How to Make a Macrame Pendant Light

Macrame is back in a big way, and we're giving it a fresh, modern spin. Create this textured macrame pendant light using one simple knot.

Project Overview
  • Total Time: 6 hours
  • Skill Level: Beginner

Macrame isn't just for planters and wall hangings. Give the old-school craft a modern twist by tying knots around a pendant light, its cord, or both, to create a retro-glam light fixture. Macrame works well with so many different materials—cotton-nylon blends, braided cotton rope, garden cotton twine, paracord, or cotton yarn—and all work well, so find one in a color and texture you love and give it a try. We used a cotton yarn for this version.

The process isn't difficult; it just takes some time. Plan on six hours to make one macrame light fixture—a great weekend project. For safety, use an LED bulb that's 2.5 watts or less.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Scissors
  • Glass bottle

Materials

  • Lightbulb cage
  • Cording or yarn
  • Pendant light kit

Instructions

  1. 102849823%20macrame%20pendant%20image.jpg

    Secure Yarn to the Frame

    For this macrame project, you'll be working with 22 lengths of cording or yarn. Measure the height of the bulb cage and multiply by nine to determine the length of your cording. Cut 22 total lengths, then fold each one in half.

    Begin by securing one length of yarn to the bulb cage by wrapping the folded end around the top rim of the cage and pulling the loose ends through the loop in what's called a lark's head knot. Before pulling it tight. make sure the two ends of the yarn are equal in length. Continue to secure all the lengths of yarn in the same way. You should end up with 22 knots evenly spaced along the top rim of the bulb cage.

    Related: How to Tie Macramé Knots to Create Your Own Woven Decor

  2. Tie Square Knots

    Starting with a pair of the lark's head knots, create a square knot, bring the far left strand of yarn over the two middle strands and under the far right one. Bring the far right strand of yarn under the middle two and over the far left, then pull tight.

    Editor's Tip: Set the cage on the neck of a bottle so you can easily rotate it as you macrame.

    Then bring the strand on the far left under the middle two and over the one on the far right. Finish by bringing the strand on the far right over the middle two and under the left one. Pull tight.

    Repeat with the next two sets of lark's head knots and keep working around the top of the cage until you have completed a full row of square knots. Continue making square knots down the cage, adjusting the tightness of the knot as the pendant widens.

    Once finished, knot at the bottom of the frame and trim the excess cords.

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