Learning new skills online is convenient, but if you’re like me, nothing beats picking up a book off the shelf when you need guidance. Whether it’s referencing a complex knot or looking for new patterns to try, there are tons of great macrame books to serve as a constant source of inspiration.
These offer all sorts of useful tips and ideas, from detailed illustrated knotting tutorials for beginners to style guides and patterns for more experienced macramé enthusiasts.
You are reading: Best macrame books for beginners
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No matter what you’re looking for, I’ve found the best macramé books on the market today, including beginner books and macramé pattern books. let’s do it!
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best macramé books
1. macramé: the art of creative knotting for your home
My top pick of the best macramé books has a little bit of everything: beginner knot guides, patterns, and tips on hanging and caring for your creations.
In all, it features detailed photo tutorials for 30 of the most common knots. Also includes 22 project tutorials for wall hangings, plant hangers, dream catchers, and more!
While not as good of a reference as a pure macramé pattern book, there is a lot of value in the pages of this book. I can say without hesitation that for most crafters, this is the macramé book to buy.
get it at the link below, and if you like it, be sure to check out the second book by author fanny zedenius, appropriately called macramé 2.
2. macrame pattern book
I love it when something does exactly what it says on the tin. The aptly titled Macrame Pattern Book is packed with just that: tons of macrame patterns.
Originally written by the Japanese Macramé Association and translated into English in 2013, it is the perfect resource book for anyone wishing to learn the art form.
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has illustrated tutorials for 70 knots, plus instructions on how to combine them into repeatable patterns and complete projects. hands down, this is the best of all pure macrame pattern books on the market.
The paperback version is good, but if you’re willing to spend the extra money, I recommend getting the spiral bound version. this will allow the book to lay flat, making it easier to refer to as you knot!
3. macramé for beginners and advanced
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next is another macramé book for beginners, this time from australian fiber duo amy mullins and marnia ryan-raison.
Despite the title, beginners without any experience may have difficulty with some of the projects described in the book. however, if used in conjunction with an online macramé class or free youtube tutorials, you will have everything you need to learn macramé from scratch.
Please note, however, that some of the materials listed may be somewhat difficult to obtain. I would recommend buying something similar and not stressing about minor deviations. your project will turn out just as wonderful, I promise!
4. macraweave: macrame meets weave
For those of you looking for more advanced projects, the authors mentioned above have released two macramé books, the second full of more complex patterns and ideas.
As the name implies, this macramé book combines macramé and weaving techniques to create beautiful and unique wall hangings that you won’t see anywhere else.
That said, this is not a book for beginners. it’s somewhere between advanced tutorials and creative inspiration, so don’t expect to learn the basics of the trade here.
5. modern macramé: 33 elegant projects for your handmade home
If you have been following the world of macramé on instagram or other social media platforms, the author of this macramé book needs no introduction.
written by emily katz, founder of modern macramé, is one of the best macramé books for truly innovative ideas. plus, the designs don’t require complex knots that you’ll never apply again.
That said, some projects use materials that can be expensive or hard to come by. swap them out for similar options and you can achieve the same results for less.
6. macramé decoration: 25 boho-chic patterns and project ideas
The following is another book by the same author as the macrame pattern book above, marchen art studio. once again, the book is filled with macramé patterns, this time with a boho-chic aesthetic.
This book is also suitable for beginners as it has clear instructions for each project. These include wall hangings, dream catchers, screens, and more.
If you’re looking to decorate your home and learn a new trade in the process, this is a great option to check out.
7. the year of knots: modern projects, inspiration and creative reinvention
macramé pattern books are all well and good, but what if you’re looking for a different kind of inspiration?
That’s where the year of knots comes in.
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written by fiber artist windy chien, it describes her experience creating and posting a knot to her instagram account every day for a year. (if you haven’t seen her instagram, check her out because she’s amazing!)
However, please note that the book does not include instructions for every knot. it has some tutorials, but it’s more about the transformative change that anyone can achieve by working every day for a year.
8. macrame statement – create stunning large-scale wall art
for those of you who just can’t get enough of large-scale macramé projects, eye-catching macramé will be perfect for you.
Author Natalie Ranae has published two macramé books (this one and macramé at home), but I’d say this is the one to get. is full of inspiring projects and clear instructions on how to make them.
I wouldn’t recommend this book for beginners, but intermediate and advanced users will find a lot to learn. take a look at the following link.
9. mixed fiber macramé: create a handmade home decoration with unique and modern techniques
The author, Chantel Conlon, may not sound familiar to most, but that’s because she’s better known as many Canada Knots on YouTube and Etsy. is one of the most acclaimed (and prolific) channels in the entire macramé world.
But this book is more than just a benefit to his social followers. in fact, it is one of the most unique macramé books you can find.
includes step-by-step instructions for projects like plant hangers, wall hangings, and cushion covers with a distinctive twist that combines macramé with multi-knotting and weaving techniques.
for beginners, there are also detailed images that exemplify how to achieve basic knots. the projects themselves are organized by difficulty, starting with various items that anyone can do with ease!
10. micromacramé jewelry: tips and techniques for tying with beads
My last pick is by far the oldest macramé book on the entire list. but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s outdated.
micromacrame jewelry is one of the best known books on macrame jewelry, and for good reason. The illustrated diagrams are very easy to follow, with 10 great projects included in the book.
If you crave even more projects, author joan r. babcock has a follow up macrame jewelry book called micro-macrame jewelry ii which includes 12 more macrame jewelry patterns you may enjoy.
That said, neither is among the trendiest macrame books you can buy; some of the designs may need to be adapted to a younger audience.
Please note that absolute beginners with no experience may have difficulty with some of the more advanced patterns. if you consider the challenge, you will see how immensely your skills will improve!
That’s it for this list of the best macramé books you can buy. do you have other recommendations? leave them in the comments below!