Unique DIY macrame chain link garland (and 3 ways to use 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.
All this macrame chain link garland requires are simple square knots just like a Square Knot bracelet which makes this a perfect tutorial for beginners.
How to make a chain link garland with macrame yarn
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.
The crochet chain link garland inspiration
The below crochet chain link garlands are for sale on Etsy and I love the look. If you love to crochet then this is the way to go for you. I however love to knot.
Materials needed for this decorative chain link garland
- macrame yarn (I used 4 mm, 3mm, and 2mm cord for a different look)
- sharp craft scissors
- measuring tape
- clear glue/craft adhesive like E6000 or GOOP
- command hooks or/and nails and hammer
- toothpicks
yarn measurements and cuts
4mm yarn Square Knot strands
With the below measurements, you will make a strand of Square Knots that is 6.5 inches long for a chain link.
- two shorter pieces at 16 inches long
- two longer pieces at 42 inches long
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
Video tutorial
Watching the video tutorial definitely helps to see what I did exactly with my hands because it is sometimes hard to explain with only photos. If you are on a phone or tablet then hold your device horizontally for better viewing. If the video doesn’t load, you can also view it on my YouTube channel.
step-by-step photo instructions
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For a chunkier larger chain link size, you could even use 8 strands of macrame cord instead of the 4 that I used.
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.
- Start out by cutting the macrame yarn strands.
- 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 form the knot and get shorter as you keep going and the center stays in place.
- 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”. Important is 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.
- Next, you will make a link 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.
- Now tuck the bottom outside strands to the back as well the way you did earlier with the center strands. And then 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.
- 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.
Photo of finished chain link garlands
Here you can see the 2mm cord chain link garland at the top, followed by the 3mm darker chain link garland and then the 4mm thicker chain link garland.
3 ways to use a macrame chain link garland in your home decor
I have several ideas on how you can use these unique yarn chain link garlands. Here are 3 of my favorite ideas.
As a wall hanging
When I came across the below ceramic chain link wall art, I knew that I wanted to use my chain link garland in a similar way as a wall hanging. If you know me then you are aware that I love making different unique wall hangings. Just check out my modern macrame wall hanging and my combed macrame wall hanging.
Let me show you how this chain link decor idea looks finished. I love it and I used different-sized macrame yarn and colors for this wall hanging. To hang the links, I simply use command hooks on the wall and then had fun with the arrangement.
Or you could drape the links over a stick or dowel rod like a traditional macrame wall hanging.
Below you can see how I started out with the command hooks. Later, when I was certain about the placement of the chains, I took them off the wall and replaced them with a nail.
As a curtain tieback
Let me show you what this idea looks like in our dining room with my dark green velvet Ikea curtains. If you are planning on using the garland this way, I recommend that you also use command hooks in the back to hang the links.
As a chain link Christmas Garland
More photos of this idea are yet to come when we are heading into the Christmas season this year because I’m planning on using it in my Christmas tree.
I do love the chainlink garland with my wood bead garland already.
Pretty wooden chain link garlands and accessories
In recent years, wooden chain link garlands have increased in popularity and I love that look. I would love to try to make the below chain link chandelier with my chain link garlands. That would look pretty cool, don’t you think so? (images take you to the source)
More unique macrame tutorials
Here is a variety of my favorite macrame projects that I have created over the years.
- If you don’t like the look of a chain link garland then check out my easy macrame garland for beginners
- A stylish DIY macrame chandelier made from a planter basket
- Purrfectly cute DIY macrame cat hammock
- How to make easy boho drawer pulls using macrame yarn
- Easy macrame basket using only two knots
- How to make an easy wool and yarn macrame wreath
- Cute DIY macrame Christmas tree wall hanging tutorial
- combed macrame yarn wall hanging with embroidery floss
- modern macrame wall hanging
Tschüß,