The Jute & Wood Hanger

The Jute & Wood Plant Hanger is a popular and rustic-chic DIY project, typically made using basic macrame knotting techniques to create a sturdy, decorative sling for a potted plant.

Here is a guide on the materials, step-by-step instructions, and tips for making a simple version.

Materials Needed

Item	Recommended Type	Notes
Cord/Rope	Natural Jute Rope (4mm - 6mm thick) or macrame cotton cord	Jute is durable, inexpensive, and gives a rustic look. Cotton cord is softer and creates more defined knots. The thicker the cord, the chunkier the final look.
Hanging Ring	Wooden Ring (2-3 inches diameter) or a brass/metal ring	This is what you will use to hang the entire plant hanger.
Decorative Elements	Large-Hole Wooden Beads (20mm - 25mm diameter)	Ensure the hole is large enough for 2-4 strands of your chosen rope to pass through.
Tools	Sharp Scissors or Shears, Measuring Tape, S-Hook or a steady rod for hanging while working.

Instructions: How to Make the Hanger

This tutorial is for a basic, beginner-friendly hanger that uses only simple knots.

Step 1: Measure and Cut the Ropes

1. Determine Length: Decide how long you want your finished hanger to be, then add extra for the knots and loops (knots consume a lot of rope!). A common starting length is to cut the ropes  times the desired final length.
2. Cut the Strands: Cut 8 pieces of your jute rope to a length of 10 to 12 feet each (around 3 to 3.7 meters).

Step 2: Attach to the Wooden Ring

1. Fold and Loop: Take all 8 strands together and fold the entire bundle in half.
2. Attach to Ring: Thread the folded end (the loop) through the wooden ring.
3. Lark's Head Knot (or simple pull-through): Pull the tails of the ropes over the ring and through the loop you created. Pull the ropes taut to secure them tightly around the wooden ring. You now have 16 working strands hanging down.
4. Secure the Top: Cut a single, separate piece of cord (about 2 feet / 60 cm long). Use this piece to tie a Gathering Knot (or Wrapped Knot) tightly around all 16 strands just below the wooden ring. This knot secures the top section and creates the main hanging loop. Trim and tuck the tails of the knot.

Step 3: Create the First Row of Knots (Arms)

1. Group the Ropes: Separate the 16 strands into 4 groups of 4 cords each.
2. Tie the Knot: On each of the four groups, measure down about 3 inches (7-8 cm) from the Gathering Knot and tie a basic Overhand Knot or a simple Square Knot. You can also add a bead here if you like.
• Tip: When tying, make sure all four knots are tied at roughly the same height so the hanger hangs evenly.

Step 4: Add the Decorative Wooden Beads

1. Thread the Bead: In each of the four groups, thread the middle two cords through a large-hole wooden bead, pushing it up until it rests just below the knot from Step 3.
2. Secure the Bead: Tie another simple Overhand Knot immediately below the bead to hold it in place.

Step 5: Create the Basket Net (First Crossover)

This step creates the sides of the basket that will hold the plant pot.

1. Measure Down: Measure down about 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) from the knots you just tied. This length should roughly correspond to the height of your pot.
2. Crossover: You are now going to connect cords from neighbouring groups.
• Take the two left cords from one group.
• Take the two right cords from the neighbouring group.
• Join these four cords and tie another Square Knot or Overhand Knot at the measured point (6-8 inches down).
3. Repeat: Repeat this process all the way around until you have four new knots connecting all the strands. The base of your hanger should now look like a net or a diamond pattern.

Step 6: Create the Final Base Knot (The Basket)

1. Place the Pot (Optional but recommended): Temporarily place your pot inside the netting you just created.
2. Gather the Cords: Remove the pot and gather all 16 strands together beneath the second row of knots.
3. Final Knot: Tie one very large, tight Gathering Knot (Wrapped Knot) or a large Overhand Knot that will form the stable, flat bottom for the pot to rest on. This final knot should be positioned so the pot sits securely within the net.

Step 7: Finish the Tassels

1. Check the Hang: Hang the finished product and adjust the knots if necessary to ensure the pot hangs straight.
2. Trim: Trim the remaining tails below the final knot to create a decorative tassel. You can leave them long, unravel them for a fluffy look, or cut them short.

Tips for Success

Tip Category	Advice
Material	Use Thicker Jute: 5mm or 6mm jute is easier for beginners to knot and is sturdier for heavier pots.
Measurement	Always Cut Extra: It is easier to cut off excess rope than to add more. When in doubt, add 2-3 feet (60-90cm) to your initial cuts.
Knots	Hang While You Work: Always hang your project on a hook, door knob, or S-hook while knotting. This keeps the cords separated and helps you maintain consistent, even tension and knot placement.
Pot Sizing	Keep the Pot Handy: Periodically check the pot in the net as you work, especially after the crossover (Step 5), to ensure the knots are spaced correctly to cradle the pot tightly.
Macrame Knots	Master the Square Knot: For a more decorative hanger, learn the basic Square Knot. You'll use it for the main arms, and an alternating pattern is visually stunning.
Safety	Test the Weight: Before hanging a heavy plant, place a heavy object (like a full water bottle) in the hanger and let it hang for a few hours to ensure all knots are secure and will not slip.