Make a Macrame Table Runner (Video Tutorial)
This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads
Have you ever tried macrame? It’s SO fun! This Anthropologie inspired macrame table runner that I used in my Fall tablescape this year was my first project, and I’m officially hooked. Want to try? Let me show you how to make it!
When I saw this table runner, I knew that I wanted to try my had at a similar DIY version. I picked up some inexpensive poly/cotton clothesline from the home improvement store, watched a video on basic macrame knots and got to work!
This project DOES take a very long time to make, but once you nail down the basic macrame knots, it’s quite easy and relaxing.
First, I recommend watching this video and practicing basic macrame knots:
Now, you’re ready to begin!
I used 18 strands of clothesline that were about 36 feet long each for my 6 ft long runner, and then I folded them in half as I attached them via a lark head knot to my curtain rod. This created 36 strands on my rod. The length of the strands will be dependent on how long you want your runner, but cutting them about 6 times the finished length of your piece seems about right.
Watch this video tutorial to learn how to make a macrame table runner:
Happy macrame-ing!
DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase an item via these links, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Pin Me:
Very cool! My husband was just trying to buy himself a macramé kit last weekend! I think he’d enjoy making a table runner. I’ll have to show him this post!
That’s awesome!
My table is about 7 feet long, so I need about 8 feet for the macrame table runner. How long the clothlines need to be? Thank you!
She said in her tutorial that you should start with rope 6times the length of what you want it to be. Seems like a lot of excess to me not to mention costly. My table is about the same length as yours and that means we need almost 450ft of rope ??♀️
All of the knots do decrease the length of the cord as you go and 6 times the length of Christina’s table is about what hers wound up needing so just to assure you, that is not a typo! There are a few places that you can pick up macrame cord for a reasonable price – I’ll look into some ideas and comment back here for you guys!
Hi all! I just scored 9 cotton ropes at Big Lots for $35.89! Search under “Tan Cotton Rope, (100′)”!
You can use cheap jute cord and it won’t cost so much. Back in the day that’s what we used. All this fancy cord is expensive.
Just bought 984 ft of 3mm macrame cord on Amazon for $15.99! Search macrame cord
Finished mine today! Love it! Thanks for the video. I would love to share a photo of my finished piece!
We’d love to see it! Can you tag Christina on Facebook or Instagram, @thediymommy
It looks awesome. Thanks for sharing this post.
Thank you!!
Do you havr written instructions
Just the video 🙂
Looks great! I remember macrame as a a kid in the 1970s!
Thanks for these tutorials. It’s really easier with video tutorials. It will be perfect if I can make such a macrame table runner.
You’re welcome ?
I love this very informative blog. Thank you for posting your video tutorial. I find it really awesome placing something as nice as that piece. Very easy to make, and can even do it at your free time.
Thank you!!
Hello! Just to clarify how many pieces of cord did you use for the width you made? I think it looks like 16, then making a total of 32 individual strands? Can’t wait to get started!
This is great, we bought a macrame wall hanging for my daughters room and now my wife wants to make a table runner. Thanks so much for the instructional this is perfect!
Yay! Happy crafting
That’s really cool. My wife likes to crochet, and I’m sure she could whip this out quick. I really like the look of that.
As a DIY lover, I really appreciate your DIY tutorial. I never make macrame table runner before but I wanna try. I think your tutorial help my project.
Can you help me with the length? If my table is 5feet do i calculate 5*12=120 inches, then *6 (as you suggested) =360. That’s 30 feet…. can that be right? Haha
Then is that total needed cord? Or for EACH cord before I double them up when I hang them?? I must be way over thinking this.
Was there ever a response for this question? I have the same question about the cord length. Is the times 6 the full length of one cord BEFORE doubling it up?
I used 18 strands of clothesline that were about 36 feet long each for my 6 ft long runner, and then I folded them in half as I attached them via a lark head knot to my curtain rod. This created 36 strands on my rod. The length of the strands will be dependent on how long you want your runner, but cutting them about 6 times the finished length of your piece seems about right.
9 strands makes it very narrow.
Is that correct?
How do you get the fringe on the top end?
Oh, one of the prettiest DIY’s we’ve ever come across!
Awe, thank you!
That’s amazing ! Can you tell me how long is your finished runner and how long you cut the cords ?
I’m not sure how much cord I need to buy to make similar one 🙂
I used 18 strands of clothesline that were about 36 feet long each for my 6 ft long runner, and then I folded them in half as I attached them via a lark head knot to my curtain rod. This created 36 strands on my rod. The length of the strands will be dependent on how long you want your runner, but cutting them about 6 times the finished length of your piece seems about right.
I’m so excited to try this. Headed to the store for supplies soon! Thanks for the video!
Very exciting!!
Hi I’m trying to make this but I have no idea how much rope to cut…. can you help thank you
I used 18 strands of clothesline that were about 36 feet long each for my 6 ft long runner, and then I folded them in half as I attached them via a lark head knot to my curtain rod. This created 36 strands on my rod. The length of the strands will be dependent on how long you want your runner, but cutting them about 6 times the finished length of your piece seems about right.
Hi! I used 18 strands of clothesline that were about 36 feet long each for my 6 ft long runner, and then I folded them in half as I attached them via a lark head knot to my curtain rod. This created 36 strands on my rod. The length of the strands will be dependent on how long you want your runner, but cutting them about 6 times the finished length of your piece seems about right.
Do you recommend using 3mm or 5mm macrame cord for the table runner?
Thanks!
Did the video links disappear?
About how long did it take you to complete this runnner?
I have started this project via your instructions, but your video, which appears to use 36 strands is quite different than your cutting instructions which call for 9 (18 working) strands.
Your video does NOT match your cutting/materials list. Bummer! Last time I follow your project instructions. At the cost of materials required for your actual project, I would be better off buying this at Anthropologie.
Hi Avril, thank you so much for bringing this to my attention and I apologize that the instructions were incorrect. I’ll change that line immediately. Have you checked out your local dollar store or Amazon for cotton clothesline or macrame cord? Sometimes you can find great deals for those there and that would help with the project cost. Thanks again.
I read your article and check out your tutorial video. Really it’s a cool project I’m very hopeful that now I can make a macrame table runner easily by following your tutorial. Thanks for your amazing idea.
I’m going to make the table runner and it will have fringe on both sides I can see how when your finishing it you have fringe at the end of the project but on the other side when you start the table runner how do you put fringe on that side
To make the fringe on top of the runner, she started the design several inches down from the tied ends. Then, after she untied her work, she cut the top loops in half, tied them and trimmed them to make the fringe.
How thick is the cord that you chose?
I absolutely LOVE your macrame table runner ~ Pinned! It looks great on your table, too. I’m so glad you included the videos. I’m adding this to my craft bucket list. I’m visiting from Home Matters Link Party. Do you need any Valentine inspiration? I shared #25 and #26 home decor and printables. Have a great weekend!
Used to do macrame when I was a teenager. It is much easier if you butterfly the strands and tie them with an elastic. You can then lengthen the strands as the work progresses. To butterfly the strands, create an eight figure with the individual strand between your thumb and pinkie
Sooo beautiful! What is that stain on your table?! Lovely!
That is from the Brick: https://www.thebrick.com/products/keswick-dining-table
I love it! I have a specific need to make this, and I’ve never macrameed before. I’m fairly good at following your directions. Your directions are fantastic! For a first macrame project ever, it’s turning out so beautifully, thanks to your video and my iPad and use of the pause button. I watched a couple basic knot videos, and practiced very little in fact, before trying your tutorial. I’m having fun and it’s really turning out gorgeous! I’m learning to relax my knots so they’re not so tight, and that makes a difference in appearance. Thanks so much!
Have fun!
Do you recommend the 3mm or
5 mm rope for the table runner?
How wide did this turn out? Sorry if I missed that somewhere.
I’m about to start this project.and the table I am doing it for is 8 feet long. I cut 18 strand that are 48 feet long each ? Is that correct? I would really appreciate a response asap. Thank you!
Yes, you want 6 times the length of the desired finished project.