Macramé, once limited to boho wall hangings and plant holders, has evolved into a versatile fiber art form. By combining it with other textile techniques like embroidery, weaving, and crochet, artists are creating rich, layered, and contemporary designs that go far beyond traditional knots.
This guide will walk you through how to blend macramé with other crafts, what tools and materials to use, and how to get started with your own mixed-textile projects — whether you’re a hobbyist or a creative entrepreneur.
Section 1: What is Macramé?
Macramé is a crafting technique that uses knotting rather than weaving or knitting. It’s primarily done using cords, ropes, or yarns, and common knots include:
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Square knot
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Half hitch
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Lark’s head
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Clove hitch
These knots can be combined in patterns to create functional or decorative items, such as:
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Wall hangings
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Bags
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Jewelry
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Curtains
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Hammocks
Section 2: Why Combine Macramé with Other Textile Techniques?
Mixed techniques open up a whole new world of creativity. Here’s why artists blend them:
🎨 1. More Visual Interest
Weaving or embroidery adds texture, color, and depth.
🧵 2. Unique Designs
You get to create one-of-a-kind pieces by merging styles.
💡 3. Increased Versatility
Use your skills for interior design, fashion, and even installations.
🧶 4. Artistic Freedom
No limits to shape, structure, or material usage.
Section 3: Popular Textile Techniques to Mix with Macramé
Let’s explore the most common techniques you can combine with macramé:
1. Weaving
Use a loom or hand weaving techniques within or behind macramé designs.
✅ Ideal for: Wall hangings, tapestries, rugs
✅ Materials: Yarn, wool roving, scrap fabric
2. Embroidery
Add stitched patterns directly onto flat areas of macramé.
✅ Ideal for: Wall pieces, wearable accessories
✅ Materials: Embroidery floss, needles
🧶 3. Crochet or Knitting
Integrate crocheted sections (like flowers, lace) into macramé designs.
✅ Ideal for: Table runners, fashion accessories, bags
🧵 4. Felting
Add soft felt pieces or felted shapes onto rigid macramé forms.
✅ Ideal for: 3D projects or playful home decor
🔗 5. Beading and Fabric Inlay
Use beads or fabric scraps between knots for embellishment.
✅ Ideal for: Jewelry, keychains, wall hangings
Section 4: Essential Materials & Tools
You’ll need a combination of tools depending on your project. Here’s a basic list:
🧰 Macramé Tools:
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Cotton cords (3–5mm for most projects)
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Wooden dowels, rings, or driftwood
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Scissors, measuring tape
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Comb for fraying ends
🪡 Additional Textile Tools:
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Embroidery hoop
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Crochet hooks
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Weaving loom (or make a DIY cardboard one)
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Embroidery needles
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Yarn, beads, felt pieces, buttons
💡 Tip: Always prep your cords by pre-cutting and measuring before combining them with other techniques.
Section 5: Beginner Mixed Macramé Project Ideas
If you’re new to combining techniques, start simple. Here are easy project ideas to get you started:
🧵 1. Macramé & Weaving Wall Hanging
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Create a traditional macramé wall hanging
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Leave space between knots
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Fill the gaps with woven sections (using roving or yarn)
🎀 2. Macramé + Embroidery Hoop Art
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Tie knots around an embroidery hoop
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Stitch floral embroidery in the center
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Add beads or tassels for extra flair
🎒 3. Mixed Media Macramé Bag
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Crochet a base and straps
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Add macramé panels for texture
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Embellish with beads or fabric inlay
🌸 4. Plant Hanger with Crochet Flowers
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Create a regular macramé plant hanger
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Add crocheted flower appliqués on the sides
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Perfect for gifts or spring-themed decor
🎨 5. Textured Wall Mural
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Combine macramé knots, woven fabric strips, and fringe
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Mount on a wood panel or large branch
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Use multiple colors and textures
Section 6: Tips for Mixing Techniques Successfully
✅ 1. Keep the color palette limited
Too many colors can look chaotic.
✅ 2. Vary textures, not just colors
Use rope, yarn, felt, and embroidery threads for visual interest.
✅ 3. Balance negative space
Let some areas “breathe” — avoid overfilling.
✅ 4. Test combinations on a small scale
Try on samples before applying on a big piece.
✅ 5. Document your process
Share on social media to build a portfolio or get feedback.
Section 7: Where to Learn More
📺 YouTube Channels
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Soulful Notions (macramé)
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The Crafty Ginger
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Fiber Flux
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Sarah Harste Weavings
📚 Books
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Macramé for Modern Makers
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Weaving Within Reach
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Textile Artist’s Studio Handbook
🌐 Communities
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Pinterest for inspiration
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Facebook Macramé Groups
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Etsy seller forums for mixed-media art
Section 8: Selling or Showcasing Your Work
Mixed-media macramé is great for selling or exhibiting. Here’s how to use your pieces:
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🛍️ Etsy or online stores
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🖼️ Art galleries or fiber art exhibitions
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🎁 Craft fairs
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🏠 Interior decor commissions
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📸 Instagram or Pinterest portfolios
Offer custom colors, names, or themes to attract more buyers.
Conclusion
Combining macramé with other textile techniques is a creative explosion — the only limit is your imagination. Whether you want to make wall art, wearable items, or unique home decor, using mixed methods gives you more freedom and originality.
Start simple, explore freely, and keep experimenting. With just a few tools and techniques, your fiber art can stand out in a world full of copy-paste designs.
