How to make a macrame bracelet

Macrame expert Isabella Strambio is here to teach you how to make a macrame bracelet. It's sure to become your staple accessory this summer!

Isabella Strambio

Published: April 12, 2024 at 9:34 am

Macrame chunky bracelets are on trend this summer, thanks to their boho style and simple design. Easy and simple to knot, you can make them in a colour that complements your outfit and hit the town with your new accessory. Plus they'd make an affordable and handmade gift for a fashionable friend too.

This macrame project is perfect for beginners, or anyone just wanting to try out the world of macrame! We've got loads of useful macrame advice to help you make your macrame bracelets right here on Gathered. Isabella has written some of her top macrame tips and we have a guide to all the basic macrame knots you'll need.

Once you've learned how to make a macrame bracelet you'll want to share your new knowledge with everyone! Follow this tutorial then teach your kids, teens, and tweens how to make them too. It's a great summer holiday project and they make lovely friendship bracelets for them to give to their pals.

You can explore the classic technique on our how to make friendship bracelets post if you prefer. For more macrame projects you can check Isabella Strambio book ‘Macrame for the modern home’ which we included in our best macrame books round-up. You can also check out her website and Instagram account for more macrame inspiration.

Looking for more macrame projects? Check out our free macrame patterns.

Here's how to make a macrame bracelet!

How to make a macrame bracelet 2

You will need:

1 x 80cm 2/3mm macrame string in white (We used Return of the Mac from Hobbycraft)
1 x 1.5 meters 2/3mm macrame string in colour (We used Return of the Mac from Hobbycraft)
Measuring tape
Scissors
Crochet hook (1.5/2mm)
Masking tape (optional)

How to make a macrame bracelet

Once you've made your macrame bracelet why not make some matching macrame jewellery or a macrame purse? Then you'll have a handmade outfit that will make everyone jealous.

Step 1

How to make a macrame bracelet STEP 1

Fold the 80cm white string in half and tie an overhand knot, creating a loop 1cm in diameter.

Step 2

How to make a macrame bracelet STEP 2

Take the long coloured string (working string), place it halfway, behind the first string, under the knot.

Step 3

How to make a macrame bracelet STEP 3

Take the working string strand on the right and make a ‘C’ shape on top of the white string.

Step 4

How to make a macrame bracelet STEP 4

Take the working string strand on the left and cross it to the right over the white and working string.

Step 5

How to make a macrame bracelet STEP 5

Pass the string behind the white string and through the loop from behind.

Step 6

How to make a macrame bracelet STEP 6

Pull gently.

Step 7

How to make a macrame bracelet STEP 7

Keep repeating steps 3-6 until you are happy with the length of your bracelet or you have run out of string.

Step 8

How to make a macrame bracelet STEP 8

Tuck the ends of the string behind with the help of a crochet hook and trim excess string.

Step 9

How to make a macrame bracelet STEP 9

Measure the bracelet over your wrists and decide where to make the ‘ball knot’ to close the bracelet. Tie an overhand knot.

Step 10

How to make a macrame bracelet STEP 10

Tie another overhand knot over the first one. Pull tight and check that it goes through the loop on the other side and keeps the bracelet safe.

Step 11

How to make a macrame bracelet STEP 11

Trim the excess string and make more macrame bracelets in different colours.

Say hello to your summer staple, the macrame bracelet!

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make a macrame bracelet! Practise making them in different colours to match your favourite outfits. They make lovely gifts for friends too! Impress everyone with your new skills and host a crafternoon where you teach them how to make one as well!

Expand your macrame skills with Gathered

Caught the macrame bug? It's so satisfying to do isn't it? We have loads of brilliant and eye-catching macrame projects here on Gathered. Why not try your hand at our tutorial on how to make a macrame plant hanger? Your home and plants will thank you for it!

Yellow macrame plant hanger with trailing plant inside

Isabella Strambio

Macrame Artist

Isabella Strambio is a macrame artist, educator and author. She turned her passion for macrame into a business after the success of her blog, TwoMe, following her journey to learn 12 crafts in 12 months and falling in love with the art of knotting. She is a big advocate of using natural & recycled materials for her work as well as the benefits of macrame for mental health. She describes macrame as “the yoga for the mind”. Her mission is to share her knowledge and encourage others to tap and explore their creativity through the art of knotting. She has been featured on the Sunday Telegraph, ‘Macrame- Make time for yourself’ GMC magazine, Kirstie's Handmade Christmas, Psychologies, GoodHomes magazine and regularly writes macrame tutorials for magazines like Mollie Makes, In the Moment, Hobby crafts and Goodhouse Keeping. Her first macrame book ‘Macrame for the modern home” come out in April 2020. She regularly runs live workshops for private clients, events and team-building around the UK as well as teaching successful macrame online courses and group programs.