How to Macrame for Beginners Easy Fall Leaves

If you’ve been swept away with the current macrame frenzy, you’re not alone.

Certainly, macrame has made a flamboyant comeback since it was hot back in the 70’s.

Although macrame comes finished ready to purchase in the form of feathers, keychains, garland, wall hangings, necklaces, earrings, plant hangers and more.

Perhaps you’re simply mesmerized how each pattern and item are created.

As a beginner you may wonder:

“Can I teach myself to macrame?”

“How do I get started with macrame?”

“What is the easiest thing to macrame?”

In this post . . .

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What Is Macrame? Can I Teach Myself?

So, what is macrame anyway?

Macrame is the art of knotting thread or cording into decorative designs that often double as useful items.

Not only is it one of the easiest crafts to learn, but most projects are created with only 5 basic knots, used in different patterns.

Luckily with the accessibility of information available online, anyone at any skill level can most definitely learn how to macrame.

What Is The Easiest Thing To Macrame?

As a beginner you need to start somewhere.

So, we’ve got the perfect beginner macrame project for you, easy fall macrame leaves.

In fact, with this easy to follow guide you’ll learn how to macrame with one of the most basic knots, the square knot.

Easy to make fall macrame leaves for beginners on a bead garland strung across the mantle.

With a little bit of practice you’ll be on your way to creating unique works of art for your own home.

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How Do I Get Started With Macrame?

A few basic supplies are needed to begin this macrame project.

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How To Make A Macrame Leaf

1. Cut the cording

Begin by cutting the macrame thread to correct lenghs.

To make a macrame leaf roughly 8″ in height you’ll begin by cutting strips of cording as follows.

(1) 16″ strand for the center spine of the leaf
(6) 8″ strands for the top portion
(6) 7″ strands for the top portion
(6) 6″ strands for the lower portion
(4) 5″ strands for the lower portion

We used 6mm cotton cord.

You can used different weights of cording, but you may have to adjust the number of sections you use.

2. Fold center cord and secure with pin

Place a folded piece of macrame cord on a piece of cardboard, secure at the top loop with a thumbtack.

First, fold the 16″ strand in half.

This will be the center or spine of the leaf.

Then secure the strand at the top of the fold into a piece of cardboard with a push pin.

3. Alternating square knots

How to macrame for beginners, macrame square knots, begin by place a loop of cord under a double piece or cording.

To make a macrame leaf you’ll made a series of alternating square nots.

In this image the first knot has already been tied so you can see what it looks like.

The first three knots will be made using the 8″ strands.

Take one strand, fold it in half and slide it under the spine.

Place a loop of macrame on each side of the spine, with loops facing opposite direction.

Then fold a second strand and place it on top of the previous strand and spine in the opposite direction.

To create a knot, pull both sets of thread to create a tight square knot in the macrame design.

Then, insert the ends of the top strand down into the loop of the bottom strand, and the ends of the bottom strand up into the loop of the top strand.

Finally, pull both sides tightly to make the knot.

How to Macrame for Beginners: square knots tied around the center spine to create the macrame leaf design.

In addition, alternate the starting side with each new row of knots.

For example, since the loop of the previous strand was on the left of the spine, for the next row place the first loop under the spine on the right.

Then continue with this process, gradually decreasing the strand size as you work down the spine.

Finally, push each knot up toward the previous knot to keep the rows tight.

4. Comb cording to make fringe

How to Make Macrame, comb out the macrame thread to create a soft leaf look.

Now that each of the knots have been tied it’s time to create that soft fringe.

First, begin by placing the comb next to the spine and pull outward through the cording.

It should be noted, this will need to be done several times to create the fringe.

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5. Trim fringe to shape leaf

Trim sides of the macrame with scissors to shape into a leaf.

After both sides of the cording have been combed out give it a rough trim.

Comb the edges out again and trim any pieces that are longer to keep the shape of the leaf.

6. Apply stiffener to leaf

Hairspray is used to stiffen and shape these darling macrame leaves,

Now for the final step.

Clearly, since the fringe is soft, the leaf will be droopy when placed upright.

So, to prevent the leaf from flopping you’ll need to stiffen it up.

Of course, use what you have on hand, like hairspray.

On the other hand, you can also use a fabric stiffener or spray starch.

Then, allow it to dry and then decorate to your hearts content.

Finally, small clips are attached to the back of these leaves with hot glue.

Although, the loop at the top of the leaf can be used for hanging too.

Wasn’t that simple?

Comment below if you’re anxious to try your hand at this easy beginner macrame project.

Did you miss the 10 affordable fall decor ideas that don’t look cheap?

Don’t you just love decorating for fall!

You’ll find even more ideas with 65 Simple DIY Fall Decor Ideas You Can Make Today!

You’ll see these macrame leaves styled as well as another darling macrame idea for your front door! Macrame tutorial (which is also BEGINNER friendly).

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Are you ready to try your hand macrame?

How would you style these macrame leaves in your home?

And if you’re looking for more fall decorating ideas, then you’ll want to see How to Make your Home Cozy for Fall.

Thanks for spending some time with us today, we hope you found a little inspiration here today!

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PInterest image, How to Macrame Easy Fall Leaves

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