Easy DIY Macrame Basket Using Only Two Knots

This easy DIY macrame basket uses only two simple knots and can be made in any size to fit any existing pot. Free pattern and video tutorial below. You can create different macrame basket patterns and color combinations depending on how you arrange the knots. It is inspired by my favorite black and white African woven baskets and works as a planter sleeve that slides over an existing pot with an open bottom. The best thing about macrame is that you can just unravel everything and start over if you make a mistake, so don’t worry about it. Check out my other beginner macrame tutorials, like my macrame feather and simple macrame plant hanger, for more ideas.

Step-by-step macrame planter basket instructions

This macrame basket pattern is inspired by my favorite black and white Rwanda Kiondo baskets that I have in several spots of our home. This macrame basket tutorial uses a repetitive technique, which actually makes it perfect for an evening in front of your favorite show. I always use cotton cord for my projects since the feel and look are much nicer, though synthetic cord works well for outdoor versions like my macrame solar lantern, since it doesn’t rot.

The project is as simple as lining up a row of Lark’s Head Knots on the dowel rod and then following those up with rows of Double Half Hitch Knots, also known as Vertical Clove Hitch Knots. Only two knots are needed for the entire basket.

Note: I am not giving specific cord lengths in this macrame basket pattern because the size depends entirely on your pot. Measure the circumference and height of your planter before you start, and cut accordingly.

Step 1: Attach cut cords to the dowel rod with Lark’s Head Knots

Cut your cords and attach them to the dowel rod with Lark’s Head Knots. Below is a Lark’s head knot tied so you can see how to set it up.

And here is a Lark’s head knot tied to the dowel rod. You can see it all better in my tutorial video.

Step 2: Knot rows of Double Half Hitch Knots into a pattern

Let’s get to the Double Half Hitch Knots, also known as Vertical Clove Hitch Knots, which you start out the way I’m showing below.

Followed up with the next loop. I always keep telling myself in my head “behind/under the string and over” for the first loop and “over and behind/under” for the second loop.

Pull both of those loops up and tighten them for the Vertical Clove Hitch Knots.

To make a planter or wall hanging, you need a full row of Lark’s Head Knots along the dowel rod, not just one. The number of strands depends on the size of your pot.
If it is a planter or vase, then make sure that you have that item ready to measure how much macrame string Lark’s head knots you need on your dowel rod.

Tip: If you run out of cord or want to add a new color, you knot the new strand in the same way. Jump to timestamp 2:29 in the video to see exactly how I did it.

In my video, I only made a cover for a small object. I just didn’t want to film the entire making of the large macrame planter because the video would have been very long 😉 After all, a large macrame planter took me several days to make.

I did, however, take photos while I was making one of my larger planters, which I’m showing below.

Maya thinks it is a rug for cats!

You can see it better on the larger DIY macrame basket.

Step 5: Unravel, comb, and trim the fringe

The next step is to unravel all the macrame yarn and comb it, then cut it into the desired length. Giving the haircut is my favorite part.

Finished macrame basket

And here are two of the finished macrame planter baskets in a grouping with my African baskets. I love the pattern of the smaller basket.

Maya is sniffing my faux plant. My kitties are the reason I had to get mostly faux plants. Thankfully, there are so many great faux plant options now, and I wrote about how to choose artificial house plants.

“If it fits it sits” and in the case below Willy does not fit in the basket:

They fit right in with the rest of my decor!

Also, check out my boho DIY light switch covers that you can see in the photo below hanging on the wall above my macrame basket.

You might also like my macrame Square Knot bracelet that can be used as a fringe garland around a planter as well.

My macrame garland can also be tied around a planter as pictured below.

RELATED: If you like beachy decor, then you might also like my DIY seashell flower if you are looking for more seashell craft ideas.

Also, check out how to make DIY seashell candles the easy way.

Similar African baskets for sale that I love

These macrame basket planters are still some of my favorite projects I have ever made, and they look just as good years later. The black and white combination never gets old.

Tschüß,