DIY Boho Drawer Pulls Made from Macrame Yarn Scraps

When I was bleaching my dark cherry wood secretary desk to give it a light beachy look, I needed boho drawer pulls that could cover the existing hardware holes without spending much money. You guys know that I’m on a macrame kick lately. Macrame yarn is just so affordable, fun, and easy to work with. These boho drawer pulls are the perfect addition to my desk makeover and check off all the boxes in my book.

Step 1: Measure existing hardware holes

Take a look at the distance of your drawer hardware holes or if you don’t have holes yet, figure out the distance you want them to be and measure. that. Write down your measurement.

Step 2: Cut macrame yarn

Cut two pieces of yarn about 3-4 inches longer than the distance between the holes. These two will be your center strings.
For the outside strings, cut two more pieces about 2 times longer than the first two pieces you cut. The reason for that is that the two center strings don’t get used for the actual knotting and the length remains the same.

Step 3: Clamp the 4 strings together

Clamp the 4 pieces of macrame together at the top. Make sure that the two shorter strings are in the center and that you clamp the yarn 1.5 to 2 inches in.

Step 4: Knot a strand of Square Knots

Make rows of square knots to the desired length of your needed drawer pull which you measured earlier. So if the distance of your existing holes is for example 4.5″ long, then make your Square Knots strand slightly longer than 4.5 inches because you will have to be able to slide your hand under the pull when attached. (Mine are about 1.5″ longer than the distance between existing holes)
I’m showing in my video today how to make Square Knots. Or you can check out my YouTube video about Square Knots.

Step 6: Cut the hemp cord

Cut two 30-inch pieces of hemp string and fold them in half to double them up.

Step 7: Thread hemp string through Square Knot strand

Thread the hemp string through the needle and poke the needle through the square knot strand about a knot and a half in as pictured. Then poke and thread it through again.

Step 8: Knot the Hemp string around the Square Knot strand

Knot the hemp string tightly. This will prevent the macrame knots from opening and also keep the drawer pull securely in place on your piece of furniture.

Step 9: Open and comb the end pieces of macrame yarn

Open up the fringe with your fingers or comb. The brush/comb it.

Step 10: Soak the end fringe in fabric stiffener

Now, soak the combed fringe in fabric stiffener or starch. This part is very important because without the stiffener, the fringe will flop down when added to your piece of furniture. It looks best when it is super stiff. Just like I showed you in my macrame square knot bracelet tutorial and fringe and macrame earrings tutorial.

Let the fabric stiffener-soaked fringe dry and repeat if it isn’t stiff enough yet.

Step 11: Comb and trim the stiff end fringe

Comb the fringe again and trim both sides to the same length when it is completely dried. And you are done with your boho drawer pull.

Step 12: How to attach the boho drawer pulls

Below you can see what the macrame dresser drawer pull looks like from the side.

Thread the hemp cord through each hardware hole.

And attach the macrame dresser drawer pulls with a very tight knot on the inside of the drawer. Adjust the handle on the outside to make it straight and that’s it.

More affordable DIY furniture hardware projects

So if you want a cheap alternative to all the pricey hardware out there, then you can give these boho drawer pulls a try, or my DIY leather drawer pulls, or I have a tutorial for affordable, DIY wooden drawer pulls. All are great, easy, and affordable options.