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Macramé can look impressive… but it can also feel a little intimidating if you think every project needs metres of cord and hours of knotting. The good news? It really doesn’t.
These small macramé projects are all about instant gratification. They’re quick to start, easy to finish, and perfect for a relaxed afternoon when you want to make something with your hands without committing to a huge piece. Most of them use just a few basic knots and a small amount of cord, making them ideal for beginners or anyone who just wants a low-pressure creative win.
If you’ve ever thought I’d like to try macramé, but I don’t want to start with something massive, this is the perfect place to begin.
Macramé Keychains
(small, portable, and perfect for practising knots)
Macramé keychains are one of the easiest ways to get started. They’re small enough to feel manageable, but still give you that satisfying I made this feeling when you’re done.
You’ll often see simple designs using:
- Square knots
- Spiral knots
- Tassels or fringe finishes
Because they use such a small amount of cord, keychains are ideal for practising basic knots without worrying about measurements too much. They’re also quick to finish — often in well under an hour — which makes them perfect if you want a complete project in one sitting.
Once you’ve made one, they’re very hard to stop making. (Fair warning.)
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Mini Macramé Plant Hangers
(all the charm, none of the commitment)
If you love the look of macramé plant hangers but don’t fancy tackling a full-size version, mini hangers are a brilliant alternative. They have all the visual appeal, just scaled down to something much more manageable.
These smaller hangers usually:
- Use just a few basic knots
- Work up much faster than full-size designs
- Feel impressive without being overwhelming
They’re great for small pots, trailing plants, or even as decorative pieces on their own. Because the projects are shorter, they’re a real confidence booster — especially if you’re new to macramé and want to see results quickly.
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Macramé Coasters
(quick wins you’ll actually use)
Macramé coasters are one of those projects that tick all the boxes: small, practical, and very satisfying to finish. They’re flat, manageable, and don’t require loads of cord or complicated planning.
Most coaster designs focus on:
- Repeating knots
- Simple circular or square shapes
- Light fringe or textured edges
Because the knot patterns repeat, they’re wonderfully relaxing to make. They’re also great for batch crafting — once you’ve finished one, the next feels much quicker.
And unlike some crafts, coasters don’t just get admired… they actually get used, which always feels like a win.
Macramé Feathers
(classic, calming, and very sharable)
Check out this tutorial to see how to make these macrame feather keychains
Macramé feathers (sometimes called leaves) are a favourite for a reason. They look intricate, but the process is surprisingly simple — mostly made up of repetitive knots and gentle trimming at the end.
They’re ideal afternoon projects because:
- You can finish one fairly quickly
- They’re great for using up leftover cord
- The process is slow and soothing rather than rushed
Feathers can be displayed on their own, grouped together, or added to other projects later on. Even a single feather feels like a complete, polished piece — perfect if you want something decorative without committing to a larger wall hanging.
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Simple Macramé Bookmarks
(small, relaxing, and quietly lovely)
Macramé bookmarks are one of those projects that feel deceptively simple but incredibly satisfying to finish. They’re slim, lightweight, and don’t require much cord at all — which makes them perfect for an easy afternoon make.
Most designs focus on:
- One or two basic knots
- Clean, narrow shapes
- Tassel or fringe details
Because they’re so small, bookmarks are ideal if you want to try macramé without committing much time or materials. They’re also easy to personalise with different cord colours or knot patterns, and they make lovely little gifts that feel thoughtful without being over-the-top.
It’s the kind of project you can start and finish in one sitting — then immediately want to make another.
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A Final Thought
Macramé doesn’t have to mean big wall hangings or hours of knotting. Sometimes the most enjoyable projects are the small ones — the kind you can start after lunch and finish before dinner.
If you’re new to macramé, or just craving a low-pressure creative win, these small projects are a great place to begin. Pick one, learn a couple of knots, and see where it takes you. You might be surprised how quickly one finished piece turns into a whole stack of them.
