Easy DIY Macrame Leaves

Our Macrame Leaves Wall Hanging came together so easily, we just had to share all the details on how to make these beauties!  The girls (ages 9 & 12) were easily able to create this entire macrame leaf handcraft with zero assistance from an adult.  Once they started, they were hooked and are now ordering multiple colors of macrame cord to create decorations for their bedroom walls. This is a wonderful early macrame craft both for beginners and young children alike.

SUPPLIES LIST:

Macrame Cord 5mm

Fabric Scissors

Fabric Stiffener or Hair Spray

Slicker Pet Brush

Ruler

Dowel or Driftwood

Using your scissors, the macrame cord and a ruler, cut:

One 32″ length for the center spine of the leaf

Twelve 14″ lengths for the top of the leaf

Ten 12″ lengths for the middle portion

Eight 10″ lengths for the bottom

Begin creating your macrame leaf by folding the 32″ length of cord in half, this will serve as the spine of your leaf.

Take one of the 14″ strands, fold it in half and tuck it under the spine.

Fold another 14″ strand in half and lay across the top of the spine as shown below.

Notice how the next set of 14″ strands will alternate with the opposite side starting underneath the spine.

Next, bring the strand ends through the loops beneath or below them.

Pull the ends tight creating knots on the spine.  Pull the two bottom leaf spine strands tight to push the knots up snug against one another.

This can be repeated as needed throughout the project. By alternating the loop positions as you go, the spine has a beautiful design.

Continue this pattern using your longest lengths all the way down to the shortest lengths.

While holding the spine firmly, use your pet brush to unravel and fray the cording.

After this step, take a moment to adjust and tighten any spots that need correcting.

Lay the project down and trim roughly to a leaf shape.  Don’t be too exact, just remove some of the bulk and weight.

Take your project outside or into a well ventilated space and apply the fabric stiffener (or hair spray) to both sides.

Allow to dry thoroughly.

Use your scissors to trim the edges to desired shape.  Feel free to add another coat of fabric stiffener after you have achieved your final shape.

We made large leaves, but smaller feather shapes would be beautiful as well.  The possibilities are endless!

We attached our macrame leaves to a piece of driftwood with bits of macrame cord to create a mobile.  Aren’t the result beautiful?

Be sure to check out our other easy craft ideas such as our DIY Pistachio Shell Succulents or Wheat Grass Decorations.

 

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