Macrame Fringe DIY Step by Step

by The Everyday Farmhouse

3 Materials

2 Hours

Easy

DIY macrame fringe can be added to pillows, throws, blankets, or table runners. Add it anywhere that you would like a little something extra. This really is so simple to make, with a little time, you can make something plain into something special!

Are You a Fan of Macrame?

Is macrame your kind of thing? To be honest, it’s not really my thing. I was born in the late 70’s, so my mom had macrame plant hangers while I was growing up. Those were okay. She may still have one around, but I’m not sure. ***EDIT–Verified-She does still have one, she texted me a picture!*** However, one of my aunts had the wall hanging macrame art kind. I’m not a fan. I just always thought they looked dusty and dirty.I know macrame made a little comeback in the last 5 or so years. Just so you know, I didn’t jump on board! Sorry if you love it, I just can’t get past the thought of it holding a bunch of dust.Now, a little macrame fringe? That’s another story! To me it looks old fashioned and beautiful. Want to make some? Let’s get started!

Gather Your Materials

That is my practice piece on the right. For this, I used some yarn-ish stuff that I had on hand. Bernat Maker Home Dec. You could make very thin fringe by using embroidery floss. It’s your fringe and you can use whatever you want or whatever you have on hand. I had some skinny cotton yarn that would have been pretty, but I think I would have needed to use some fray block to keep it from unraveling on the ends.You will need scissors, masking tape or blue tape, and liquid stitch, or hot glue. You could also use a sewing machine.You will also need something to put the fringe on…obviously.

Lay It Out

Measure the length of the item to which you are adding the fringe. Next, lay out a piece of masking tape, sticky side up. Tape the ends of that strip down to the table. This will help to keep your work in place

Count and Cut

This part takes the longest, although it isn’t difficult at all. If you are a tv or movie watcher, you could totally do this while you watch something.I cut my lengths about 10 inches long. Each section has eight strands. My table runner that I turned into a throw is 14″. I needed 18 groups of 8 strands which equals 144 strands…for one side. Then the same for the other!You could either cut up all of your strands first, or do it like me and just cut them as you make each group. I’m sure whatever appeals to you has something to do with your personality type!

Knot Each Group

Take all eight strands and knot them together. I wrapped up and around to the left and through the center. I’m not sure it matters, but just do it the same way every time.Lay your knotted groups all along the masking tape, touching each other.Once you have all of your knotted groups laid out, put another piece of masking tape over the top to hold it all in place while you work.

Start Knotting

Next, you will start with your first little bundle of eight threads. Separate those threads into two groups of four. Then take four of the strands from the group to the right, put those together, and make a knot. Don’t worry about the first four strands that are just hanging there. You will get those on the next row.

Next, take your four leftover from the second group and knot those four to four from the next group to the right. Knot those together, and keep going until the end of that first row. Just leave the last four strands hanging free.

On the next row, take those four strands that are hanging free and knot those together with four strands from the next knot to the right. Continue going to the end of the second row. Knot those last strands to the four left from the previous row.

Cut Evenly

Now, you just have to cut all of the strands evenly. This would be best done with a rotary cutter and a large ruler. I didn’t have mine handy, so I just used scissors. However, it took way longer and I don’t think they are perfect.I then cut above the tape as well.

Attach to Binding

For the binding on this, I just used a 14″ strip of fabric that was ironed in half. A piece of wide bias tape would work very well too. I just didn’t have any.You could either sew the macrame fringe in place, which I tried on one side, Or you could use fabric glue or hot glue which I also tried. Honestly, I liked using the fabric glue best. It was easier to get it straight and perfect. With the sewing machine, it wanted to wiggle a bit and get off track.

That's It!!

Really a very easy project that adds texture and interest to just about anything! I hope you give it a try!

Love DIY Home Decor? Check out my blog The Everyday Farmhouse for more inspiration!

Enjoyed the project?

You can do it! Saved to your projects

Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Hometalk may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.More info

Frequently asked questions

Have a question about this project?

Ask a Question

Comments

Join the conversation

2 of 21 comments

Elizabeth Haire on Aug 02, 2021

Really good directions!

1 Reply
Charlee Hunter on Aug 03, 2021

Spectacular! Can't wait to give it a try!

Like Reply