10 Macrame Mistakes Beginners Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Introduction

in this post, I’ll walk you through the 10 most common knotting mistakes beginners make, plus how you can avoid or fix them. Whether you're just picking up your first spool of cord or looking to improve your technique, these tips will help you tie with confidence and create beautiful macrame pieces from the start.

1. Pulling Too Tight or Too Loose

One of the most common mistakes in macrame is inconsistent tension. If your knots are too tight, your design can shrink and warp; if they’re too loose, everything might look floppy and uneven.

How to fix it:
Practice finding a “just right” tension—firm, but not tight. Take your time with each knot and step back every few rows to check for consistency. Over time, your hands will develop the muscle memory needed for even knotting.

2. Not Measuring Cord Properly

There’s nothing more frustrating than running out of cord mid-project. A lot of beginners underestimate how much cord they’ll need.

How to fix it:
A general rule is to use 4–6 times the length of your intended project for most knots and even more for pieces with lots of fringe. Always on the side of extra cord (you can trim it later!). I also recommend keeping a notepad to track how much cord you used for different projects to help plan future ones.

3. Twisting Square Knots Accidentally

Square knots are a staple in macrame, but if you forget to alternate the starting side, you’ll end up with a twisty spiral instead of a flat design.

How to fix it:
Always remember: alternate your starting cord when making flat square knots. For example, if you start with the left cord first, the next square knot should begin with the right. Practice this slowly until it becomes second nature.

4. Skipping a Practice Swatch

It can be tempting to jump right into a pattern, especially if it looks easy, but skipping practice means more room for errors later on.

How to fix it:
Take 10 minutes to practice new knots or techniques on scrap cord before you dive into your main project. It gives you confidence, helps you catch mistakes early, and saves you time in the long run.

5. Using the Wrong Cord Type

Not all cords are created equal. Stiff, stretchy, or fuzzy cords can make learning knots harder than it needs to be.

How to fix it:
If you're new to macrame, start with a 3–5mm single twist cotton cord. It’s soft, easy to work with, and shows knot definition beautifully. Once you get the hang of it, you can experiment with other types like braided or rope-style cords.

6. Ignoring Knot Spacing

Uneven spacing can make even well-tied knots look messy. It’s easy to forget about spacing when you’re focused on getting the knots right.

How to fix it:
Measure as you go. Use a ruler or pencil marks on your cord to guide spacing. As you get more experienced, your eyes will start to naturally judge even spacing, but in the beginning, give yourself a little help.

7. Not Securing Your Project Properly

If your work surface is sliding around or shifting, it’s hard to make consistent knots. Many beginners skip setting up a stable workspace.

How to fix it:
Use a clipboard, corkboard with pins, or tape your cords down to a table or wall. There are even macrame specific boards and clamps available on Amazon. this can make your setup easier and more comfortable.

8. Not Finishing the Ends

Messy ends can unravel or ruin the final look of your project, especially if you’re gifting or selling it.

How to fix it:
Finish your cords with intention. You can use a wrapping knot, glue, beads, or overhand knots to secure the ends. Comb out your fringe neatly or trim the cords clean for a polished finish.

9. Following Patterns Without Understanding the Knots

Macrame patterns often assume you already know the knots. If you follow a pattern blindly, it's easy to get lost or misplace key steps.

How to fix it:
Learn the basic knots first: square, half, spiral, and lark’s head. Once you’ve practiced those, reading patterns becomes much easier and you’ll feel more in control.

10. Giving Up Too Soon

Macrame is supposed to be relaxing and creative, but perfectionism can creep in fast when things don’t go right (I fell victim to this too).

How to fix it:
Remember: every macrame artist makes mistakes (including me!). Keep going, take breaks when needed, and embrace the imperfections, they’re part of the handmade charm.

Final Thoughts

Macrame is one of those beautiful crafts that gets better with time, practice, and patience. Don’t let small mistakes hold you back instead, use them as stepping stones on your creative journey. If you found this helpful, check out Top Tips for Beginners in Macrame and 10 Different Types of Macrame Knots for even more support.

Have you made any of these mistakes before? Share your story with me and let’s learn together.