Ah, the wonderful world of macrame. It's a craft that's been around for centuries, saw a big boom in the hippie era of the 70s and is now back and better than ever.
Macrame has had a modern revival with easy projects popping up all over Pinterest and Instagram. There's tons of different macrame patterns out there. There's homeware macrame patterns, fashion macrame patterns, plant macrame patterns and even practical macrame patterns (think shelving, baskets and chairs!).
We've rounded up all our favourite free macrame patterns in order for you to easily pick a new project. There's a mixture of simple projects that are perfect for beginners and more challenging projects that are ideal for macrame veterans.
Whether you want to make a simple keychain for a pal or give your lighting a macrame makeover, there's bound to be a free macrame pattern for you.
Before you get started on all these free macrame patterns though you need to learn the basics! Use our basic macrame knots guide to swot up on all your macrame knowledge.
Ready to start knotting? Read on to find your next stunning macrame project!
43 free macrame patterns
1. Macrame necklace pattern
If you're a true macrame lover then why not wear your work? Sally Wilson's free macrame pattern is ready for you to make, wear and show off to all your friends.
Use Sally's macrame jewellery tutorial to make something a little different from your classic wall hanging.
2. Macrame cactus
Macrame projects don't come much cuter than this macrame cactus design by Soulful Notions for macrameforbeginners.com.
This design comes with a step-by-step tutorial and a video demo, so you'll be making your own stylish cacti in no time!
3. Macrame earrings
So you've got your macrame necklace now it's time for some earrings. The free macrame pattern for these beautiful beachy earrings are by Cuckoo 4 Design.
Julia has created an affordable beginner pattern that's perfect if you want to upcycle some old hoops you never wear anymore.
4. Macrame air plant holders
We just adore this free macrame pattern and video by Crafted by Ceri because just look how cute it is!
These mini macrame holders are designed for mini air plants and will look so pretty hanging around your home. They'd make a great present for any plant-lovers but are also just great storage.
Take the plant out and you could fill yours with decorative items, toys, beauty items or even stationery.
5. Macrame heart bunting
Make your own adorable bunting with our free macrame pattern. They'll teach you how to knot up your own macrame bunting using some simple pink cord.
Once you've finished hang it around the garden, shed or your room for a decorative handmade touch.
6. Giant macrame rope lights
Mandi from Vintage Revivals has created the most amazing free macrame pattern that's DIY from start to finish. She shows you how to create these cool macrame rope lights – she even shows you how to make the faux copper fixture too!
These would look amazing hung in a cosy corner of your living room or hanging above your dining room table as a statement feature.
7. Macrame ghosts
Looking for a spooktacular macrame project for Halloween? Have a go at making these adorable macrame ghosts designed by Isabella Strambio!
This macrame project doesn't require many knots, so it's an ideal project for anyone who wants to try macrame for the first time.
8. Free macrame bookmark pattern
Olga Vas is a macrame Youtuber who's created hundreds of free macrame patterns. She has a Youtube video for each one of her free patterns including one for these lovely little bookmarks.
They're a quick project and could even double up as a bracelet if you tied one around your wrist!
9. Macrame coaster pattern
Isabella's blog Twome is an absolute hub for free macrame patterns. She has everything from Christmas projects to advanced macrame hangings but we especially love these simple macrame coasters.
They're really easy to make and would make such lovely handmade gifts to give to new homeowners.
10. Macrame garden chair
Give old deckchairs a makeover with Alison Allen's free macrame pattern. Her DIY macrame chair project will give your garden furniture a funky upgrade making them summer party-ready.
11. Macrame hoop earrings
Craft your own cute and colourful jewellery with this fantastic free macrame hoop earrings pattern from Macrame For Beginners. These are so addictive to make that you'll want to make a pair in every colour.
These would make fabulous gifts for friends and family too!
12. Macrame market bag tutorial
We're always up for a free macrame pattern that's both pretty and practical. Marching North shows you how to make this lovely market bag over on her blog.
It's fab for storing all the fruits and veggies while you're shopping and would also make super cute storage for your kitchen.
13. Macrame Christmas star
Get festive with Isabella's macrame star tutorial here on Gathered. Her free macrame pattern is easy to follow and will make a statement addition to your Christmas decor.
Since they're a rather neutral design you could keep these up all year round, we especially think they'd look lovely in a kid's room.
14. Macrame plant hanger
Plant-lovers this is the free macrame pattern for you. Hang all those plants around your home with our super simple project! We'll teach you how to make macrame plant hanger how to make a macrame plant hanger using just some wool and your hands.
If you're a more advanced macrame maker and are looking for a more complex pattern then our macrame pot hangers tutorial combines the art of macrame with crochet.
15. Pixel macrame
If you're looking for a more challenging project, have a go at making your own pixel macrame using this fun tutorial from Simply Inspired.
Once you've mastered the technique, you can experiment and come up with your own original macrame art!
16. Macrame cat bed
Keep your feline pal comfortable by making a macrame cat bed for them to nap in! Cats often like to sleep in high places, so a suspended cat bed is bound to appeal to them.
This decorative free macrame pattern from cuckoo4design.com is practical and looks amazing too!
17. Macrame hat hanger
You can use this clever macrame hat hanger from Macrame For Beginners to make a feature of your favourite hat. Hang it near the door so you can easily grab it on your way out.
Alternatively, you could simply use it as a cool decoration!
18. Free macrame mandala pattern
Macrame mandalas are beautiful and can be used all over the home as decorative pieces. Macrame UK has uploaded this free macrame pattern to their blog and even created a video showing you how to make your own mandala.
Make yours and use it as a potholder, table mat, or wall hanging.
19. Macrame table runner
Upgrade your summer dining experience with A Beautiful Mess's free macrame pattern. They show you how to make a table runner that will match your handmade home. We can just imagine this out and laden with BBQ food!
20. Macrame purse tutorial
Take your macrame out on the town with Gem Tyler's macrame purse tutorial. This striking pink number will add a pop of colour to any outfit and the best part is the pattern is completely free. Now you have no excuse not to make your own.
21. Macrame water bottle carrier
Keep hydrated no matter where you are with RMC's pattern for a macrame water bottle carrier. You can make yours in whatever colour you like and watch their Youtube video for a step by step tutorial.
These would be super handy if you're hiking, at a festival or just going out and about all day.
Transform your home with our macrame decor ideas
Make your house feel like a home by filling it with lots of gorgeous macrame projects! Get started with Gathered's macrame decor ideas.
22. Macrame feather keyrings
Isabella is back again (is there anything she can't make?) with a free macrame feather tutorial. This is a fab beginner macrame project and would even be suitable for teens and tweens.
Grab your cord, get her free macrame pattern up on your laptop and spend a rainy afternoon knotting and brushing.
23. Simple macrame party decoration
If you're on the hunt for some cheap but pretty party decorations then this is the free macrame pattern for you. Using some dye and basic wool our macrame wall hanging tutorial will show you how to make your own decoration that can be hung along your walls or in the garden.
Choose your favourite colours and start knotting!
24. Macrame heart coaster
Show someone you love them by making this macrame heart coaster from Macrame for Beginners.
Make them using vivid pink yarn or in whatever colour you like best! You could even make a set in a mixture of different colours for a mismatched look.
25. Macrame wall hanging pattern
The lovely Crystal from Marching North has uploaded this gorgeous free macrame pattern to her blog and we think you just have to make it!
It looks so striking even though it's only using a few basic knots and a whole load of cord. Head over to her blog for the free pattern and watch her video tutorial for extra help.
26. Macrame camera strap pattern
Give your old camera straps a little edge with A Beautiful Mess's DIY macrame strap pattern. Aren't they pretty?
You can adjust the pattern and colour to suit your camera then go about your adventures snapping away safe in the knowledge that your camera is firmly around your neck.
27. Macrame baskets
Keep your craft stash safe with Macrame School's free macrame basket video tutorial. They show you how to turn your cord into useful baskets in their video below. Whip up a bunch and use them as storage around your home.
28. Macrame swing chair
If you're up for a challenge then Hanging Chairs Net (very aptly named) has a free macrame pattern for you. They show you how to make a gorgeous swing chair using very basic materials.
The pattern is actually quite simple but it's time-consuming so make sure you block out a few weeks to complete this project!
29. DIY macrame lampshade
This colourful DIY macrame lampshade by Wool and the Gang is a great stashbusting project. It uses only a few basic macrame knots so it's an ideal project for beginners to attempt!
You could even make your own t-shirt yarn for this lampshade.
30. Macrame belt
There's always room for more macrame accessories in our wardrobe! We love this gorgeous 70s-inspired macrame belt project, which is surprisingly simple to make.
This DIY belt project easy enough for beginners to try because it only uses a couple of basic macrame knots.
31. Macrame bracelet
Another little treat for you from the talented Isabella Strambio! These chunky macrame bracelets are a great project to make if you have leftover cords from a larger project to use up.
Team them up with some macrame earrings or a macrame necklace.
32. Macrame placemats
If you enjoyed making Isabella's coasters, try her DIY macrame placemat tutorial over on CalmMoment. Like the coasters, this project only uses a few basic knots – and the finished placemats look very impressive!
33. Macrame rainbow
Wouldn't this make an adorable decoration for a child's bedroom? Learn how to make your own macrame rainbow with Isabella Strambio's free step-by-step tutorial.
34. DIY macrame curtain
Give a room a cute new look by making your own DIY macrame curtain designed by Isabella Strambio. We think it looks great in pretty pastel colours!
35. Macrame coasters
Complete your macrame table decor by adding these sweet macrame coasters from Curly Made. They've got a real hippy vibe and look like little suns!
Bear in mind that they may stain if you make them in light colours, so you may wish to make them using a darker shade of string.
36. DIY pot hangers
Show off your flowers with these beautiful DIY macrame pot hangers designed by Stella Magrati. You'll be able to learn some basic felting and crochet techniques at the same time.
37. Macrame wedding backdrop
Bring some hippy style to your big day with this dreamy macrame wedding backdrop created by Lucy White. We guarantee that all of your guests will want their picture taken in front of it!
You can also display it in your home as a permanent reminder of the happy occasion.
38. Macrame mirror
Isn't this adorable? This cheerful little macrame mirror pattern from Hobbycraft would bring a burst of sunshine into any room. We love the warm yellow colour they've chosen!
This macrame pattern only uses two kinds of knot, so it's an ideal project for beginners to attempt.
39. Autumn leaves wall hanging
Welcome autumn into your home with this elegant falling leaves wall hanging macrame pattern from Hobbycraft. It's a brilliant way to give any room some seasonal colour and you can adapt it to match your decor.
You can hang your finished macrame from a wooden dowel or find a suitable branch for a more rustic look.
40. Tiny macrame plant hangers
Running out of room in your house for more macrame? You'll definitely be able to find a space for these teeny tiny macrame plant hangers from Think Make Share.
Use them to display very small plants like succulents or cacti.
41. Macrame mushrooms
These whimsical macrame mushrooms from Macrame For Beginners have a real fairytale feel. They would bring a sprinkle of magic to any room!
42. Macrame mermaid tail keychain
Channel your inner Ariel and make this macrame mermaid tail keychain project from Marching North. Once you've made the basic tail shape, you just need to trim the fringe into a V to complete the look!
43. Geometric wall hanging
This geometric macrame wall hanging idea from Hobbycraft has a real Scandinavian vibe and would look impressive in any room.
The best part? It only uses three different knots, so this project is very beginner-friendly.
Get crafting with our easy free macrame patterns
Macrame is a trend that's seen a real revival in recent years – and we can't get enough of it! It's an incredibly versatile technique that can be used to make everything from show-stopping wall hangings to cute accessories.
Your macrame makes can be as simple or as complicated as you like. There are lots of easy macrame patterns for beginners that use just a few different knots, as well as more impressive and complicated projects for advanced crafters.
If you're new to macrame, it's worth taking the time to brush up on your skills so that you can try bigger and more exciting projects.
Check out Gathered's ultimate macrame guide
Whether you're a complete beginner or you already have some macrame experience under your belt, you're bound to learn something new in our in-depth macrame guide.
Take a look at Gathered's complete macrame guide to learn everything you need to know about this satisfying craft.
