Macramé is one of those crafts that’s perfect for learning at home. It’s quiet, relaxing, mindful, and relatively easy to master once you get the hang of a few basic knots. The fibre art of macramé has made a resurgence over the past few years, so there seems to be no lack of macramé books available. But where do you start?
In this blog post I’ll share with you the macramé books that I found helpful as a beginner and further into my macramé journey. Of course, I haven’t read every single book on macrame…so if you have a favourite book that I’ve missed, let me know and I’ll be sure to check it out.
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What is problem with macramé workshops?
Depending on who you are and what type of learning you prefer, you may be excited to attend a workshop in person…and that’s great for you! But, if you’re anything like me, I’m happy to attend a workshop to learn if I have to, but if there’s an option to learn online or at home at my own pace then sign me up!
There are also aspects you have no control of when attending a macramé workshop. Take the last 2 years for example; there were periods of time when everyone was under lockdown and events like macramé workshops weren’t even allowed to happen. And when workshops do run, generally everyone attending is expected to make the same item, so you can’t pick and choose what you want to create.
Then there are experiences like the one I had quite a few years ago now. I had wanted to try macramé for a while and my friend saw an in-person workshop advertised near her. So, we signed up, paid the fee for the class and were all ready to attend…only for the person running the workshop to cancel a few days before!
Why learn macramé at home?
Maybe if you’re an extravert, attending a class would be better suited to you. But if you’re somewhat introverted like me, there are so many benefits to learning macramé at home.
- Learn at your own pace – you can go back and re-read that section in the book or re-watch that video as many times as you need until you get it
- Choose projects that speak to you – you can scan the projects in a book until you find one you like, or keep searching video tutorials until one catches your eye
- Save yourself embarrassment – if you get easily embarrassed when you make mistakes, then learning macrame at home means that you’re the only one who knows you made them!
- Save money – it’s generally much cheaper (or free) to borrow a library book, watch a YouTube video, or even buy a macramé book, pattern, or online course than it is to attend a workshop in person.
The best macrame books for beginners
You Will Be Able to Macramé by the End of this Book
This is my favourite macramé book so far!
Honestly, the main thing that grabs me when I’m looking for a good macramé book is the projects…and this has many cute and beautiful projects.
Tiffany also gives some great advice in the “Tools” section.
My only gripe is that some of the patterns are a little hard for beginners to read because of all the abbreviations. (Although the abbreviations are clearly explained – you just need to keep checking if you’ve forgotten the meaning.)
Projects of note: Keychain, yoga mat carrier, and mini wall hanging.
Macramé for Beginners and Beyond
This book has beautifully styled pictures and a pretty wide range of projects from jewellery to a hanging light for your home.
There are also some larger-scale projects, such as the celebration (wedding) arch and deck chair.
Projects of note: Bottle holder, table runner, and basic plant hanger.
Macramé 2
It also has a section on botanical dying if you want to try your hand at dyeing cord with vegetables.
Projects of note: Esperanza plant hanger, ivy cushion cover, and caressa belt.
Macramé: Techniques and Projects for the Complete Beginner
Projects of note: Plant hangers and market bag.
Common Questions / Frequently Asked Questions about Macramé Books
What if I can't afford to buy a macramé book?
- Join a library and borrow multiple macrame books for free! Most public libraries will have at least a few macrame books available to borrow.
The last thing you need to know about macramé books for beginners
Macrame books are an easy, low-cost way to learn the basics of macrame at home and have a go at a few projects suitable for beginners. Of course, once your skills progress, there are many other more complex books that delve into more intricate knots and patterns!
Let me know in the comments if you have a favourite macramé book that helped you along your macramé journey.
