#AtoZChallenge | Macrame hanging planter to bring a little 70s vibe into my life

Each decade has a vibe. The 1970s had a lot going on. Disco was born, platform shoes soared in popularity and harvest gold was in every kitchen. They’re also the first decade I remember. They defined most of my childhood.

When I told my husband I was going to make a macramé planter, he was horrified. He kept saying “No, please don’t.”

He had visions of some type of elaborate creation made from incredible thick cording that would overwhelm whatever space I put it in. The macramé craze of the 70s did lead to some rather unique creations. While it was not a new craft, it reached new heights in the 70s and seems to be on the upswing again. Since I missed the first round of this craft, now was a good time to give it a try. Plus, I already owned macramé cord.

To the right of my kitchen stove, there is a tall, narrow window. I can easily glance out to see who might be pulling into the drive way or crank it open it to get the air flow going when our cooking creates too much smoke and threatens to set off the fire alarms. I’ve always thought it would be the perfect spot for a hanging plant.

While there are so many things you can make out of macramé from elegant to kitschy, I think I’ll skip the macramé lamp shade for now. A macramé plant hanger though might work to add a little 70s vibe to that window space.

There are a lot of plant hanger designs using macramé cord. There really is something for everyone. After researching my options, I fell in love with the simplicity and clean lines of the one in this DIY Tutorial from Jenny Lemons.  The tutorial instructions are incredible clear and easy to follow and she also has a video which provides even more helpful information.  Please check out her site for more details on making this planter.

I gathered all of my materials for the project.  I opted for a metal ring for the top as I found one super cheap. I picked my yellow cord to go with my yellow kitchen. The cord I was using was not too bulky.

I was ready to give this a try. I cut my macramé cord into 8 pieces each 3 yards in length and put them through my hanging ring. I took a one yard piece of cord and followed the tutorial instructions to gather the cords securely together underneath the hanging ring.

Now it was time to start knotting. I loved the way the tutorial used painters tape to keep all of the threads separate so I adopted the same approach. This step uses a basic square knot to create the design on the top part of the hanger. To be clear, when I say basic I still had to follow the tutorial to learn how to do the knot.

It reminded me a little of making friendship bracelets. You need to keep track of the cords and for me the hardest part was making sure I was alternating my knot directions with each turn.

After finishing the top section, using the same knot but different cords I created the net that would hold my planter.  I finished it off on the bottom with the same gathering knot I had used at the top.

This is a super easy pattern to follow since it only uses two types of knots. My final hanger is a little uneven in the net but I think that just adds to the charm.

Every good hanger needs a plant. I ordered mine from East Pine Plant Shop a local business that specializes in succulents. I picked out one of their potted ‘Ruby’ Variegated Rubber Tree plants in a 4.5″ container. They did a collaboration with Ceramica Co a Portland, Maine based pottery shop and were offering some of their plants in  beautiful hand made speckled pots. I ordered online and then did a contactless curbside pickup. It was super easy.

The plant is beautiful and looks so healthy. I love the pink streaks in the leaves. Hanging in the yellow macramé plant holder, it’s the perfect size for the window. My husband was also happy with it’s understated appearance.

Honestly, I think he was just relieved I didn’t make him a macramé vest.

Do you have any macramé in your home?

I’m participating in a Blogging A-Z Challenge for April 2021. I will be posting new content every day this month except most Sundays. Each post is associated with a letter of the alphabet, starting with A and ending with Z. My theme for the challenge is Craft Projects for my Home. To read more of my A to Z posts from this year, click HERE.

WIM Signature

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

33 thoughts on “#AtoZChallenge | Macrame hanging planter to bring a little 70s vibe into my life”

  1. Tamara says:
    Reply

    Haha, no offence, I’m with your husband, I would not appreciate a macramé vest. I see combos of flared pants, large collared shirts in ochre or olive green. Let’s not forget sideburns.

    Growing up I just missed this hype. I’m team neon T-Shirts and (somewhat) big hair!

    I respect your plant hanger though 🙂 Your Ruby looks healthy and happy. Great you were able to find the pot, too. This time last year gardening shops were closed as well. People were stuck at home, spring had sprung, and they were not able to get simple things such as potting compost or deck chairs.

    https://thethreegerbers.blogspot.com/2021/04/a-z-2021-dont-cry-over-spilled-milk.html

    Like

  3. Susanne Matthews says:
    Reply

    I remember the 70s and macrame very well. I made several plant hangers as well as belts and even a lion’s head wall hanging. Since I was at home with 3 kids, it was a cheap hobby I xould do anywhere. Your plant holder looks great.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Eli Pacheco says:
    Reply

    My daughter has two hanging macrame thingies in her room with succulents but as far as she’s concerned, the 1970s were just after the war of 1812. Love it when stuff like this makes a comeback. For the record, I’d totally rock a macrame vest!

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Crackerberries says:
    Reply

    Love this…I used to make these all the time as a kid. My mother would leave notes when I got home from school “I need you to make a plant hanger for so and so”, and my sister would get the note to peel potatoes… ha ha. I was good at it back then but had forgotten all about it. I need to get some cord and try it again… how fun. Thanks for sharing.
    Cheers,
    Crackerberries

    Like

  10. Trudy says:
    Reply

    I made a macrame plant hanger years ago. And some macrame earrings. I think that was the extent of my macrame endeavors. A niece recently got into macrame and someone requested for her to make two hanging stereo speaker stands. I think she plans to do that.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. 15andmeowing says:
    Reply

    That came out great. My hubby had some macrame plant holders when we got married in 1992, but I gave them away. Now I am regretting it.

    Like

    • Weekends in Maine says:
      Reply

      My mom use to tell a great story about how when they were first married my dad had a sweater he wore that was a gift from a former girlfriend. Somehow it “shrunk” in the wash and had to be thrown away.

      Like

  12. lindamaycurry says:
    Reply

    I had a double macrame pot plant holder in my kitchen built in 1975. We had been married three years and it was our first and only house. The bench tops were lime green with Marimekko curtains and blind in swirls of three shades of green. I could never get a plant to stay alive in the shallow pots so put fruit in there instead. It has long since gone, as has the first kitchen.

    Like

    • Weekends in Maine says:
      Reply

      Using it as a fruit bowl sounds like a good alternative.

      I enjoyed the description of your first kitchen. There is a Maine designer, Tröskö whose work reminds me a lot of Marimekko. I love that colorful design style with simple lines.

      Like

  15. Arti Jain says:
    Reply

    Now, that I’d very much like to see Karen: a macrame vest! Ha! HA!
    Your macarme has turned out lovely. A friend in Doha has used these to hang all sorts of pots and plants from a branch (of an old tree). That wall looks stunning.
    I’m glad they’re back in the ‘vibe’.

    Like

Leave a reply to Weekends in Maine Cancel reply