DIY Tote Makeover with Macrame Fringe

Macrame is by far the quickest way to make a fringe. This design looks much more complicated than it actually is; the fringe is all made from the same knot known as the macrame square knot.

I designed this fringe for a newly sewn tote. You can use the same process to attach it to any bag you like. It’s makeover time!

Materials

For a 36cm wide tote bag I used:

• 12 1m long strands of jute cord
• Extra jute cord for base (at least as wide as tote bag + 10cm)
• 24 beads (I used 10 blue, 14 white)
• Yarn needle
• Sewing needle and thread
• Macrame board or surface to tie base cord around (I used a padded board)

How to tie the macrame square knot

Tie or otherwise secure some jute around your macrame board to create your base. A quick way to secure a shorter thread is to tie knots at each end and pin through the knot onto the board.

A square knot starts with a ‘lark head’ by looping the working threads behind the base:

Two ties, with alternate directions as seen in the photos, make one macrame square knot.

How to tie the macrame fringe

Attach all 12 jute cords to the base with the ‘lark head’ knot.

Space the cords evenly to cover the width of your tote bag.

The pattern uses the macrame ‘square knot‘ throughout.

Row 1: Tie six square knots. Put two strands away from each side of the work. (-4 strands)

Row 2: Tie five square knots. Put two strands away from each side of the work. (-4 strands)

Row 3: Tie four square knots. Put two strands away from each side of the work. (-4 strands)

Repeat until you have no strands left.

Thread the beads onto the jute cords. Use an overhand knot to secure each bead in place.

The finished design before trimming!

Attach the macrame onto the bag by threading the excess ends of the base cord into the seam of the tote. Tie a double knot on the inside of the bag and sew to secure.

Sew each lark head (just the ones on the horizontal thread) onto the bag by hand. Done!

I’ve shared more personalised tote ideas on the Harley Gallery blog. (Don’t have a tote to decorate? Learn to make a lined tote bag.)

Have you tried macrame? I’d love to hear about your makes!

Lots of crafty love,