Shopping List
- 100 % cotton macramé cord 4mm x 150 yards (3 strands)
- Old Lampshade (can be damaged – you are only use the inside frame) *mine had a 13” diameter
- Lamp kit (optional if you want to light it)
Tools
- Measuring Tape
- Scissors
- Sharp Scissors
For this particular macramé chandelier you will need to learn 3 different macramé knots – the Reverse Lark’s Head, the Half Knot, and the Square Knot. I have included images below but if you order the same macramé cording I linked above – it comes with a handy-dandy knotting guide.
Instructions
- Remove the fabric from your old lampshade completely. You are only going to use the bottom ring that has the cross bar and second smaller inner ring.
- Pre-cut all your lengths for this project. For my chandelier I cut 28 lengths of rope – each one being 100” long.
- Unravel your lengths of your cord so you get 3 separate strands from each. You should now have 84 pieces of cord that are 100” each. 28 pieces x 3(after you unravel) = 84 pieces
- Now if you want your strands to feel less bumpy and shorter. You can iron them smoother at this stage.
- Fold your separated pieces of cord in half before tying them to the lampshade ring using a reverse larkshead knot as shown below.
- Now begin the first row on your chandelier by tying half knots as shown below
- Next, measure down approximately 1” from the top row of knots, and begin knotting the first row of square knots as show below.
- 8. After completing first row of square knots, measure down 1” again and begin knotting the second row of square knots. N.B,Use alternating strands from the previous row. See below
- The next row will be two rows of half knots without any space in between, which creates a thick woven border.
- Next, you’re going to do some twisting half knots. This isn’t as complicated as it sounds. The knots and cord will naturally begin twisting on its own as you keep knotting. For my demo chandelier, I did roughly 20 half knots for each twisted strand. This is up to you and can help shorten or lengthen your chandelier.
- Measure the twisted pieces to ensure they are all the same length. If any are shorter or longer, you can add or easily subtract a not or two on each strand.
- To finish up the bottom of your chandelier, you are once again going to do two more rows of half knots (without any space in between like in step 9) to weave a thick border at the bottom.
- Finally trim with sharp scissors the remaining ends – as they will be different lengths from all the knotting. This will give the bottom fringe of your chandelier a clean finish.
