These two macrame tote bags hang beside my front door to assist me at the library, book store, or when I am heading to the farmer’s market. I have gotten so many compliments on them that when I respond with the words “DIY” or “handmade”, a new craft enthusiast is born! 

One of the great things about macrame crafting is that you can just untie your knot and try again if you make a mistake. You also don’t need much to get started — just some macrame rope and a pair of scissors!

Are you thready for this?

If you have done a few macrame projects before, these macrame tote bags will be very easy to make. However if you have never done any macrame, this will be more of an intermediate project for you.

For our designer Meagan, it took about 2 hours to make the large tote bag and 4 hours to make the small one. The amount of time it will take you depends on not just your skill level but how you decide to space your knots. The farther apart your knots are, the larger your bag will be and the fewer knots you will have to tie.

Another tip for making these macrame tote bags is to look at the photos in the photo tutorial carefully while reading directions. Macrame can take some time to learn, and re-reading the directions can really help. Reading ahead on the directions is also helpful if you are stuck!

Skill level: Intermediate

Knots used: Square Knot & Wrap Knot. New to macrame? Check out our skill course: 15 Macrame Knots for Beginners

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Tools

Materials

How to Make Your Own Macrame Tote Bags

  1. Gather your craft tools and materials. Then download the tutorial below.
  2. Cut 24 ropes that are 6 feet in length each. Separate the ropes into two groups of 12.
  3. Cut a 24-inch piece of rope; use this string to tie a wrap knot around the 12 ropes.
  4. Place the wrap knot in the middle of the 12 ropes, and wrap the knot about 20 times.

Full tutorial available for members. Join here!

Photo tutorial for macrame tote bags by Lia Griffith

large macrame tote bag
small macrame tote bag
DIY macrame tote bags

Explore More

Need more ideas? Browse our macrame projects to see what else you can make. And be sure to tag your crafts with the hashtag #MadeWithLia when you post pictures.