Deciding on what to buy to start doing macrame projects can be overwhelming! Get started today with this list of best macrame supplies for beginners under $20!
So, you’ve discovered macrame and you want to give it a try. Hang on, because you will become obsessed with this art! It’s creative, it’s relaxing, and you will have wonderful works of art to show for your effort when you’re done.
It happened to me and now I have plant hangers and wall hangings and coasters and just about anything else you can imagine as decor in my home.
I didn’t have anyone to tell me what to buy to get started and I don’t want that for you! You don’t need to struggle to find the best setup to make a wall hanging, or wonder what type of cord to buy when you’re first starting out. My first cord purchase was cotton clothesline if you can believe that. I wasted a lot of it trying to figure out how to make anything with it.
I rounded up 15 macrame supplies under $20 on Amazon that will help you get started and save you a lot of time and wasted money.
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Macrame supplies for Beginners under $20
Macrame Cord
When you first start doing macrame, it is better to use a larger size macrame cord. It is easier to manipulate and makes tying uniform knots quicker to learn. 3 strand twisted macrame cord is the best choice when just starting out because it is more forgiving of untying and retying.
Here are a few options of macrame cord that I have used. All are good quality. It just depends on how much you want to order and what you are willing to spend.
This macrame cord comes in 5 gorgeous colors, each spool has approximately 328 feet. 3 strand twisted is the best cord to use for plant hangers because it is nice and sturdy and it gives a great wavy fringe.
This 3 strand twisted cotton macrame cord comes in a variety of colors and you will get approximately 450 feet per spool. A great value for the price.
Here is another great option for macrame cord. These spools come with 720 feet. Definetly the most bang for your buck!
What you need to make your macrame projects
When I first started doing macrame, I used a coat rack to hang my projects from while I did them. I would put the rings for plant hangers over the hooks and wedged dowels between 2 hooks to work on wall hangings. It wasn’t ideal, but it got the job done.
I struggled cutting my macrame cord with scissors out of my junk drawer and I kept my stash of cord in a milk crate. I used a clipboard to hold smaller projects that I could do in my lap or on the coffee table, like my macrame coasters.
These options are a totally affordable upgrade and they work a lot better than the household items mentioned above. I don’t know why I waited so long to get them!
An adjustable metal clothing rack is a game changing macrame tool. Raise it up high to stand and work, lower it to sit down. I added S-hooks to mine to hang my projects on while they are in progress. Simply roll it away out of sight when you aren’t using it.
You need a good pair of scissors, not just your average everyday run-of-the-mill scissors. Invest in a good pair of fabric or craft scissors. They will stay sharp longer and cut right through that macrame cord with ease. These are a must-have on your list of macrame supplies for beginners.
I use a pair of my hair cutting shears to do the final trimming on my fringe, but this little pair is perfect for getting the job done. They are small and sharp allowing you to be much more accurate in shaping that all-important fringe detail on your macrame project.
The Beadsmith mini macrame board is a game changer for making small macrame projects! It is a 1/2 inch thick foam board that fits easily in your lap or you can use on a table. Make sure to get some T-pins to use with it.
Project supplies
Add these supplies to your must-have list of macrame supplies for beginners. I keep all of these on hand in different sizes to use for my projects.
8. Wooden Rings
This bundle of wooden rings is great for making plant hangers. They are thick and sturdy and there is no fear of them breaking with the weight of your plant. You can leave them natural or you can paint or stain them the color of your choice.
Dowel rods are great to use for wall hangings. I prefer a more modern look to my macrame projects so I normally use dowel rods instead of tree branches. You don’t have to wait for them to dry out and you can paint or stain them in the color of your choice.
Keychain lanyards are a must-have. Clip your macrame keychain to your ring of keys or turn it into a purse fob.
11. Keychain Rings
Don’t forget the keychain rings for your macrame keychains.
Macrame Kits
Macrame kits are a great option when doing projects when you’re a beginner. They come with everything you need to make the complete project. No worries about measuring your string or creating a pattern, it’s all done for you in their instructions. These are great options to add to your list of macrame supplies for beginners.
Okay, so this one is just over $20, but it’s worth the price. This kit includes pre-cut string for 3 keychains, an instruction booklet, and access to a video tutorial. These keychains are super cute and would make great gifts!
Take the guesswork out of measuring your macrame cord by purchasing this kit and make your own macrame feather wall hanging. Make sure to check out How to Straighten Macrame Fringe and Keep it That Way
Make cute macrame plant hangers with this kit. It comes with rings, beads, and 650 feet of macrame cord. More than enough to make several plant hangers!
Macrame rainbows are very trendy right now, they are all over Pinterest and Instagram. This kit has everything you need to make your own. These would be fun to do with your kiddos or with your grands.
This list will get you started doing macrame and you will get plenty of practice tying those basic knots.
Happy Knotting!
Caroline Allen
Tuesday 14th of September 2021
Have really enjoyed reading through your site, easy ti follow, very generous with your advice and sharing of ideas. Thank you so much. I am recently returned to this craft, haven fallen in love wit it in the 70's at school, but not gone back to it properly until lockdown left me playing around iwht kitchen string! Thank you form rainy Wales, UK
Susanne
Monday 20th of September 2021
Hi Caroline! I'm so glad you are here and that you found some helpful nuggets! Happy Knotting!