Looking for a stylish way to add a little boho flair to your wardrobe? A DIY macrame headband is the perfect mix of trendy and handmade charm! With their pretty, lacy design and earthy textures, these headbands are ideal for everything from music festivals to lazy weekend brunches. And the best part? You only need to know a few simple knots to make them!
Whether you’re a macrame beginner or just looking for a quick, satisfying project, our detailed step-by-step tutorial will walk you through how to create your own beautiful headband. So choose your favourite colour, grab some cotton cord, and get ready to knot your way to the cutest bohemian inspired accessory ever!
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How to Make a Macrame Headband
Materials:
- Macrame cord (2mm)
- Hair elastic (matching your hair or cord colour)
Equipment:
Watch the step-by-step video tutorial:
Instructions:
Step 1: Find what you need
- Gather your supplies and materials.
Step 2: Make a wrapping knot
- Cut a 75 inch piece of 2mm macrame cord. Repeat, cutting 7 more pieces the same length (for 8 total).Line them up so the ends align.
- Slide a hair elastic around the cord bundle. Pull the ends down so they overlap about 2 inches.
- Cut another 20 inch cord to make a wrapping knot (also called a gathering knot).Place the cord on top of the bundle so one end overlaps the elastic. Bring the cord down 2 inches and back up, creating a loop at the bottom.
- Wind the 20 inch cord around the bundle. Wrap tightly and don’t overlap the cords.
- When you get near the end of the cord, put it through the bottom loop. Then hold this end while pulling up on the cord at the top.Pull up until the bottom cord disappears inside the wrapping knot. Your wrapping knot should be about 1-1/2 inches long.
- Secure the cords to your working surface with painter’s tape.
Step 3: Form square knots
- Separate out the leftmost and rightmost cords (cords 1 and 8) and make a square knot around the whole bundle.Place the left cord (cord 1) over all the middle cords and under the right cord (8), leaving a loop on the left.Then bring the right cord under the center cords and up through the loop on the left.Pull the cords so that the knot forms right under the wrapping knot. This is the first half of the square knot.
- Now bring the right cord over the middle cords and under the left cord.Then bring the left cord under the middle cords and up through the right loop.Pull the cord ends, forming the knot just below the last. This completes the first square knot.
- Repeat, making 4 more square knots (for a total of 5).
Step 4: Make the first diamond
- Separate the cords into 2 bundles, 4 cords on the left and 4 on the right. Hold cord 4 at a 45 degree angle outwards.Bring cord 3 under cord 4 and then back over cord 4 to the left, going down through its own loop.Pull the knot up against the last square knot.Repeat the same knot, tying cord 3 around cord 4. This completes a double half hitch knot.
- Continue holding cord 4 at the same angle. Work outwards, using cord 2 to tie a double half hitch around cord 4.Then repeat with cord 1. Cord 4 will now be on the outside of the bundle.
- Repeat this process on the right, holding cord 5 out to the right. Tie double half hitches around cord 5 using cords 6, 7, and 8.
- Make a square knot with cords 3, 4, 5, and 6.
- Separate the cords into 2 bundles again (cords 1-4 and cords 5-8).We’ll be tying more double half hitches around the same cord (formerly cord 4, now in the cord 1 position). This time hold the cord on an angle in towards the right.
- Tie 3 double half hitch knots around cord 1, starting with cord 2 and working inward.
- Repeat these knots on the right, tying 3 double half hitches around cord 8.
- Finally, complete the first diamond by tying cord 4 around cord 5 in a double half hitch.
Step 5: Make more diamonds
- Repeat step 4 to make another diamond just below the first.Remember to keep your cord taut and in the proper direction as you make the hitches.
- Continue to make diamonds until you reach a length of between 13 and 14 inches.Depending on how tight your knots are, this means between 10 and 13 diamonds total.
Step 6: Finish your macrame headband
- Once you’ve completed your diamonds, tie 5 square knots below them.
- Remove the tape and bring the loose cord ends through the hair elastic. Line up the square knot sections.
- Fold the cord ends back over the elastic, creating a 1-1/2 inch section (matching the other side).
- Cut another 20 inch cord and make a gathering knot around the cord bundle. The cord ends should face the elastic, with the loop nearest the square knots.
- Trim the excess cord ends next to the gathering knots on either side.
- Your macrame headband is complete!
- Now have fun making them in different colours for all your friends, or so you can have one for every outfit and occasion!
Helpful Tips:
- Guide the shape with tension and direction: The key to getting crisp, even diamonds with your double half hitch knots is all in how you hold the cord. Make sure you’re keeping the cord you’re wrapping around taut and angled in the direction you want the row of knots to go. If it’s too loose or misaligned, your knots may lose their shape and look messy.
- Adjust the size to fit anyone: This tutorial creates a headband that comfortably fits most adult heads, measuring about 23 inches around before the elastic is stretched. To make a larger size, cut the cords longer and simply add another diamond or two. For a child-sized headband, remove one or more diamonds to get the perfect fit.
What cord is best for making a macrame headband?
For a comfortable and stylish macrame headband, it’s best to use soft cotton macrame cord in the 2mm to 3mm range. This size creates a defined knot while still being flexible enough to comfortably wrap around your head. Cotton cord is also gentle on the scalp, easy to knot, and comes in a wide variety of colours—perfect for making personalized accessories!
Look for single strand cord if you want a smoother, more delicate look, or 3-ply twisted cord (like we used) if you’re going for more texture. Just make sure the cord isn’t too stiff or scratchy, since it’ll be worn against the skin. T-shirt yarn or other soft, stretchy fibers can also work for a more casual or boho-chic vibe.
Is this macrame headband pattern beginner friendly?
Definitely! This macrame headband is a great project for beginners—especially if you’re just getting started with macrame and want to make something pretty and practical. The pattern only uses a few simple knots, like the square knot and double half hitch, which are easy to learn and repetitive enough to practice your technique.
Because you’re working with a small number of cords and a clear pattern, it’s the perfect way to get familiar with how macrame works without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, it’s quick! You can finish a headband in one sitting, which makes it super satisfying if you’re new to the craft.
How do I wash a macrame headband?
Since most macrame headbands are made from cotton cord, they can be gently hand-washed if needed. Use cool or lukewarm water and a small amount of mild detergent, then gently squeeze (but don’t wring!) to avoid warping the knots.
Lay the headband flat on a towel to air dry, reshaping it as needed while it’s still damp. Avoid using hot water, bleach, or tossing it in the dryer, as these can shrink or distort the cords.
Whether you’re new to macrame or just looking for a relaxing weekend project, this headband is such a fun way to get knotting. With just a few simple techniques, you can create a beautiful, boho-inspired accessory that’s totally handmade and totally wearable!
Try experimenting with different colours, knot patterns, or even bead accents to make it your own. However you customize it, your finished headband is sure to be a sweet and stylish addition to any outfit.
Here’s even more DIY hair accessory ideas:
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