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Macrame

Knot cord by hand into hangers, wall art, and texture.

Reviewed May 18, 2026

Where

At home

Sessions

30–60 min sessions

Learning

Easy to start

Ongoing cost

Low upkeep cost

Space

Tiny space

Starter cost

~$68 to start

Portable

Is this for you?

You'll enjoy this if

You like following a detailed pattern, knot by knot.
You enjoy seeing simple string slowly become something new.
You find comfort in repeating the same actions for a long time.

Not for you if

You prefer activities with quick, noticeable progress.
You easily lose focus on repetitive, small-scale work.
You get frustrated when strings tangle or knots don't match.

Tends to suit:The Maker

How it feels

PhysicalStill

MentalEngaged

SocialSolo

StructureStructured

PayoffHours

CraftOpen-ended

Skill horizonDeep

How long you can keep getting better before you plateau.

Engages

Tactile

Your project ladder

Start here

Tie a macrame keychain

A few knots, a keyring, a finished thing in an hour. The perfect knot-learning starter.

A patterned wall hanging

A dowel-mounted wall hanging with a real pattern. Macrame as decor.

A large statement piece

A big, intricate hanging or curtain with layered patterns. The macrame showpiece.

Learn it faster

Take a beginner Macrame course

A structured course is the fastest way past the awkward beginner stage. Browse highly-rated macrame classes for beginners.

Browse courses

What you'll need

See full gear guide

Macrame Cord

Soft 3mm 100% Cotton Macrame Cord

This 3mm cord offers the best balance of ease of use, beautiful drape, and affordability for most projects.

$26

Scissors

Precision Fabric Scissors

Achieve razor-sharp, precise cuts for a professional, unfrayed finish every time.

$30

Measuring Tape

Flexible Tailor's Measuring Tape

This soft tape easily conforms to curves and provides precise measurements for complex designs.

$13

See the full gear guide

Budget, recommended, and premium picks per category — plus what to skip.

Open Tools & gear

Embroidery

86% match

Knitting

84% match

Crocheting

84% match

Cross-stitching

84% match

Soap Carving

72% match

Millinery

70% match

Weaving

70% match

Frequently asked questions

What is Macrame?

Knot cord by hand into hangers, wall art, and texture.

How much does Macrame cost to start?

Our curated Tier 1 gear picks for Macrame total about $68 USD before tax and shipping. Real spend varies by brand and what you already own—open the Tools & gear tab on this profile for itemized picks.

Is Macrame good for beginners?

It depends on your taste for the tradeoffs on this page. One editor “pro” signal: You like following a detailed pattern, knot by knot. Pair that with the “Not for you if…” list before you buy serious gear.

How do I get started with Macrame on HobbyStack?

Skim the fit check on this Overview, then open the Guides tab on this profile for articles when available. Use the Projects tab to start your first project and the Tools & gear tab for starter picks (create a free account to save progress).

What gear do I need for Macrame?

When a tools page is enabled for Macrame, you will see recommended picks on the Tools & gear tab. Until then, use the Projects tab and any linked resources for purchase hints.

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Guides

Macrame guides

Macramé for Beginners: The Cord, the Knots, and Your First Wall Hanging

Macramé looks intricate, but the secret is that it's astonishingly few knots repeated in different arrangements — learn four and you can read almost any pattern. Here's the cord to start with, the knots that make 90% of projects, and how much cord to cut so you don't run out mid-row.

Read guide

From the blog

Hobbies You Can Do With Your Hands: 18 Crafts to Get You Off a Screen

Projects to get you started

Real things to make, beginner to advanced. Start with whatever appeals — nothing’s locked, no set order.

done

Beginner0/2 done

Intermediate0/1 done

Advanced0/1 done

Your Shelf

0 on the shelf

Finish a project and it lands here — photo optional.

Beginner essentials

~$68

Core gear to get going. Estimates from curated picks; actual spend varies.

Intermediate

+~$65

Nice-to-have upgrades once you know you are sticking with it.

Links open Amazon with your affiliate tag. Prices are ballpark catalog values.

Shop starter kits on Amazon

Starter picks

3 items

Macrame Cord

Soft 3mm 100% Cotton Macrame Cord

This 3mm cord offers the best balance of ease of use, beautiful drape, and affordability for most projects.

~$26Amazon

Scissors

Precision Fabric Scissors

Achieve razor-sharp, precise cuts for a professional, unfrayed finish every time.

~$30Amazon

Measuring Tape

Flexible Tailor's Measuring Tape

This soft tape easily conforms to curves and provides precise measurements for complex designs.

~$13Amazon

Intermediate

3 items · Combined ~$65

Macrame Board

Sturdy Macrame Foam Board with Pins

This dedicated board provides an ideal, smooth surface for pinning and knotting without damage.

~$36Amazon

T-Pins

Heavy-Duty Stainless Steel T-Pins

These robust pins offer superior grip and won't bend or rust, ensuring secure placement.

~$13Amazon

Dowels or Rings

Smooth Wooden Macrame Rings

These pre-formed rings provide a classic, polished base for plant hangers and wall hangings.

~$16Amazon

Macrame

Is this for you?

How it feels

Your project ladder

Learn it faster

What you'll need

You might also like

Frequently asked questions

Want hobbies that fit your life, not just this page?

Macrame guides

Macramé for Beginners: The Cord, the Knots, and Your First Wall Hanging

Projects to get you started

Your Shelf

Starter picks

Soft 3mm 100% Cotton Macrame Cord

Precision Fabric Scissors

Flexible Tailor's Measuring Tape

Intermediate

Sturdy Macrame Foam Board with Pins

Heavy-Duty Stainless Steel T-Pins

Smooth Wooden Macrame Rings

Macrame

Is this for you?

How it feels

Your project ladder

Learn it faster

What you'll need

You might also like

Frequently asked questions

Want hobbies that fit your life, not just this page?

Macrame guides

Macramé for Beginners: The Cord, the Knots, and Your First Wall Hanging

Projects to get you started

Your Shelf

Starter picks

Soft 3mm 100% Cotton Macrame Cord

Precision Fabric Scissors

Flexible Tailor's Measuring Tape

Intermediate

Sturdy Macrame Foam Board with Pins

Heavy-Duty Stainless Steel T-Pins

Smooth Wooden Macrame Rings