Learn how to make a simple and beautiful macrame jar lantern using only an empty glass jar and macrame cord. This pattern requires only a few basic macrame knots and can be completed in one afternoon.
How to make a macrame jar lantern
Do you find you have plenty of empty glass jars that once contained sauces or spreads? Instead of placing them in the recycling bin, try making a few of these macrame jar lanterns to add some romantic lighting and a boho vibe to your home!
Materials needed
- Glass jar (the ones I used were about 80mm diameter and 125mm high)
- 3mm 3-ply macrame cord (10 x 1000mm, 1 x 600mm, 1 x 800mm, and 2 x 700mm)
- Scissors
- Optional: Corkboard and pins/sticky tape/glue
*Note: You can use different-sized jars, but you may need to adjust the lengths of the cord around the neck of the jar and the those running downwards if the size is dramatically different. I have a few jars that are similar height, but much thinner, so I’ll use 2 less cords around the sides for those ones.
Clean jars and remove labels
Firstly, you’ll need to prep the jars. If you have a dishwasher, run them through a cycle in the dishwasher first to remove any food residue. Otherwise, simply wash normally with detergent and warm water.
Then soak the glass jars in warm, soapy water for a while (generally the longer time spent soaking, the easier the labels will come off). Some labels come off really easily, while others are more troublesome. Typically, half an hour to an hour of soaking will enable easy removal of the labels, but if the glue isn’t coming off easily the jars can be left soaking for longer.
A small amount of cream cleaner, such as Jif, and a scourer will help remove any sticky residue.
Basic macrame knots used
This macrame jar lantern project only requires a few basic knots:
- Lark’s Head knot
- Square knot
- Wrap knot
- Reverse Lark’s Head (Cow hitch) knot
If you’re unsure of how to tie any of these, there are detailed instructions in my blog post Basic Macrame Knots: The 5 knots beginners need to know.
Initial setup
If you have a corkboard and pins, it’s handy to use them during the initial setup, but it can be done without. Alternative options would be to tie the top cord around a small board, or even loosely secure it around the top of the jar.
Take the 1 x 600mm cord and measure around the neck of the jar so that there are even amounts of excess cord at each end. Secure the section that loops around the neck of the jar with pins (or tie it around a hard object) so that the section is straight.
Using Lark’s Head knots, attach 10 x 1000mm cords in sets of two. Position these sets so they are evenly spread along the straight section.
Attach the cord onto the jar
Take the main cord that all of the other cords are attached to and tie it around the neck of the jar. You can secure this however you like as it will need to be undone again before the project is complete. I used a normal overhand knot and secured it with a bow.
Make sure this main cord is done up quite firmly as it needs to hold all the side cords securely during creation. You’ll also want to double check that the outside of the Lark’s Head knots are facing out (otherwise you’ll have Reverse Lark’s Head knots around the top).
Tie alternating square knots
Begin by tying a square knot with the 4 cords in each set. This first line of square knots will be tied snuggly underneath the Lark’s Head knots.
Then, for the next row, take 2 cords from the square knot on the left, and 2 cords from the square knot on the right, and create a square knot in the space in between the knots in the previous row.
This next row of knots will be tied a little further down the side of the jar. Leave about 20 – 30mm of cord between the square knots in rows 1 and 2.
Continue this pattern of alternating square knots until you’ve created 5 rows of square knots in total. Don’t worry if the cord is riding up the jar a little at this point as you’ll pull it down firmly when the wrap knot is tied.
Tie the wrap knot
Gather all the cords together at the base of the jar and, using the 1 x 800mm cord, secure them using a wrap knot. Once the wrap knot is complete, gently pull each individual cord out from the bottom of the wrap knot to ensure everything is firm and the square knots cover the entire jar.
Cut the fringe about 100mm below the wrap knot.
Neatly trim the 2 loose ends protruding from the wrap knot. If you have a hot glue gun or fabric glue, apply a small amount to each cut end to hold it in place and stop the ends from fraying.
Attach cords to hang
At this point you’ll need to undo the main cord tied around the neck of the jar to loosen it enough to push the new cords underneath. Take the final 2 x 700mm cords and secure one on each side of the jar using Lark’s Head knots.
These 2 cords should sit at opposite sides of the jar so that it hangs evenly. Re-tie the main cord around the neck of the jar. Tie smaller knots at the end of each loose piece of cord to stop it from unravelling.
Depending on how you want to hang the jar, you can either tie all 4 cords together at the top using an overhand knot or leave them undone. If you tie them together, the jar will require an S-hook to hang, otherwise you can simply use the cords to tie it around the branch or object the jar will hang from.
The finished product
Place a battery-operated LED tealight candle inside the macrame jar to make it a lantern, fill it with some flowers, or plant a seed. Then take a step back and admire your handywork!
Where to use
These macrame jar lanterns can be hung from tree branches, fences, hedges, or the sides of patios to create romantic lighting with a little boho thrown in. Be mindful to ensure they are secure and won’t blow down in the wind as the glass jars are fragile.
For tips on how to hang your macrame items, check out my blog post Macrame Care Instructions – Your Complete Guide.
Conclusion
I’d love to see pics of your creations made using this post! If you have a go at making these macrame jar lanterns, tag #mymumthedreamer on Facebook or Insta.
