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No. You can begin with just cord, scissors and a surface like a dowel or board. Many full kits include tools you may never use. It’s smarter to build your setup based on the kind of projects you enjoy.
Macrame Tools: A Complete Guide to What You Need to Get Started
From Cords to Finishing Touches, Everything That Supports a Better Macrame Project
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Macrame is one of the most rewarding crafts for artists who want to work with their hands, create functional décor or explore detailed fiber art techniques. And like any craft, macrame benefits from the right setup. While many people start with just a cord and a dowel, having a proper tool kit makes projects easier, cleaner and more consistent, especially as you move from beginner to intermediate work.
In this guide, you’ll find a breakdown of the most useful macrame tools, how to use them, how to choose quality supplies and why good preparation leads to better results. If you’re just starting out, or looking to upgrade your workspace, this article will help you understand what tools actually make a difference and what you can skip.
Macrame Starts with Quality Cord: Meet Hemptique
At Hemptique, we’ve spent years creating natural fiber cords that meet the needs of modern macrame artists. Our cotton macrame cord is soft, durable, and made with care- perfect for everything from wall hangings and coasters to bags, earrings and home accents.
Each spool is made with plant-based fibers that hold knots beautifully, brush out evenly for fringe work, and come in color palettes designed to match the creative goals of crafters and fiber artists. If you care about feel, consistency and how your work hangs or drapes, cord quality is not something to compromise on.
Browse the Cotton Macrame Cord Collection to explore different sizes, finishes and tones used by makers around the world.
Tools for Macrame You’ll Actually Use
Macrame Rope
No macrame project happens without cord. It’s the foundation of every knot, fringe and loop. While some crafters use jute, twine, or yarn, macrame rope is specially spun to hold structure and unravel neatly when needed. The best ropes are made from cotton or bamboo, offering both grip and softness.
Macrame Board
A macrame board gives you a firm, portable surface to work on. Most boards are made from foam or cork and allow you to pin your cords in place while you work. They're especially useful for detailed patterns, symmetrical designs and repetitive knotting where alignment matters.
T-Pins or Sewing Pins
These help secure your cords to the board as you work. T-pins are long and sturdy, which makes them easier to handle and more reliable than standard sewing pins, especially when working with thicker cords.
Scissors
Sharp, precise scissors are a must for clean finishes. Dull blades can fray fibers or make uneven cuts, which is especially noticeable in fringe work or layered designs. A separate pair of scissors just for cord and thread will keep your lines cleaner and your workflow smoother.
Measuring Tape or Ruler
Getting the right length of cord is crucial. Too short and your project may fall apart, too long and you waste material. A flexible measuring tape works best for longer lengths, while a rigid ruler helps with accuracy on smaller patterns.
Wooden Dowels and Natural Branches
These act as the base for most wall hangings and vertical designs. Dowels give a clean, minimal look, while branches offer rustic, organic character. Make sure the surface is smooth to avoid snagging your cord. For larger work, choose a thicker dowel for better stability.
Metal or Wooden Rings
Used in plant hangers, handbags, and circular designs, rings help structure your piece and open up design options. Choose metal for modern finishes or wood for a more natural look. Multiple sizes allow for centerpieces, handles and geometric accents.
Beads
Macrame beads come in wood, glass, ceramic and even metal. They add visual interest, texture and weight to your design. Use larger-holed beads that accommodate macrame cord thickness, and pre-plan bead placement to avoid re-knotting.
Comb or Brush
When creating fringe, a metal comb or slicker pet brush is used to untwist and fluff cord strands into an even, soft finish. This is especially helpful for feather designs, fringe accents, and bottom detailing.
Fabric Glue or Fray Check (Optional)
While not essential, some makers use a tiny bit of clear glue or fray check on cut cord ends to prevent unraveling, especially when trimming detailed patterns or wearable pieces. Use sparingly and test on scrap first to avoid residue.
Storage Caddy or Project Bin (Optional)
Staying organized makes macrame easier. A simple box, tray, or craft bin keeps your cords, pins, scissors, and extras in one place. Some crafters also hang spools on rods or racks for easy unwinding.
Additional Tools for Specialized Projects
While the tools above cover most macrame needs, some makers expand their setup with accessories that improve speed, comfort or finish when working on larger or more detailed designs.
A cord straightener or small steamer helps smooth out kinks before you begin knotting. This can be especially useful when using natural cords that have been stored on spools for a long time.
A beading needle or cord threader makes it easier to slide thick cords through beads with narrow holes. This is a simple but time-saving addition for jewelry makers and detailed work.
If you work vertically or prefer to hang your projects while knotting, S-hooks or hanging racks are ideal. Many crafters use adjustable racks, curtain rods, or even standing garment frames to suspend dowels or rings while they work.
For those creating plant hangers, circular pieces, or items that require rotation, a rotating clamp or stand gives better access to all angles and helps maintain tension while knotting.
How to Choose Tools for Macrame
Selecting the right macrame tools is about understanding your workflow, the materials you prefer and the kinds of projects you're building. No matter if you are a beginner or scaling up to more advanced fiber work, investing in the right tools helps improve accuracy, comfort and creative flexibility.
Start by Identifying Your Project Type
Different tools support different goals. Before purchasing, answer these four questions:
- Are you creating flat wall hangings or three-dimensional items like bags and plant hangers?
- Do you work at a table or prefer to hang your pieces vertically?
- Will you need to add embellishments like beads or rings?
- Do you care about brushed finishes or clean-cut ends?
Knowing your most common projects helps narrow down what tools are essential and what can wait.
Prioritize Tools Based on Use, Not Trend
Beginners often feel pressure to buy complete kits, but most projects only require a few tools at first:
Must-Have Basics:
Sharp, dedicated scissors
Measuring tape or ruler
Macrame board or hanging surface (like a dowel and S-hooks)
T-pins or clips for stability
High-quality cord or rope (ideally hemp, cotton or bamboo)
Nice-to-Have Additions:
- Wooden rings or dowels for structure
- Beads for accents or texture
- Cord comb or fringe brush for finishing
- Storage bin or cord organizer
Over time, your toolkit should evolve based on real usage, not assumptions. You might discover that a simple corkboard works better for your style than a padded board, or that you prefer clipboards for micro-macrame projects.
Pay Attention to Tool Quality
It’s tempting to go for low-cost bundles online, but poor-quality tools often cause more frustration than they solve. Look for:
- Scissors with a fine point and clean slicing edge to prevent cord fraying
- T-pins made from stainless steel, which won’t rust or bend with thicker cords
- Cords made with natural fibers like cotton or bamboo that hold tension without slipping and brush out neatly
Avoid anything coated in synthetic finishes, as these can affect how knots behave or how fringe lays.
Match Cord Type to the Tool Setup
The kind of cord you use directly affects which tools are practical:
- Cotton cord brushes easily and holds shape, great for structured boards and tight pins
- Bamboo cord is softer and more fluid, ideal for hand-held work or suspended setups
- Thick cords may need larger dowels or wide-eye beading tools
- Thin cords are more forgiving with needle threading or smaller pin surfaces
If you're unsure what cord is right for you, start with a 4mm cotton cord from Hemptique’s Cotton Macrame Collection. It’s versatile for most common patterns and projects.
Explore More in the Hemptique Knowledge Base
If you're serious about improving your macrame work, technique matters just as much as tools. The Hemptique Knowledge Base is filled with helpful, experience-driven tutorials made for crafters who want to master both.
You'll find detailed guides covering foundational topics like what macrame is, how to choose the best cords and supplies, and instructions for fundamental skills like the square knot and other basic macrame knots.
Many articles also go beyond technique by offering tips on project planning, cord sizing, finishing and even how to store your tools and materials.
Build Better Projects by Starting with the Right Tools
Every successful macrame piece starts with a stable foundation, both in your materials and the tools you use. While the beauty of macrame is that it can begin with just a cord and a dowel, investing in the right scissors, work surface and accessories transforms the experience from frustrating to enjoyable.
You don’t need every tool from the start. But as your skill grows, so will your appreciation for precise cuts, smooth fringe and the subtle difference a quality cord or pin can make.
Macrame is about learning how tension, structure and flow all come together. Choosing the right tools makes that process smoother and helps your finished pieces look more polished, more intentional and more enduring.
FAQ
Do I need to buy a full macrame tool kit to get started?
Can I use regular yarn or string instead of macrame cord?
Technically yes, but the results won’t be the same. Yarn often stretches, pills or breaks under tension. Macrame cord, especially cotton is made to hold knots firmly and unravel neatly when brushed.
What can I use if I don’t have a macrame board?
A corkboard, thick foam pad or even a heavy clipboard works. The key is being able to pin your work securely and keep the cord under tension. Some crafters hang projects from shelves or hooks instead of using flat boards.
How do I know what size cord matches my tools and project?
Cord size usually ranges from 2mm to 6mm for macrame. Smaller cords work for jewelry and accessories, while thicker cords (ropes) are better for wall hangings and plant holders. If you're unsure, a 4mm cotton cord (single ply or double twist) is a safe starting point for most projects.
How do I store macrame tools and cords between projects?
Spools and cords should be stored in a dry place away from sunlight to prevent fading or tangling. Use clear bins, drawer organizers, or rods for hanging spools. Pins and scissors should be kept in a tray or tool caddy to avoid damage and misplacement.
Are there tools that help prevent cord from fraying while I work?
Yes. A metal-tipped comb can help manage fringe. For cut ends, a dab of clear glue or fabric sealant can reduce fraying, especially useful on wearable pieces or fringe-heavy designs.
Can I reuse dowels, rings, and other structural tools?
Absolutely. Most structural tools like wood dowels, rings or metal hoops can be reused across projects. Just remove leftover cord, clean if needed and keep them organized for future use.