Make Your Own DIY Macramé Chair (2023)

Create a boho vibe with this DIY macrame chair that would look great inside or out. It may seem like an intimidating project but it's actually great for the beginner. It's a basic DIY project and only a couple of types of macramé knots are used. You'll love the look of the finished chair and is a great alternative to your everyday macramé projects.

This DIY macramé chair tutorial will take you through the steps of creating a frame for a hanging chair, adding a macramé pattern to create a hammock, and then attaching everything together so the chair can be enjoyed.

Practice even more knots with this free macramé wall hanging tutorial!

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Measuring tape
  • Saw
  • Sand paper
  • Drill
  • 5/8 inch drill bit
  • Scissors

Materials

  • 3 1 1/4 inch hardwood dowels
  • 2 5/8 inch hardwood dowels
  • 4 1 inch wood screws
  • 200 yard 1/4 inch thick macramé cord
  • 120 inch 1/2 inch rope
  • Masking tape

Instructions

  1. Measure and Cut the Dowels

    Using your measuring tape and hand saw, cut all 3 of the 1 1/4 inch dowels so they are 30 inches in length each.

    Measure and cut both of the 5/8 inch dowels so they are 36 inches long. Sit these aside for now.

  2. Measure for the Screw Holes

    Take one of your 1 1/4 inch dowels and place a piece of masking tape the length of the dowel. This will help you keep your holes nice and even with each other. Make marks 2 inches and 3 1/2 inches from each end of the dowel. Repeat with a second 1 1/4 inch dowel.

    Grab the third 1 1/4 inch dowel, add a strip of masking tape, and make marks 3 1/2 inches from each end. Set this dowel over to the side, you won't need it until later.

    After you're finished marking, remove the masking tape.

    Make Your Own DIY Macramé Chair (1)

  3. Drill the Screw Holes

    Make Your Own DIY Macramé Chair (2)

    Take your drill and drill holes at the marks you made on the dowels. You may want to start with a small drill bit and then work your way up to a 5/8-inch drill bit to make the final holes. The hole will need to go all the way through the dowel so the macrame ropes can be attached.

  4. Sand the Holes and Ends

    Take your sandpaper and sand the holes as well as the end of the dowels if needed. Make sure to remove any splintered wood or other imperfections that may have happened when you were drilling.

  5. Create the Frame

    Take the two 1 1/4-inch dowel rods that have four holes and set them parallel to each other on a flat surface. Take your two 5/8-inch dowels and thread them through the outside holes to create a four-sided rectangular frame.

    Leave 1 inch of the smaller dowels sticking out from both the top and bottom.

    Make Your Own DIY Macramé Chair (3)

  6. Screw the Frame Together

    Now that you've created the frame for the macrame chair, drill a small pilot hole where the dowels meet each other. Using your wood screws, secure the two pieces together. Repeat with the other 3 holes. Make sure that the frame is securely screwed together, this is what supports the whole chair.

    Make Your Own DIY Macramé Chair (4)

  7. Temporarily Hang the Frame

    Before you start on your macramé, you need to hang the frame so you can work on it. For example, use some rope to hang it from a fence. This is a temporary location and doesn't need to be where you plan to hang the chair. It should be somewhere comfortable, where you can easily reach up and down when tying the macrame knots.

  8. Cut Your Macramé Cord

    Cut 16 pieces of macramé cord that are 26 feet long. Macrame cord comes in all kinds of fun colors including this natural colored cord that we're using for the project.

  9. Make Lark's Head Knots

    Take one of your pieces of macramé cord and fold it in half. Loop it around the top dowel and tie a Lark's Head knot by pulling the two cord ends through the loop. Repeat with the other pieces of macramé cord. You'll now have 32 cords to work with. Make sure that all the cords are even, with the knots in the same places. You'll want to start with a good foundation so your other knots will stay straight and in place.

    Make Your Own DIY Macramé Chair (5)

  10. Make the First Row of Square Knots

    Take your first 4 cords and create a left-facing square knot with the 2 outside cords. Repeat tying the square knots for each set of 4 cords. Pull these knots tight, up to the top of the frame.

    Make Your Own DIY Macramé Chair (6)

  11. Start Your Pattern

    Skip the first two ropes. Take the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth cords and make a left-facing square knot. Making the knots in an offset pattern will make it more secure and give it a net-like appearance. Repeat the knots all the way across. Keep these knots 3 inches away from the row above.

    Make Your Own DIY Macramé Chair (7)

  12. Continue Your Pattern

    Time for the third row! Use the first four cords to create a left-facing square knot. Continue making the square knots until you reach the end. Continue making the macramé knots, alternating between starting with the first cord and starting with the third cord. Remember to keep 3 inches away from the row above.

    Make Your Own DIY Macramé Chair (8)

  13. Finish Your Pattern

    Keep making left-facing square knots until your macramé creation is 45 inches long. It should hang below the bottom dowel.

    Make Your Own DIY Macramé Chair (9)

  14. Secure with Knots

    Take groups of 4 cords and tie them around the bottom dowel using a basic knot. Make a second knot to secure. Tie these knots as tightly as you can.

    Make Your Own DIY Macramé Chair (10)

  15. Trim Your Macramé Cord

    Measure the macramé cord 12 inches from the bottom knots, and cut all the way across.

    Make Your Own DIY Macramé Chair (11)

  16. Cut Your Rope

    Take your 1/2 inch rope and cut a piece that is 120 inches long. Fold in half and knot a large loop in the center. This is the loop that will be used to hang your chair.

    Also, cut two pieces of rope that are 65 inches each. Set these aside.

    Make Your Own DIY Macramé Chair (12)

  17. Attach the Rope to the Hanger

    Thread the two ends of the long piece of rope through the two outside holes on the dowel rod that you haven't used. Leave about 20 inches between the loop and the dowel. Tie basic knots underneath the dowel to secure.

    Make Your Own DIY Macramé Chair (13)

  18. Attach the Rope to the Top of Chair

    With the same piece of rope, thread it through the remaining holes on top of the chair. Knot in place with a basic knot. You should have about a 30 inch gap between the top of the chair and the dowel that's used for hanging. Keep this knot loose in case you need to adjust it later.

    Make Your Own DIY Macramé Chair (14)

  19. Attach the Rope to the Bottom of the Chair

    Take one of the shorter pieces of rope and starting from the bottom of the frame, thread your rope up through one of the empty holes and tie a basic knot.

    Make Your Own DIY Macramé Chair (15)

  20. Finish the Hanger

    Continue threading the rope up all the way through the hanger dowel. Wrap the rope around this dowel and tie a knot, leaving 60 inches between the hanger dowel and the bottom dowel.

    Make Your Own DIY Macramé Chair (16)

  21. Hang Your Chair

    Using a hanging chair mounting kit or a strong hook, you can attach your macramé chair to the ceiling if you'd like to hang it inside or on a porch. Outside, you can hang it by a tree branch. Secure all knots once you have the chair in the position you want.

    Be careful when first using this chair! You may find that you need to adjust knots before it can be used.

    Make Your Own DIY Macramé Chair (17)

FAQs

How much weight can a macrame chair hold? ›

They can hold anywhere from 150 to around 300 pounds. Read and pay attention to this important piece of information within the product description.

How much macrame cord do I need for a hanging chair? ›

Generally speaking, the rule of thumb is to take the finished length of your project and multiply it by 4 to get the length for your cords. Then add extra for however much fringe you want at the end.

Can you do macrame sitting down? ›

You can sit on the floor, cozy up on the sofa, or stand, but your tools will help you to make macramé and still be comfortable! I mostly use a foam macramé lap board. I also hang S hooks on a clothes rail to make plant hangers and bigger pieces, don't worry if you don't have these though you can get creative!

Can my ceiling support a hanging chair? ›

If your hanging chair is intended for adults or older children, you'll need a 2×6 or larger joist to fasten into. A 2×4 ceiling joist could theoretically support a chair for a child weighing under 50 pounds, but taking that risk is not recommended. Finding the exact dimensions of your joist isn't always easy.

Are hanging chairs safe? ›

Hazard: The hanging chairs can tip over when they face sideways and swing beyond the base, posing a fall hazard.

How much space do you need for a hanging chair? ›

Find a spot to hang your chair

Choose a spot that allows for at least 3 feet of space behind the chair and at least 14 inches on either side. This will prevent the chair from hitting a wall or a railing while you drift.

What is the best size cord for macrame? ›

Medium size 3 – 6mm cord is the most common size in many general macramé projects. It is considered the standard size of the macramé rope. This diameter is perfect for produce bags, placemats, mandalas, wall décor, plant hangers, and many more items.

How to make a chair step by step? ›

Chair Making
  1. Step 1: Choosing the Wood. You choice of wood widely determines how the final product will look. ...
  2. Step 2: Peeling the Bark. ...
  3. Step 3: Splitting Parts. ...
  4. Step 4: Shape Chair Parts. ...
  5. Step 5: Steaming and Bending. ...
  6. Step 6: Bent Lamination. ...
  7. Step 7: Weaving Hickory Bark Chair Seats.

What materials do you need to make a chair? ›

Chairs can be made from wood, metal, or other strong materials, like stone or acrylic. In some cases, multiple materials are used to construct a chair; for example, the legs and frame may be made from metal and the seat and back may be made from plastic.

How do you make a slide chair? ›

How to Make Chair Legs Slide on Carpet
  1. Turn the chair over. Turn the chair over so the bottoms of the legs face up toward the ceiling. ...
  2. Aquire your chair glides. ...
  3. Clean the chair leg bottom. ...
  4. Apply stick-on glides. ...
  5. Drill holes in wooden chair leg. ...
  6. Use chair as normal.

How do you make a tulle chair bow? ›

Hold a long piece of tulle horizontally and wrap it around the front of the chair to the back. Tie a bow and adjust the loops until they are even and as big as you like. You can try this strategy on any type of chair. The tulle can be as scrunched together or spread out as you like.

What makes a well designed chair? ›

The height should be adjustable in order to provide proper lumbar support. Both horizontal and vertical adjustments are recommended. Properly designed armrests help support upper arms, back and neck.

What makes a good chair design? ›

Good chair design is honest, long lasting, thorough, unobtrusive and aesthetic. Good design is generally at its best when hand crafted, naturally inspired and created using minimal materials. The best chairs are those that are both visual and functional winners.

Is macrame good for the brain? ›

Macramé is also really good for your brain. You're using your right and left side of your body—you're rewiring your brain as you're teaching yourself something new. It changes your patterns and your habits.

Is macrame easier than crochet? ›

Since you don't need to know how to handle any extra tools, many people consider macrame an easier art form to learn than both knitting and crocheting.

What age is macrame for? ›

Age 6+ (requires help from an adult) Age 10+ (must have practiced with basic Macrame knots)

What height should a chair be hung from the floor? ›

The recommended distance from the floor to the bottom of the hanging chair is always about 40-50 cm under load, regardless of which hanging chair is used. This makes it easy to get in and out of the hanging chair.

What do I need to hang a chair from the ceiling? ›

Materials
  1. Large lag screw eye bolt or hanging chair hardware kit.
  2. Thick rope or strong chain.
  3. Paintable caulk.
  4. Ceiling paint.
Dec 9, 2022

What are hanging chairs called? ›

Swing Seats can be known by many different names, but some include: Swing Chair. Swing Bench. Porch Swing.

How much weight can my chair hold? ›

Generally, a standard chair is made to support up to 250 pounds. While this will likely accommodate many of your workers, you may need a heavyweight office chair for others.

How long should a chair last you? ›

A chair can last anywhere from a single year to ten years, or even more. A good-quality chair should last between seven and ten years.

How do you price handmade macrame? ›

Method 1: (Material Cost + Time x Hourly Rate) x 2.5 = Retail. You'll want to keep material costs simple. Only include the cost of the materials you are going to use in the finished product. Time needs to be counted in hours.

Is macrame still popular in 2023? ›

Tapestry and macramé hangings are going out of style.

Certain aspects of Bohemian-style design will carry over into 2023, though, like nature-inspired hues and an emphasis on overall comfort.

Are people still buying macrame? ›

The 1970s have called and they want to congratulate you on reviving one of their most iconic crafts, macrame. Once the rage for wall hangings, planter hangers, keychains and the ubiquitous owl hanging, the once-fad has made a return and has been trending throughout 2021 and 2022.

How many inches should a chair be? ›

(Listed dimensions are based on average-sized adults). Dining Chair: The seat height averages 18" to 20", seat width averages about 15-1/2" in back and 18" in front, and average seat depth is 16" to 18". If armrests are used, they should be 7" to 9" above the seat but able to fit under the table apron.

How close can a chair be to a wall? ›

Avoid banged up walls and keep diners comfortable by leaving at least two feet between a dining chair and a wall. That will allow enough room to walk behind and pull out the chair. Chairs should be spaced about two feet apart. When space allows, place the dining table about four feet from the room's entrance.

How tall of a chair do I need? ›

A seat height that ranges from about 16 to 21 inches off the floor should work for most people. This allows the user to have his or her feet flat on the floor, with thighs horizontal and arms even with the height of the desk.

Can I use regular yarn for macrame? ›

Yarn is sometimes thought of as being made only of wool but it can be composed of any fiber. And, you can absolutely use yarn to knot! We have a plush yet hefty yarn that knots up beautifully for those curious about using wool yarn for macramé click here.

What can I use instead of macrame cord? ›

You can use any string or even a waxed thread. The waxed thread, as I mentioned above, is a great solution for knotted fastenings! After making your knots, take your lighter and burn them, so that the wax melts and you get a stable, reliant knot!

What's the difference between macrame cord and macrame rope? ›

A cord is sturdier than a string, and a rope is even sturdier than a cord. In other settings, ropes are used to tie down heavy objects. But in macrame, you use this material to create robust and heavier pieces.

How do you hang a boho hanging chair? ›

Step 1: Drill appropriate sized holes (based on hook size) into a strong overhead beam. Step 2: Screw in hammock hooks designed to support a person's weight. Step 3: Use a carabiner or knot to fasten the eye of the chair onto the hook.

What is the best knot for hanging chair? ›

clove hitch knot

This is another incredibly reliable and safe way to attach your hanging chair, and it can be used quite easily with hoops or rods for additional security. First and foremost, pass the rope over itself to create a loop. Pass the end of the rope over itself again in order to create another loop.

How much weight can a hanging chair hold? ›

How much weight can a hanging chair hold? Most hanging chairs can hold anywhere from 250 to 550 pounds. That is quite a range, so make sure to check the weight capacity before buying one. As mentioned, kids' chairs can typically support up to 180 pounds.

References

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