Tired of boring coasters cluttering up your coffee table? Wish you could add a touch of bohemian charm to your home decor? Well, get ready to ditch those plain coasters and learn how to make macrame coasters! This easy DIY project will transform plain string into stylish and functional accents for your home.
3 Easy Ways to Make Macrame Coasters
Want to add a touch of handmade charm to your home decor? Macrame coasters are the perfect way to do just that! They’re easy to make, look super stylish, and make great gifts. Let’s dive in and learn how to make macrame coasters, step by step.
Before: Gather Your Supplies
Before you start crafting, make sure you have all the necessary materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Macrame Cord – Choose a natural fiber cord like cotton or jute. The thickness of the cord will impact the look and feel of your coasters.
- Scissors – You’ll need a sharp pair to cut your cord to the right length accurately.
- Dowel Rod – Choose a dowel rod that’s about 4 inches long. This will provide stability and keep your coaster flat.
- Measuring Tape – To ensure your cords are cut to the correct length.
- Optional: Beads or Charms – If you want to add some extra personality, you can add beads or charms to your macrame coasters.
How to Make Macrame Coasters: The Classic Knot
The most basic macrame knot is the square knot. With a little practice, you’ll be tying square knots flawlessly in no time.
Step 1: Cutting Your Cord
First, you need to determine your desired length. For a simple square knot coaster, start with 8 cords cut to 3 feet each.
Step 2: Create the Starting Loop
Fold each cord in half, then fold it again to create a small loop. Place the loops on your dowel rod.
Step 3: Tying the Square Knot
To tie a square knot, take the first cord on the left and bring it over the next cord. Now, take the first cord on the right and bring it under the loop of the cord you just brought over. Pull the cord snug.
Repeat this process with the next cord on the left, bringing it over the next cord and then under the loop of the cord you just brought over. Continue in this pattern, alternating left and right cords, until you reach the end of your dowel rod.
Step 4: Repeat the Knot
Once you’ve tied one row of square knots, you’ll repeat the pattern for the next row. To do this, you’ll take the cords that are now at the bottom and bring them up to the top to start creating your next row of square knots. You’ll have a total of 4 layers of knots.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once you’ve completed all the required layers of square knots, cut the ends of your cords to the desired length. If you’re adding embellishments like beads, now is the time to loop them onto the cords.
Step 6: Secure your Coaster
You can either use a small piece of cord to tie off the ends of your coaster or use a dab of glue to secure it.
How to Make Macrame Coasters: The Spiral Knot
The spiral knot is a beautiful and slightly more complex knot. To create a spiral knot coaster, you’ll need a bit more cord length.
Step 1: Cutting Your Cord
Cut 8 cords each to 5 feet in length.
Step 2: Create the Starting Loop
Fold each cord in half and fold it again to create a small loop. Place your loops on your dowel rod.
Step 3: Tying the Spiral Knot
To begin, take the first cord on the left and bring it over the next cord. Take the second cord on the left (the one that you just brought the first cord over) and bring it under the loop of the first cord. Pull the knot snug.
Now, take the third cord on the left and bring it over the fourth cord (the one you just brought the third cord over) and bring it under the loop of the third cord.
Continue in this pattern, alternating left and right cords, until you reach the end of your dowel rod.
Step 4: Repeat the Knot
To create the next row of spiral knots, take the cords that are now at the bottom and bring them up to the top. Continue in this pattern, alternating left and right cords, until you reach the desired height.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Cut the ends of the cords to the desired length.
Step 6: Secure your Coaster
Use a small piece of cord to tie off the ends of your coaster or a dab of glue to secure it.
How to Make Macrame Coasters: The Fringe Coaster
For a unique and effortless design, try a fringe macrame coaster. It’s a fun and fast way to make macrame coasters.
Step 1: Cutting Your Cord
Cut 16 cords, each to 2 feet in length.
Step 2: Create the Starting Loop
Fold each cord in half and fold it again to create a small loop. Place your loops on your dowel rod.
Step 3: Create the Fringe
You will be working with the cords in pairs. Take the first two cords and tie them together with a square knot.
Step 4: Continue the Fringe
Continue tying square knots with the remaining pairs of cords until you reach the end of your dowel rod.
Step 5: Trim the Fringe
Once you’ve completed all the square knots, trim the ends of the cords to the desired length.
Step 6: Secure your Coaster
You can either use a small piece of cord to tie off the ends of your coaster or use a dab of glue to secure it.
After: Final Touches
Once you’ve completed your macrame coasters, you can add personal touches. Experiment with different colors of cord, beads, or charms to personalize them.
Tips for Making Macrame Coasters:
- Practice tying your knots before starting. The more comfortable you are with the knots, the easier it will be to create your coasters.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and patterns.
- If you’re worried about fraying, you can use a sealant or a dab of glue to secure the ends of your cords.
- When you’re finished, you can wash your coasters in cold water and air dry them.
Conclusion
Macrame coasters are a fun and easy craft that’s perfect for beginners. With just a few materials, you can create a unique and stylish addition to your home decor. So gather your supplies, pick your favorite knot, and get started making macrame coasters today!