DIY macrame chain link garland (paper chain style)

This project is very different from my regular macrame garland because you make each link like a macrame Square Knot bracelet and then connect them together like a paper chain. That’s what creates this unique macrame chain-link garland. If you’re looking specifically for a chain-link style macrame garland, this tutorial shows exactly how to make it.

Today’s post was inspired by an email from a reader who wanted to replicate a crochet chain-link garland with macrame, and I thought it was an excellent idea for a macrame tutorial.

This tutorial is perfect for macrame beginners because it only requires simple, easy Square Knots and nothing else.

How to make a macrame chain-link garland

As kids, you learn how to make paper chain garlands. At least I did that in kindergarten in Germany, haha. A bit of construction paper and glue is all that’s needed.

This project is almost as simple as making a paper chain garland. Little kids who can make friendship bracelets can also make this macrame chain link garland because that’s literally all that it is. You should help them with cutting the access yarn off though.

Step-by-step photo instructions

Step 1: Cut your macrame yarn strands

Cut your macrame yarn with sharp scissors. Here are the yarn measurements and cuts.

2mm and 3mm yarn Square Knot strands

With the below measurements, you will make a strand of Square Knots that is 5.5 inches long for a chain link.

• two shorter pieces at 16 inches long
• two longer pieces at 38 inches long

I made a Square Knot bracelet with a boho fringe detail that is pretty much the same concept as a single link in this project. I also used Square Knots for my macrame earrings tutorial.

Step 2: Secure four strands to your work surface

For your first link, take two short strands and two longer strands and knot them together, and then tape them to a flat surface.

Place the longer strands on the outside and the two shorter strands in the center before starting with your Square Knot strand. The reason for this is that the outside strands (working cords) form the knot and get shorter as you keep going and the center stays in place.

(For a chunkier, larger chain link size, you could even use 8 strands of macrame cord instead of the 4 that I used.)

Step 3: Knot the Square Knot strand to the needed length

Here is a visual guide for how to make Square Knots, where I used two different colored yarns to help you see how to form the knots. When I tie the square knot, I keep saying in my head “leftover middle strings” and then “right over the middle strings”. Is important that you alternate, or you’ll get a spiral. (I also have a video about how to make a Square Knot on YouTube if you need to look at that a bit closer.

And here is how I knotted the 4mm yarn into a Square Knot strand on my flat surface

Knot your Square Knots with my measurements in mind that I mentioned above, but you can make your chain links any size you would like. If you don’t like taping the strands to a surface, then you could also clip them to your pants the way I did. This way, you can make them anywhere you’d like.

Step 4: Form the strand into a loop like a bracelet

Next, you will make a link, which is basically like a bracelet, by forming a circle with the Square Knot strands. Hold the center strands with your fingers.

Then tuck the other two center strands behind the two top center strands as pictured and clamp them in place. (After doing this repeatedly I didn’t have to clamp anymore)

Time to add some glue to make the link stronger. I placed the glue with a toothpick between the 4 center strands.

Now add two Square Knots over the glued center strands. It can get a bit messy but it’s ok.

Then, tuck the bottom outside strands to the back, the same way you did earlier with the center strands. After that, add some more glue with the toothpick.

Now add two more Square Knots over all the strands that are tucked behind.

You should now have a tight loop. If you don’t, then you can pull it tighter by tugging on the 4 center strands in opposite directions.

All you need to do to finish the link is neatly trim all the loose strands of yarn.

Step 5: Add more links to build the garland

After that, you continue with adding links by looping the next strand of Square Knots through the link and using the same steps as above, over and over again until you have the desired chain link garland length.