In our home it seems like there are never enough horizontal surfaces for new plants to call home. 🤗 So naturally the next step is floating shelves. Conveniently enough, this also helps with keeping our family kitty 🐱 out of the new growth! (#winning). This shelf took less than an hour and came out surprisingly great! Perfect for Adreena’s boho/mountain themed bedroom.

Beginner Macrame Floating Shelf

Things You Will Need

Beginner Macrame Floating Shelf

Measuring

This is very scientific… just kidding. You will need six pieces total. Measure by using your arms length. Four of the pieces will be two arms length and two will be three arms length. No need to be super specific, I trimmed the ends to be even at the very end.

Beginner Macrame Floating Shelf

Macrame Knots

Before getting started I highly recommend watching this video Chelsea is awesome at explaining the basic knots of macrame! She is so cute and takes the time to show them nice and slow!

For this piece we’ll be using the following knots:

  • Gathering Knots
  • Left Square Knots
  • Left & Right Square Knots 

Beginner Macrame Floating Shelf

 

Beginner Macrame Floating Shelf

Working the Rope

To begin find the middle of the ropes, loop these around. (Optional: Loop the ropes through a metal ring for easy hanging). Cut another piece of rope (about 3/4 of one arms length). Use this piece to tie your first gathering knot. Next you will pull out two of the long pieces (I chose the two that seemed to be on opposite sides). Using only these two pieces begin working the rope in repeating left square knots. Naturally the piece will begin to spiral as you apply more knots. I used about 20 knots to achieve my desired look, this quantity is really up to you. Once you find a stopping point we will move down the ropes. You’ll need to split your core into three groups of four (working ropes that are closest to each other). Move 4-5″ down from your spiral and place a left and right square knot on each of the three groups. Work to keep these three knots as even as possible. Once complete you will move down another 5-6″. For this level of knots you want to take two ropes from one group and two from the neighboring group. Again place a left and right square knot. From here you can decide if you want to do another level of square knots or if you are read to place your shelf. I was happy with the length at this point so chose to finish off. Carefully place your piece of wood inside the rope sections, collecting them underneath. Decide where you want your shelf to sit and mark the rope. Remove the piece of wood and cut another piece of rope (about 3/4 of one arms length). Use this piece at the level you marked to place a gathering knot. Once tied off you are ready to place your shelf. Spread the ropes out along the perimeter and level out the shelf while hanging.Beginner Macrame Floating Shelf

Voila! There you have a DIY Floating Shelf featuring some beginner macrame! If you wanted you could also skip the macrame all together and use twisted or braided ropes. That would be even easier!

Now my husband can’t limit my plant purchases based on counter space. 😜 #loophole

If you have any questions let me know, happy DIYing!

xo,

Carolyn

This pattern came from the lovely @crafty_ginger! Check out her awesome ideas! 👏

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a small commission.