Things to do · Arts and crafts
Learn macramé
A friend has invited you to do this with them.
Macramé uses a handful of knots, the lark's head, square knot and half hitch among them, to turn plain cord into plant hangers and wall hangings. A beginners' class can be a single afternoon, and some English adult learning courses are free for people on certain benefits.
GentleUnder £100 / $130A few weeksIndoorsAlone or with othersUK and US
Someone who has done it
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What it's really like
A first course is mostly about a few knots. Inspire's three-session Macrame for Beginners at Mansfield Central Library covers types of cord, the lark's head, double half hitch, square knot and half knot, and reading and following a basic pattern. It also looks at costing your time and materials and at selling on sites such as Etsy or Instagram.
Plant hangers are a common first project. Olympic College's three-hour class teaches measuring and cutting cord, the square knot, half hitch and wrapping knot, and how to start and finish a piece cleanly.
Longer courses go further. Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College's six-week evening course covers basic and intermediate knots, pattern construction, design and finishing, with learners making wall hangings, plant holders, keyrings and accessories.
What beginners pay
| Where | Format | Cost (as last listed) |
|---|---|---|
| Inspire, Mansfield Central Library, Nottinghamshire | Three Monday morning sessions of two hours; groups of 5 to 12; no experience needed | Free to £24 |
| Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College, Oswestry | About six weeks, Mondays 5.30pm to 7pm; certificate of participation | £70 |
| Olympic College Continuing Education, Shelton, Washington | One three-hour plant hanger class, 25 April 2026 | $69 |
| Carlisle Arts Learning Center, Pennsylvania | One four-hour workshop on knots, design and colour; start a small wall hanging | $80 for members, $95 for non-members, plus an $18 materials fee |
Inspire's courses are free for learners on certain benefits, and enrolment requires living in England and three years' UK residence, with some exceptions.
How to start
- Look for a beginners' class at an adult learning service, a library, a college or a community arts centre.
- Ask what is supplied; one US workshop asks students to bring a macramé board and T-pins or a spring clipboard, and a hanging piece about 18cm (7in) long such as a rod or narrow branch (the instructor provides a dowel).
- Start with a small project such as a plant hanger or keyring, then follow a pattern for a wall hanging.
Where to go
- Inspire: Macrame for Beginners, Mansfield Central Library (Nottinghamshire) UK
- Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College: Macramé (Oswestry) UK
- Olympic College Continuing Education: Beginning Macrame Plant Hangers (Washington) US
- Carlisle Arts Learning Center: Macramé 101 (Pennsylvania) US
We opened these links on 8 November 2026 and found them to be what we say. Dates, places and prices are on the official page, where they stay up to date.
Plan this
Pick a day, or a month, and we will set out how to get ready, step by step, with a date and a reason for each. Courses and classes have start dates and can fill up, so the plan begins with finding and booking one. Kit comes after the first session, once you know what you need.
Questions people ask
What are the basic macramé knots?
Beginners' courses usually start with the lark's head, square knot, half knot and half hitch. Inspire's beginners' course teaches all four, and Olympic College adds a wrapping knot for finishing.
What can you make in a beginners' macramé class?
Usually a plant hanger or a small wall hanging. Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College's course also includes keyrings and decorative accessories.
What do I need to bring to a macramé class?
Check the listing. Carlisle Arts Learning Center asks for a macramé board and T-pins or a spring clipboard, and a hanging piece about 18cm (7in) long such as a rod or narrow branch (the instructor provides a dowel), and charges an $18 materials fee.
Are there free macramé classes?
Some adult learning courses in England are free for people on certain benefits; Inspire's Mansfield course is listed at free to £24.
Where this comes from: Inspire, Macrame for Beginners, Mansfield Central Library; Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College, Macramé; Olympic College, Beginning Macrame Plant Hangers; Carlisle Arts Learning Center, Macramé 101; The Tribune (Ironton), South Point woman specializes in macramé creations (18 January 2023). Opened 8 November 2026.
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