Beginner Macrame Heart DIY

This adorable (and easy) tutorial will show you how to make a macrame heart. You can use macrame cord or yarn for this fun craft.

RELATED READING: Easy Macrame Gnome Ornament

Beginner Macrame Project Idea

Here at Ruffles and Rain Boots, I have been dabbling in macrame for a few years. Ever since that time we were ALL stuck inside for a spell, I picked it up and couldn’t put it down.

One of the easiest projects you (or the kids) can make are these beginner macrame hearts. In the video tutorial, I’ll share three sizes and a few ways to use them after you’re done crafting.

Materials Needed for This Craft

Although I used macrame cord, I want to emphasize that this project works with yarn, as well. Anything mid- or medium-weight is great and will work up fairly quickly.

• macrame cord (3,4, or 6 mm; I used three colors from this set)
• wire (I used these floral wires)
• masking tape and scissors
• twine, needle, and beads optional

DIY Macrame Heart Video Tutorial

If you’re a visual learner like I am, watch the beginner macrame heart video tutorial. While you’re there, be sure to subscribe to the channel.

How to Make Macrame Hearts Using Wire

In this tutorial, we’ll be using an alternating half knot. If you were to do this knot on the same side repeatedly, it would form a spiral. But, when alternating the layers, it puts all of the knots on one side without spiraling. 

Terms Used In This Tutorial

• Wire: the wire that is taped to the table
• Stable Cord (aka Filler): the yarn that is to the left of the wire that we’ll be building all knots upon 
• Working Cord: the yarn that will be to the right of the wire and the stable cord that will be used to create all knots 

Prepare Wire and Cord 

First, tape down the wire after bending over a small portion at the top. I add another piece of tape over top to minimize the wire turning. 

Cut a length of cord that is 80 inches, 105 inches, or 180 inches in length. Measure 14, 15, or 16 inches of that wire and slip it under the wire, pulled to the left of the wire. This is our stable cord. 

You can roll or wad up the remaining cord to the right of the wire. 

Create a Knotted Wire 

Tie a knot to cast onto the wire (a basic single knot is fine or repeat the following step twice). 

Align the stable cord and wire next to each other. These will be together the entire time – think of them as one piece. 

Knot 1: Lift the working cord OVER the stable cord and wire, forming a P or backwards 4 on the left side of the cord and wire combination. 

Bring the working cord under the stable cord and wire. Pull the working cord up and out through the P or 4 opening. Pull the working cord up to the top of the stable cord creating a knot below the cast on knot. 

Knot 2: Bring the working cord UNDER the stable cord and wire, forming a P or backwards 4 on the left side of the cord and wire combination. Note: this opening of the P/4 is on the SAME side as before. 

Bring the working cord over the stable cord through and under the P or 4 opening. Pull the working cord up to the top of the stable cord, creating another knot below the first knot. 

Finish and Shape

Once the knot has been tied at the end of the cord, remove the wire from the tape and bend into a heart shape. 

Twist the wires at the bottom of the heart to secure. You can stop here or add a tassel. See the YouTube video for a full tassel tie off tutorial to make the finished piece very clean. 

To finish differently, use the leftover wire from smaller hearts to create a bouquet or planter accent. You could also add a piece of twine or string for a hanger as I’ve shown in the video.