How to create a wooden plant hanger with macramé rope

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by

Bernardo Palos
in

Creating a wooden plant hanger with macramé rope is a fun and rewarding project that combines woodworking with the art of knotting. The final result will be a beautiful, sturdy way to display your favorite plants. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make your own wooden plant hanger with macramé rope.

Materials Needed:

  1. Wooden dowel or branch – This will act as the base from which the plant pot will hang.
  2. Macramé cord – About 3mm to 5mm thick works best for plant hangers. You’ll need approximately 15 feet, depending on the size of your plant and desired length.
  3. Scissors
  4. Tape measure
  5. Wooden plant pot or pot holder – Optional, but helpful if you want a specific size for your planter.
  6. Drill with small bit (optional) – To create holes in the wooden dowel if you choose to use them for additional security.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Preparing the Wooden Dowel

If you are using a wooden dowel (about 1-1.5 inches in diameter) or a small branch, cut it to the desired length. Typically, the dowel will be around 18-24 inches wide, depending on how many plant hangers you want to make or the size of the plant pot.

  • If you’re using a branch, you can leave the natural ends intact for a more rustic, organic look.
  • Sand down any rough edges or splinters to ensure a smooth finish.

(Optional: Drill two small holes in the wooden dowel at each end if you want to secure the macramé cords using knots or tie them in place.)

Step 2: Preparing the Macramé Cords

Cut 8 pieces of macramé cord to the desired length, typically about 5 feet each. You can adjust this based on the height you want your plant to hang. The cords should be at least twice as long as the distance from the dowel to the bottom of the plant pot.

  • If you want to make multiple tiers for different plants, you may need to increase the number of cords.

Step 3: Attaching the Macramé to the Dowel

  1. Fold each piece of cord in half so that you have a loop at the top and two loose ends.
  2. Attach the cords to the dowel using the Lark’s Head knot. To do this, simply place the loop of each cord over the dowel and pull the loose ends through the loop, securing it tightly. This will give you a clean, uniform attachment for all cords.

You should now have 8 cords hanging down from the dowel.

Step 4: Knotting the Macramé Cords

Now it’s time to start knotting your macramé. You’ll be using basic knots like the Square Knot and the Half Hitch Knot to create a secure, decorative holder for your plant pot.

  1. Divide the cords into pairs. You’ll use four pairs of cords.
  2. Create Square Knots for each pair. A square knot is made by crossing the left cord over the center two cords and then bringing the right cord over and under the left one, and pulling them through. Repeat this to create a neat knot.
  3. Continue to knot down the length of the cords, leaving about 4 inches at the bottom for the final knot.
  4. As you knot, you’ll notice a pattern emerging. You can adjust the length of the knots depending on how long you want the hanging portion to be.

Step 5: Creating the Plant Pot Holder

Once you have knotted all the way down the cords, it’s time to form the portion that will hold the plant pot.

  1. Take four cords (two pairs) and use the Half Hitch Knot technique to bring them together in a basket-like shape. You’ll tie them in a way that forms a loop at the bottom.
  2. Continue tying Half Hitch knots to tighten the structure until it’s secure enough to hold your plant pot.

Make sure that the holder is large enough to accommodate your pot while also being snug enough to prevent slipping.

Step 6: Final Touches

  1. Adjust the cords to make sure they hang evenly.
  2. If you prefer a cleaner look, you can trim the ends of the macramé cords so that they are even at the bottom.
  3. You can add small decorative beads or accents to the cords for a personalized touch, or leave the ends natural for a boho look.

Step 7: Hang the Plant Hanger

Now that your plant hanger is complete, it’s time to hang it up! Find a sturdy hook or ceiling bracket to hang the wooden dowel. Ensure that the dowel is secure before placing your plant pot inside the macramé holder.

Once everything is in place, gently place your potted plant into the macramé holder. The macramé knots will support the pot and keep it hanging beautifully.

Conclusion

With just a few materials and some creativity, you can create a unique wooden plant hanger using macramé rope. This combination of woodworking and knotting creates a striking way to display your plants, whether you use it for a single pot or create multiple tiers for a lush, green display. Happy crafting!

For more woodworking ideas and expert guidance on woodworking projects like this, check out Teds Woodworking Course here.

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