How to Make Macrame Coasters - Easy Square Knot Coaster

Steps

1. 1. Attach the Macrame Cords to a Dowel With Lark's Head Knots

   Cut ten cords, each 122 cm (4 ft) long. Fold one cord in half, lay the loop over the dowel, then pull the two cord ends down through the loop and tighten.

   Tip: Hang the dowel from a hook or tape it to a table edge so both hands are free.

   

2. 2. Start a Square Knot With a Figure Four

   Take the first four strands on the left. The two in the middle stay still.

   Tip: Keep the two center strands straight and taut. They are the core the knot wraps around.

   

3. 3. Finish the Square Knot From the Right Side

   Now repeat the move from the opposite side. Lay the right outer strand over the two center strands.

   Tip: If the knot starts to twist, you started both halves from the same side.

   

4. 4. Tie a Row of Five Square Knots for the Coaster

   Move to the next four strands and tie another square knot the same way. Keep going across until all 20 strands are used.

   Tip: Snug every knot to the same height. A straight first row keeps the whole coaster square.

   

5. 5. Start the Alternating Square Knot Row

   The second row shifts over. Instead of using the same four strands, drop the fourth strand of the first knot and pick up the first strand of the next knot over.

   Tip: Think of it as sharing strands between neighbours. That is what links the rows together.

   

6. 6. Keep Alternating the Square Knots Across the Coaster

   Work across the row the same way. For each knot, take the strand you dropped from the previous knot, use the two center strands, drop the fourth and borrow the first strand of the next knot.

   Tip: Lay the dropped strand to one side as you go so you can find it again.

   

7. 7. Check the X Criss-Cross Between Macrame Rows

   Look closely between your rows. You should see small X shapes where the strands cross from one knot to the next.

   Tip: Check the X shapes after each row. Fixing one knot early is easier than fixing three.

   

8. 8. Finish Eight Rows of Square Knots

   Keep tying rows in the same pattern until you have eight rows of square knots with the criss-crosses between them. Count them from the top.

   Tip: For a bigger coaster, add rows two at a time so the pattern ends the same way.

   

9. 9. Slide the Coaster Off the Dowel and Pull Out the Loops

   Slide the knotted square off the end of the dowel and lay it flat. The lark's head knots now sit at the top as loops.

   Tip: Press the coaster flat under a heavy book for an hour if it curls.

   

10. 10. Trim and Comb the Macrame Coaster Fringe

    Decide how long you want the fringe. Soulful Notions keeps hers short.

    Tip: Spritz the fringe with a little water before combing. It untwists more easily.