How to Make a Colourful Macramé Garland (Using Leftover Cord!)

Add a pop of colour and creativity to your space—while enjoying a mindful moment for yourself. 💛

If you're anything like me, you’ve probably got little bundles of leftover macramé cord tucked away, waiting for their moment to shine. This simple macramé garland is the perfect way to use up those scraps, bring a splash of colour to your space, and enjoy a soothing few minutes of knotting.

It’s a lovely little project for beginners or anyone wanting to squeeze in a bit of creative calm. You can make it as short or long as you like, and it’s versatile too—drape it over a shelf, hang it on the wall, or clip photos to it with tiny pegs for a personalised display (horizontally or vertically, both would work). And if you're feeling a little adventurous, why not add in a few macramé leaves using my new leaf pattern (available now on my website)?

White candle and pink flamingo mug on windowsill. Colourful macrame garland hangs below. Calm mood. — Display your garland anywhere

What You'll Need:

Macramé cord in your chosen colours (leftover lengths are perfect!)
Scissors
Tape or pins to secure your garland while knotting
A board or cushion to tape/pin your work to

Optional: mini pegs, extra embellishments to decorate once finished

How to Make a Simple Macramé Garland:

1. Choose your colours and cut your cord.

I recommend using 3mm recycled cotton cord. The garland will have a filler cord that will be the length of the whole project, mine just over 1 metre. This can be as long or as short as you like. Each section of garland uses a working cord (about 80–100cm) to knot. You can repeat the process in different colours to make a rainbow effect like mine!

2. Fold the filler cord and secure it.

Fold the filler cord at one end to make a loop (this is how you can attach it so the loop can also vary in size depending on where you are displaying it). Attach the loop end with pins or tape. Get your working cord (the one you want to make your colour with and will knot) and place it under the loop ends and you will knot this in to make it secure.

Round cork board with yellow yarn looped and green cord under it ready to knot. Crafty mood.

Green cord knotted over yellow cord pinned to a cork base.

3. Create a series of half square knots.

Using the working cord, tie half square knots along the filler cord. Aim for around 5–7 knots depending on how long you’d like each section to be. (If you’re new to half square knots, my Downloadable Knot Guide walks you through this step-by-step.)

Knotted green and yellow cord pinned to a corkboard, with blue cord underneath ready to add to the garland.

4. Moving on to the next colour.

Once you’ve completed your knots in the first colour, don’t knot to the very end. Take your next colour cord and place it under your filler cord along with the ends of your previous colour and continue to knot. The ends of your previous colour will secure in the first few knots of your new colour then if the old cord is still too long, you can trim it next to your new knots and it will stay in place. You can tuck it in to neaten it up with the end of your scissors.

5. Keep going until you’re happy with the length.

Keep knotting half square knots with your different coloured cords until you are happy with the length or you have nearly got to the end of your filler cord. To finish the garland off, create another loop with the filler cord and knot a few half square knots over the end to secure the loop.

Colourful cord strands, including pink and blue, are pinned together on a cork board. The yellow cord is looped ready to be secured in place. — Secure the loop by adding half square knots over it

Display Ideas:

Hang above your bed or workspace
Use tiny pegs to display polaroids, notes, or dried flowers
String it across a bookshelf or window ledge
Add macramé leaves for a touch of nature-inspired beauty

Continue Your Creative Journey

Making something by hand—especially something so joyful and personal—can be the perfect way to ground yourself and unwind. If you've enjoyed this project, you might love:

✨ Joining a workshop – come knot with me in person and enjoy mindful making in a lovely, relaxed setting.

✨ My downloadable Knot Guide – perfect for beginners looking to keep practising.

✨ DIY Key Ring Kits – take a little moment for yourself, wherever you are.

This garland is more than just a pretty decoration—it's a reminder that even the smallest scraps can be turned into something beautiful with a little care and creativity.