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Two pieces of timber connected with macrame cord to make shelves.
The project
I turned an old shelf into a better shelf. The wood for this D.I.Y. macrame shelf has been repurposed from some old shelves in our garage. We cut them down and gave them a good sand to remove the yellowish varnish. I think the natural wood tone looks great and suits our interior décor, so I decided to make a new set of shelves for a blank spot in our living room.
This is the first macrame project I’ve taken on, so the knotting technique is as simple as it gets.
Tools and materials
Tools and materials used:
- 5mm macrame cord
- 8 x 4m cords
- 2 x 60cm cords
- 2 x Macrame rings
- 2 x wall hooks
- 2 x wooden shelves
- Drill
- Spade drill bit
- Tape measure
- Sticky tape.
For reference, my shelves measure 65cm from the macrame ring to the bottom shelf. Each shelf is 60 x 20cm.
Steps
Step 1
Using a spade bit, drill holes in the four corners of your shelf approximately 2.5cm in from the edge.
Step 2
Cut eight (8) macrame cords 4m long, and two (2) cords 60cm long.
Take four of the 4m cords, thread them through the first ring so the lengths are halved, and so you have eight cords to work with. Using one of the 60cm cords, secure the eight cords with a gathering knot. Repeat with the second four cords and ring. From each ring you will create a front and back section, each with four cords.
For the back sections:
Starting with the first ring, take the four back-most cords, leave an 8cm gap from the base of the gathering knot and tie eight square knots. Then thread the four cords through the back hole in the top shelf. Tape the ends of your cord to make it easier to thread.
Tie the four cords in a knot below the shelf, leaving an 11cm gap between the base of the square knot section and the top of the shelf. Repeat with the second set of cords to make the opposite side.
Leave an 8cm gap before tying another eight square knots. Thread the four cords through the back hole of the bottom shelf. Tie the four cords in a knot below the bottom shelf leaving an 8cm gap between base of the second square knot section and top of the bottom shelf.
Repeat with the second set of cords on the opposite side.
For the front sections:
Starting again at the top of the ring, take the remaining four front cords, leave an 8cm gap from the base of the gathering knot and tie eight square knots.
Thread the four cords through the front hole in the top shelf leaving a 13cm gap between base of the square knot section and top of the shelf. The top-front macrame section needs to be longer to ensure your top shelf sits level.
Repeat with the second set of cords on the opposite side. Leave an 8cm gap before tying another eight square knots. Thread the four cords through the front hole of the bottom shelf leaving an 8cm gap between base of the second square knot section and top of the bottom shelf.
Repeat with the second set of cords on the opposite side.
Step 3
Mount your shelf on the wall using appropriate fixtures. Once hanging you can now adjust the knots below the shelves to ensure everything is level. Trim the ends of the macrame cords.
Step 4
Finally, the fun part: style with your favourite décor. The shelves actually came out of our garage and after a good sand this was the colour, so we were very lucky. The trickiest part was making each knotted section the same length, so that the shelves sit level. Once it's on the wall it's easier to adjust the knots to level it out.
More inspiration for your shelving project
Community member Tara created this attractive and functional pallet timber floating shelf.
Workshop member Sean made this floating office shelf, complete with a false back.
Start a discussion if you need help with your own project. We're here to help.
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