A double plant macrame hanger can be a striking addition and dramatic focal point to home decor. The potted plants are cradled one above the other in most designs. The need to leave growing room and visual space for each plant means this will be a large hanger. For those who have completed a single plant hanger, the basic knotting techniques will be familiar. A double hanger is just a bit more complex and varied, but within the ability of anyone with a grasp of the basic knots.
Instructions
1. Hemp cord
Cut eight lengths of your choice of macrame cord. Since these will be doubled, each needs to be eight times the length of your proposed finished hanger. If the hanger is 4 feet to the bottom of the lower holder, then each cord will measure 32 feet. Add more if you want longer fringe cords.
2. Fold the cords in half, and mount them on the metal ring. Mount the cords with a lark's head knot by placing the loop of the folded cord behind the ring, then thread the ends of the cord through the loop and pull tight. You can fix the ring to a macrame board with T-pins or tape, or hook the ring over a nail. Use what will make your project secure as you work.
3. Bunch all the cords together, and create a wrap for the first 3 inches of the hanger. Cut a 24-inch length of cord, and double over the top 4 inches, making a loop. Lay the loop along the bunched cords near the metal ring. Begin wrapping with the longer length of cord from the bottom, leaving an inch of the shorter length free at the bottom. When only a bit of loop is still free, thread the cord through, and pull the bottom cord to pull the loop and cord down into the wrap. Trim the ends of cord, and tuck into place.
4. Divide your cords into four groups of four. The two outer cords of each group will be your "knotting" cords; the two inner, your "carrier" cords. Tie half square knots in each group, beginning close to the wrap, by placing the right cord over the two carrier cords and under the left cord. Run the left cord under the carriers and up through the loop formed by the right cord. Pull tight. As you repeat this knot, the sequence will begin to twist.
5. Slide a wooden bead onto the two carriers after about 6 inches of half square knots. Bring the knotting cords down past the beads, and begin half square knots again. Be sure the beads are the same distance on all four cord groups. Tie half square knots for another 6 inches.
6. Divide the cords again into groups of four, pairing two cords from each neighboring group. With these new cord groups, leave about 4 inches free, then tie a single square knot by first tying a half square knot, then taking the left cord and putting it over the two carriers and under the right cord. Then take the right cord under the two carriers and up through the loop made by the left. Pull tight.
7. Bunch all the cords together about 4 inches from the single square knots. This will create the holder for the top plant pot, so adjust according to your pot size. Create another wrap similar to the one in Step 3.
8. Divide the cords into four groups again after the wrap. Continue with half square knot sequences, and groups of beads. Another variation is to tie a square knot, leave a 2-inch section free, then tie another square knot. This portion of the hanger is larger to create visual balance and interest, although you can make the two sections of equal size. Whatever your knot and bead variations, all the strands should match.
9. Redivide the cords as in Step 6, leaving a 5- or 6-inch length free, and tie single square knots in each section. Once again, leave a 4-inch section free, and bring all the cords together. Wrap as in Steps 3 and 7.
10. Trim the fringe cords to the desired length. They can be left as-is, braided, or unraveled and fluffed. Some prefer to add beads to the ends with a knot to hold them in place. Add potted plants to the holders, and hang from a ceiling hook.
