The Colour Block Plant Hanger

 

The Colour Block Plant Hanger 

Essentially, this type of hanger involves using different colours of your chosen material to create distinct blocks or sections along the length of the hanger, adding a visually appealing and modern touch to your hanging plants.

Here's a breakdown of the materials, instructions, and some handy tips:

Materials You'll Need:

• Cord/Rope: This will be the main structural element of your hanger. Consider these options:
• Cotton Macrame Cord: A popular choice, it's soft, easy to knot, and comes in a vast array of colours and thicknesses. 3mm or 4mm thickness is generally a good starting point.
• Hemp Cord: A natural and sturdy option with a slightly rustic texture.
• Jute Twine: Another natural fibre, offering a more textured and earthy look.
• Braided Nylon or Polyester Cord: These are very strong and durable, ideal for heavier pots, and come in various colours. However, they can be a bit more slippery to work with.
• Wooden Ring or Metal Ring: This will be used for hanging your creation. Choose a size that suits the overall scale of your hanger.
• Scissors: Sharp scissors for clean cuts.
• Measuring Tape: To ensure accurate lengths for your cords and colour blocks.
• Optional:
• Craft Glue or Fabric Glue: For securing knots if desired (especially with more slippery cords).
• Painter's Tape or Masking Tape: To create crisp lines between colour blocks if you're dyeing or painting your cord.
• Dye or Fabric Paint: If you want to create your own custom colour blocks.
• Beads or Other Embellishments: To add extra flair between or within the colour blocks.
• A Plant Pot: To size your hanger as you go.

Instructions to Create Your Colour Block Hanger:

1. Determine Your Design and Measurements:
• Decide how many colour blocks you want and their approximate lengths. Consider the size of your pot and how low you want it to hang.
• Measure the total length of each hanging strand you'll need. Remember that the knotted sections will shorten the overall length. A good starting point for each strand is usually 4-5 times the desired finished length of one side of the hanger. For example, if you want the length from the ring to the bottom knot to be about 30cm, cut your cords to around 120-150cm.
• Decide how many strands you will use. Four or eight strands are common for a balanced hanger.
2. Cut Your Cords:
• Cut the required number of cords to your determined length. For a four-strand hanger, you'll need four cords. For an eight-strand hanger, you'll need eight.
3. Attach the Cords to the Ring:
• Method 1 (Lark's Head Knot): Fold each cord in half. Take the folded loop and pass it over the ring. Bring the two loose ends through the loop and pull tight. Repeat this for all your cords. For a four-strand hanger, you'll have eight hanging ends. For an eight-strand hanger, you'll have sixteen.
• Method 2 (Gathered Knot): Gather all the cords together at one end and tie them securely around the ring with an overhand knot or a wrapping knot. This creates a bulkier look at the top.
4. Create Your First Colour Block:
• Decide how far down from the ring you want your first colour block to start and its length.
• Knotting Method: Divide your strands into groups of two or four (depending on the thickness of your cord and desired look). Use a basic macrame knot like a square knot or a spiral knot to create a section of your first colour. Continue knotting for the desired length of your first colour block.
• Alternative (Dyeing/Painting): If you're dyeing or painting, you can do this before you start knotting or after you've created sections. If doing it after, use painter's tape to create clean lines for your colour blocks. Allow the dye or paint to dry completely before moving on.
5. Introduce the Next Colour Block:
• Once your first colour block is the desired length, switch to a new colour of cord (if you're using pre-coloured cords) or continue with your base colour if you're creating colour blocks through dyeing or painting.
• Continue knotting with the new colour for the desired length of the second colour block. You can use the same knot as before or experiment with different macrame knots for variation in texture.
6. Continue Creating Colour Blocks:
• Repeat step 5, alternating colours and knotting for your desired number of colour blocks and their respective lengths.
7. Create the Basket/Pot Holding Section:
• After your final colour block, you'll need to create the section that holds the pot. There are a few common methods:
• Gathering Knot: Bring all the strands together below your last colour block and tie a large, secure gathering knot. This will create a base for your pot to sit on.
• Alternating Knots: Divide your strands into pairs and create a series of knots (like square knots) a few inches below your last colour block. Then, gather all the strands together below these knots and tie a final large knot. This creates a more open "basket" structure.
• Netting: For a more intricate design, you can create a small net-like structure to cradle the pot using various macrame knotting techniques.
8. Finishing Touches:
• Trim any excess cord neatly below the final knot. You can leave tassels or frayed ends for a more bohemian look if desired.
• Add any beads or embellishments by threading them onto the cords before or after knotting sections. Secure them with small knots above and below the bead.

Tips for Success:

• Plan Your Colours: Sketch out your design and colour combinations beforehand to visualise the final product. Consider using complementary colours, analogous colours, or a gradient effect.
• Pre-Cut Your Cords: Cutting all your cords to the correct length at the beginning will make the process smoother.
• Keep Tension Consistent: Try to maintain even tension while knotting to ensure a uniform and neat appearance.
• Work on a Flat Surface: This can help you keep your cords organised and prevent tangling. You can even use a macrame board with pins to hold your work in place.
• Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: Once you understand the basic knots, feel free to play around with different knot combinations and colour block lengths to create unique designs.
• Consider the Pot Size: Ensure the final "basket" or holding section of your hanger is appropriately sized for the pot you intend to use. You can place the pot in the hanger as you work to check the fit.
• Sealing Dyed Ends: If you dye your cord, consider using a fray preventer or a tiny bit of clear nail polish on the cut ends to prevent fraying.
• Practice Makes Perfect: If you're new to macrame, start with a simple design and practice your knots before tackling more complex colour block patterns.

Have fun creating your vibrant Colour Block Hanger Plant Hanger! It's a fantastic way to add a personal touch to your indoor jungle. Let me know if you have any more questions as you embark on this colourful crafting adventure!