Macrame Chandelier

This boho-inspired piece uses string, beads and rings to create a three-tiered chandelier! This is the perfect project for beginners, as it only uses two basic knots. Hang it from the ceiling as is or add a light to create a more functional piece. Either way, this project is a statement piece that looks great in the family or living room. But be aware, your friends and family will all be asking for one!
Finished Size
14 inches (35.5 cm) in diameter, 10 inches (25.5 cm) long (from the top ring to the bottom of the strings)

Excerpted with permission from Mixed Fiber Macramé: Create Handmade Home Décor with Unique, Modern Techniques Featuring Colorful Wool Roving, Ribbons, Cords, Raffia and Rattan Baskets.

Step 1

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Preparation Materials and Tools:

Scissors Measuring tape
Approximately 524 feet (160 m) natural 3-mm cotton string
Tapestry needle

14 (1⁄4-inch [6-mm]) wooden beads
14 (3⁄8-inch [9.5-mm]) wooden beads
14 (1⁄2-inch [13-mm]) wooden beads
14 (5⁄8-inch [16-mm]) wooden beads
14 (3⁄4-inch [19-mm]) wooden beads
14 (7⁄8-inch [22-mm]) wooden beads
7 (1-inch [25-mm]) wooden beads
14-inch (35.5-cm) metal ring
12-inch (30.5-cm) metal ring
10-inch (25.5-cm) metal ring

Metal chain

Light bulb kit (optional)

Ceiling hook
Knots Used
Continuous Lark’s Head Knot (CLHK)
Lark’s Head Knot (LHK)

Overhand Knot (OK)

1. Cut 10 (20-inch [51-cm]) pieces of 3-mm string. Cut 399 (15-inch [38-cm]) pieces of 3-mm string. Set aside. Cut 1 (8-foot [2.5-m]) piece of 3-mm string.

Step 2

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Instructions:

1. Using a tapestry needle, add 13 beads to your 8-foot (2.5-m) piece of string in the following sequence: 1⁄4-inch (6-mm) bead, 3⁄8-inch (9.5-mm) bead, 1⁄2-inch (13-mm) bead, 5⁄8-inch (16-mm) bead, 3⁄4-inch (19-mm) bead, 7⁄8-inch (22-mm) bead, 1-inch (25-mm) bead, 7⁄8-inch (22-mm) bead, 3⁄4-inch (19-mm) bead, 5⁄8-inch (16-mm) bead, 1⁄2-inch (13-mm) bead, 3⁄8-inch (9.5-mm) bead, 1⁄4-inch (6-mm) bead.

Step 3

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Leave about 6 inches (15 cm) of excess string and then add your string to the 14-inch (35.5-cm) ring using a CLHK. Let the beads drape below and then add another CLHK on the right-hand side of the ring.

Step 4

Add six more sections of beads (using the same sequence as you did to create the first section of beads). After adding one section, attach the section to the ring .

Step 5

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to attach the final section, thread the 6-inch (15-cm) string end through half of the beads from the final section.

Step 6

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Pull on both string ends to close the gap. The beads I’ve used here are very snug, so this section is now secure and will not come undone. If your beads have bigger holes, try gluing the string to the inside of the beads. Cut off the excess cord.

Step 7

Attach 22 (15-inch [38-cm]) pieces of string per section by folding each string in half and attaching them to the 14-inch (35.5-cm) metal ring using a LHK.

Step 8

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Attach 130 (15-inch [38-cm]) pieces of string to the 12-inch (30.5-cm) ring all the way around the perimeter of the ring.

Step 9

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Attach 115 (15-inch [38-cm]) pieces of string to the 10-inch (25.5-cm) ring all the way around the perimeter of the ring.

Step 10

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Attach the 10-inch (25.5-cm) and 12-inch (30.5-cm) rings together first. Space out 5 of the 20-inch (51-cm) pieces of string evenly around your work. Loop each strand underneath both rings.

Step 11

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With the two ends of one of the 20-inch (51-cm) pieces of string, tie an OK underneath the 12-inch (30.5-cm) ring, leaving about a 2-inch (5-cm) gap in between the two rings. After tying your knot, the ends of this string should sit in line with the ends of the pieces you previously added to your chandelier.

Step 12

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Repeat step 10 to attach the four additional pieces of string.

Step 13

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Attach the 12-inch (30.5-cm) and 14-inch (35.5-cm) rings together. Space out five of the 20-inch (51-cm) pieces of string evenly around your work. Loop each strand underneath both rings. Repeat step 10 to attach the five pieces of string to your work.

Step 14

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Use a metal chain to hang your chandelier. Rearrange your chain so that the end splits into three sections to add to the top of your chandelier.

Step 15

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Optional: Add a light bulb to your chain! Light bulb kits can be found at many home improvement stores (and may or may not also include a chain).

14. Once you’ve hung your chandelier, pull the OKs down to make sure they are hidden in the middle layers.

15. Hang your chandelier from a hook on the ceiling.