots, a course by Mariella Motilla
- Introduction to Macrame Tapestry, a course by Natalia Corbi