Easy Beginner Macrame Leaf/ Feather Decorations
In 2024 I fell wonderfully into the world of macrame. As a spoonie crafter with a list of chronic health conditions larger than my yarn stash (and it’s big 🤣) I’m always looking for simple, low energy, low prep crafts. Since diving in I’ve continued to try simple, rewarding macrame projects. The macrame leaf/ feather fits nicely into this category.
So, if like me, you struggle to be able to complete bigger projects this one will be perfect for you. The macrame leaf/ feather pattern would be perfect for complete beginners and this spiral pattern would also be an ideal one to start with too.
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Why Macrame Leaf or Feather?
This project can form a leaf or a feather. It completely depends upon how you cut the shape after you have finished your knots. Actually, it can be more than just a leaf as I’ve previously used a similar technique to have a go at making a pumpkin (see image above).
How to Tutorial and Guide
Further into the post below you will find a super slow (no time lapse) YouTube video tutorial for making the feather/ leaf project. There’s also a pdf illustrated set of instructions to make this tactile home decoration.
Macrame Leaf/ Feather: What You Need
You can find the resources I use here.
- Macrame cord – I would recommend using single twist macrame cord for this project. You only need one colour (I’m using the white cord just so you can see a contrast more). You can still use 4ply macrame cord (especially if that’s what you have already). Your project will just be a little more fuzzy and take a little longer to brush out at the end. You’ll need approximately 9m
- Scissors
- Comb – a small pet comb works great
- Measuring tape/ ruler (optional – I used the lengths of my arms to measure out for this project)
- Clipboard or clip on a piece of cardboard or a book to secure your project in place as you work
Leaf/ Feather Macrame Cord Lengths
I used 3mm 100% cotton 4 ply macrame cord for the tutorial. However I would recommend using single twisted macrame cord for this project. Use the same colour (or reel if you’re using a multi-coloured cord) for both your filler (my white cord) and working (my green) cord.
- For the filler cord I wrapped the cord once around my forearm (see the video tutorial if you need more visual clarification). It’s approximately 80cm
- For the working cords wrap the cord around your forearm ten times. The cut the cords and the top and at the bottom (this means you are cutting the cords in half). Then fold each bundle in half again and cut again. You will now have 40 cords that are approximately 20cm each in length
- If you find it easier to measure, go ahead. I just find it easier to use my forearm
Single Twisted Macrame Cord
This project is so lovely in any cord but I particularly love the soft feel of single twisted macrame cord (see image above). It gives a much smoother effect.
Macrame Cord Pricing
I’m UK based. As a rough guide I look for 3mm macrame cord that is less than £6-£6.50 per 100m. If you’re UK based then The Range have some amazing deals on macrame cord which brings the price down to around £2.50 for 100m. You can find good multiple sets of colours that work out good value.
Macrame Leaf/ Feather Decoration Video Tutorial
Below you will find the super slow macrame tutorial for the leaf/ feather decoration. What does super slow mean? It means you can follow along as you are working on the project with me. You can save the video to a playlist on YouTube so you can access it when you need it. You can find printed instructions below as well.
Simple Leaf/ Feather Macrame Instructions
Below you will find a macrame tutorial sheet for the leaf/ feather project. Don’t make your knots too tight to start with so that you are able to push the knots up towards the top (don’t push too high – make sure you leave a loop for hanging). Once you are happy with the position then tighten in place.
More Macrame
If you’d like to discover more macrame projects then check out these posts here and my YouTube macrame playlist here. The simple knots that you repeat in this pattern can be used in lots of different ways. Why not try a multicoloured feather or leaves. This rainbow cord below is perfect for one of my next projects. I hope to have a video on YouTube in the Autumn of 2026 – watch this space!
