Beginner's DIY Macramé Plant Hanger with Three Simple Knots

If you’ve ever stared at a bare windowsill and wished for a splash of green without buying a pricey pot, you’re not alone. A little rope and a few knots can turn any corner into a mini jungle, and you don’t need a craft store catalog to get started. Let’s make a plant hanger that looks like it took hours, but really only needs three basic knots and stuff you already have around the house.

What You’ll Need

Twine, jute, or any sturdy cord – about 3 feet per strand. I usually reach for the kitchen twine that’s been hiding in the pantry; it’s strong enough for most houseplants.
Scissors – a pair that can cut through the cord cleanly.
A small ring or a metal keychain – this will be the anchor for your hanger. If you have an old curtain tie‑back, that works too.
A pot with a drainage hole – the hanger holds the pot, not the soil, so any size is fine.
Measuring tape or a ruler – just to get the lengths right.

Everything on this list can be found in a typical home, so you won’t need a trip to the craft aisle.

Preparing the Cord

Cut and Fold

Measure out three lengths of cord, each about 3 feet long. If you’re using a thin twine, add an extra foot to each piece; thicker rope needs a little more length to tie comfortably. Fold each piece in half to create a loop at the top. Slip the loop over your anchor ring and pull the two loose ends through the loop. This creates a simple lark’s head knot, which is just a fancy name for the first knot that secures the cord to the ring.

Trim the Ends

Give the loose ends a tidy trim, leaving about an inch of tail. Those tails will be tucked later so the hanger looks neat.

The Three Knots You’ll Master

You only need three knots to finish this hanger: the lark’s head (already done), the square knot, and the overhand knot. Don’t worry—each one is easy once you see it once.

1. Square Knot (or Reef Knot)

The square knot is the workhorse of macramé. It joins two cords together and stays tight under tension.

Take the left cord and cross it over the middle cord.
Bring the left cord under the middle and back over the right cord.
Now reverse the steps: cross the right cord over the middle, bring it under the middle, and back over the left.

Pull gently; the knot should sit flat and look like a small, neat square. Do this on both sides of the hanger, about 6 inches below the ring. You’ll now have two pairs of cords that are securely joined.

2. Overhand Knot

The overhand knot is the simplest knot in the world—just a loop and a pull. It creates a stopper that keeps the cords from slipping through the square knot.

Take the two cords that are now paired together.
Form a loop by bringing the ends together.
Pass the ends through the loop and pull tight.

You’ll end up with a small bulge that looks like a tiny bead. Place one overhand knot on each side, about 2 inches below the square knot. These will be the “hooks” that hold the pot.

Adding the Plant

Slide the pot’s hanging hole onto the two overhand knots. If the pot is a little heavy, give the cords a gentle tug to make sure the knots are snug. The weight of the soil will tighten the knots naturally, so you don’t have to tie anything extra.

Finishing Touches

Tuck the Tails

Take the inch‑long tails you trimmed earlier and tuck them under the nearest knot. A simple slip under the knot hides the ends and keeps the look clean. If a tail sticks out, just trim a bit more and tuck again.

Optional: Add a Boho Flair

If you love a bit of color, wrap a thin strip of yarn around the cords just above the square knot. It adds a pop of hue without changing the structure. I once used a scrap of orange yarn I found in my sewing basket; it made the whole hanger feel like a sunrise.

Why This Simple Design Works

You might wonder why we stick to three knots. The answer is twofold: simplicity and strength. The lark’s head gives a solid anchor, the square knot locks the cords together, and the overhand knot creates a reliable hook. Together they form a chain that can hold a decent‑sized pot without sagging. Plus, learning just three knots gives you a foundation for more complex projects later on.

A Little Story from My Studio

The first time I tried this hanger, I used an old coffee bag as the anchor ring. It looked quirky, but the bag tore after a week. I laughed, learned, and switched to a metal keychain I found in a drawer. That keychain survived a whole season of trailing pothos and even a clumsy cat swipe. The lesson? Start simple, test the strength, and don’t be afraid to improvise with what you have.

Takeaway

You don’t need a long list of supplies or a master’s degree in knot‑tying to bring life to a space. With three basic knots and everyday cord, you can craft a plant hanger that feels handmade and looks polished. Give it a try, and watch how a single pot can transform a room from plain to planted in minutes.