Macrame Supplies List: What You Actually Need to Start (And What to Skip)
Ready to dive into macrame but drowning in confusing supply lists?
I’ve been there, staring at checkout carts filled with stuff I absolutely didn’t need. Let me save you from the same rookie mistakes.
Here’s what actually matters when you’re starting your macrame journey, plus the overpriced items you can skip entirely.
1. The Cord That Actually Works (Not That Instagram Stuff)
Listen, not all macrame cord is created equal. You’ll see those gorgeous three-strand twisted cotton ropes all over Pinterest, and yes, they look amazing. But for your first project? You want single-strand cotton cord in 3mm or 4mm thickness.
Why? Because it’s forgiving when you mess up (and you will). The twisted stuff looks pretty but it’s harder to undo when you tie the wrong knot. Plus, single-strand is way cheaper, so you can practice without feeling guilty about wasting expensive cord.
What to Buy:
- 3mm cotton cord for plant hangers and small wall hangings
- 4mm cord for larger wall pieces
- Natural or white color (easiest to see your knots)
Start with a 100-meter roll. Trust me, it goes faster than you think, and buying in bulk saves serious cash.
2. A Dowel Rod (Because Your Closet Rod Isn’t Macrame-Friendly)
You need something to hang your work from, and a simple wooden dowel is your best friend here. Forget those fancy copper pipes everyone’s using – they’re gorgeous but totally unnecessary when you’re learning.
Head to any hardware store and grab a 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch wooden dowel. They’re like two bucks. Seriously. Cut it to your desired length (or have the store do it), maybe sand it a bit if you’re feeling fancy, and you’re done.
Pro tip: Buy a few different lengths so you can experiment with various project sizes. You’ll use these forever, so it’s worth having options.
3. Sharp Scissors (Not Your Kitchen Shears, Please)
Cotton cord is thick and fibrous. Your regular scissors will struggle, get gunked up with fibers, and make you want to quit macrame altogether. Get yourself a pair of sharp fabric scissors or even better, gardening shears.
The cleaner your cuts, the neater your finished piece looks. Frayed, messy ends scream “beginner,” while crisp cuts make everything look more polished.
Skip This:
- Specialty macrame scissors (way overpriced)
- Cord cutters marketed specifically for crafts
- Anything that costs more than $15
A basic pair of sharp scissors does the exact same job. Save that money for more cord.
4. A Tape Measure (Because Eyeballing Never Works)
Macrame is all about measuring your cord before you start. Too short? Your project ends up tiny. Too long? You’re wrestling with excess cord for hours.
You probably already own a tape measure, so this is easy. If not, grab a cheap one from literally anywhere. You’ll use it to measure your dowel, your cord lengths, and your finished pieces.
FYI, most patterns tell you to cut cord at specific ratios (like four times your desired length). A tape measure makes this painless instead of a guessing game that ends in tears.
5. Patience and YouTube (The Free Essentials)
Okay, so you can’t buy these, but they’re honestly the most important items on this list. Macrame has maybe six basic knots, and free YouTube tutorials will teach you every single one.
Skip the $50 online courses when you’re starting out. Watch a few different teachers until you find someone whose teaching style clicks for you. Practice the square knot and half hitch until your fingers can tie them in your sleep.
What You Don’t Need:
- Fancy beads (add them later if you want)
- S-hooks and rings (DIY alternatives work fine)
- Macrame boards (a clipboard works perfectly)
- Pattern books (free patterns flood the internet)
Master the basics first. Then go wild with add-ons once you know what you actually enjoy making.
There you have it – everything you truly need to start your macrame journey without emptying your wallet on unnecessary extras. Grab your cord, find a comfy spot, and get knotting. Your first wall hanging is waiting to happen!
