If you’ve been wanting to make macrame items but haven’t known where to begin, this series on ‘Macrame For Beginners’ is exactly what you need. I’ll be covering the basics you need to know, to get you started in this craft that is growing faster in popularity than the latest TikTok trend, and quickly becoming the hottest decor theme this decade.
If you haven’t already read my article on the ‘7 basic supplies to begin macrame‘, then check it out so you can stock up and be ready to get started making amazing macrame pieces.
Also check out Macrame For Beginners: Part 1 to learn 4 of the basic macrame knots that you will use extensively throughout your macrame work.
You can watch a video version of ‘MACRAME FOR BEGINNERS: PART 2, How To Make A Macrame Feather/Leaf‘ on my YouTube channel ‘BohoJo’s Decor DIY‘.
Just click the video below.
Don’t forget to like and subscribe to my YouTube Channel to keep up to date with new videos when I upload them, including part 1 of ‘Macrame For Beginners‘.
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Macrame For Beginners
Macrame is ever increasing in popularity, both as a craft and as a home decor trend. It was huge in the 1960s and 1970s, but lost popularity throughout the 80s, 90s and early 00s. But like all fashion, it has made a comeback in the form of the bohemian/hippy style decor theme. Its popularity is easy to understand as these decor themes ooze an aesthetic of warmth and comfort, promoting a relaxing and calm environment that is all too necessary in a world as fast-paced as this.
The craft of creating macrame pieces can also be very relaxing and therapeutic, but it can also be daunting to know where to begin. Macrame is a lot simpler than some may think, but learning the basics is always an important start to learning any craft. In Part 1, I took readers through 4 basic macrame knots which you will use in pretty much all your macrame work, but particularly in beginner level projects.
In Part 2, I will show you one of the simplest macrame patterns (which is also a very popular macrame piece), the macrame feather (or leaf, depending on how long you make it or how you cut it).
How To Make A Macrame Feather/Leaf
You can add feathers and leaves to other macrame pieces or create them to stand alone, in various colours and sizes etc. There really is no limit to the versatility and creativity that can go into these pieces.
I am showing you how to create the most basic feather but later on down the track I will show you how to create more detailed feathers/leaves like the one below.
We will also talk about more complex knots and patterns further on down the track, in future parts of ‘Macrame For Beginners’.
Step 1
To make your feather, you will need:
- 1 x 65cm cord
- 22 x 26cm cord
- 1 x wooden bead (optional)
- Scissors
- Pet brush or comb
- Masking tape
Steps:
- Fold your 65cm cord in half and use masking tape to stick the folded end down, to keep in place (this is your middle cord).
- Take one folded 26cm cord and place it under the middle cord with the loop to the right.
- Take another folded 26cm cord and place it over the middle cord and the first smaller cord, with the loop to the left.
- Pull the end of the bottom cords through the loop of the top cords on the left and pull the end of the top cords through the loop of the bottom cord.
- Pull tight
- Repeat this for another 10 rows
See pics below or watch the video (it may be easier to follow than written instructions).
Step 2
Once you’ve added all your cords, it’s time to bring some shape to your feather/leaf
- Brush your cords out with a comb or pet brush (you may need to unravel some cords first).
- Use a good pair of scissors to cut your feather/leaf into shape.
- Use some fabric stiffening spray or spray starch (this is a cheaper option and works as well) on both sides.
- Brush out and cut again.
Depending on the thickness of the cord you have chosen to use, you may need to unravel the cords before brushing, this will make brushing easier and a little quicker.
A good pair of scissors is vital to get a sharp cut, but you’ll find that once you brush it out again, you may need to tidy up the cut again. Don’t worry if you struggle to get the cut perfect, it takes time to get it right, even for seasoned professionals.
You don’t have to use stiffening spray or starch but it will help your feather/leaf to hold its shape. Make sure not to oversaturate though as you want it to retain some softness and not be as stiff as cardboard, unless you do of course!
Step 3
You can finish your feather/leaf there if you want to, or you can add a wooden bead as a finishing touch.
To add a wooden bead:
- Use some masking tape to make the looped end narrow enough to fit through the hole of a bead approximately 15mm in diameter. If the cord is difficult to pull through, you can use a pair of pliers to help.
- Pull the cord all the way through and push the bead down to the top of the feather/leaf and remove the tape from the cord.
If the hole in the bead isn’t big enough, I find that it’s possible to make it wider by shaving it down with the blade of my scissors. Just place it in the hole and twist, like your sharpening a pencil. This won’t work on a plastic or glass bead of course, just the wooden ones.
Macrame Feather/Leaf
Thanks for joining me in this tutorial. This really is one of the easiest macrame pieces you can make. But like anything, getting good at making macrame items takes practice, so please don’t be put off if you don’t get it right the first time. Keep going and you’ll be a pro in no time, it will be like second nature and everyone will be commenting on your work telling you how brilliant you are! 😀
Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you’d like to see these posts in video format, or subscribe to the email list below to be notified when more DIY articles are posted, including the proceeding parts in this ‘Macrame for Beginners’ series.
If you’d like to see what other macrame products you can make or would like to purchase some of my macrame and other decor products, visit my Etsy store at BohoJosDecor.
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