Simple Macrame Decoration: Leaf/ Feather Macrame Tutorial for Beginners

A graphic featuring a green macrame decoration in the shape of a leaf or feather, with the text 'human speed macrame' at the top and 'super slow macrame: leaf - feather project' in the center, alongside an hourglass and decorative leaves.

Easy Beginner Macrame Leaf/ Feather Decorations

In 2024 I fell wonderfully into the world of macrame. As a spoonie crafter with a list of chronic health conditions larger than my yarn stash (and it’s big 🤣) I’m always looking for simple, low energy, low prep crafts. Since diving in I’ve continued to try simple, rewarding macrame projects. The macrame leaf/ feather fits nicely into this category.

Close-up of a macrame project showcasing pink and white cords in a twisted and braided pattern on a wooden surface.

So, if like me, you struggle to be able to complete bigger projects this one will be perfect for you. The macrame leaf/ feather pattern would be perfect for complete beginners and this spiral pattern would also be an ideal one to start with too.

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A flat lay arrangement of various colorful pumpkins and squashes alongside their corresponding labels. A small macrame leaf decoration is placed in the center, surrounded by images of different pumpkin varieties.

Why Macrame Leaf or Feather?

This project can form a leaf or a feather. It completely depends upon how you cut the shape after you have finished your knots. Actually, it can be more than just a leaf as I’ve previously used a similar technique to have a go at making a pumpkin (see image below).

How to Tutorial and Guide

Macrame leaf decoration in green with a white fringe, showcasing a textured and handcrafted design.

Further into the post below you will find a super slow (no time lapse) YouTube video tutorial for making the feather/ leaf project. There’s also a pdf illustrated set of instructions to make this tactile home decoration.

Macrame Leaf/ Feather: What You Need

A collection of crafting tools including a spool of mint green macrame cord, pink scissors, a measuring tape, a hair comb, and a pink binder clip, all arranged on a white surface.

You can find the resources I use here.

Macrame cord – I would recommend using single twist macrame cord for this project. You only need one colour (I’m using the white cord just so you can see a contrast more). You can still use 4ply macrame cord (especially if that’s what you have already). Your project will just be a little more fuzzy and take a little longer to brush out at the end. You’ll need approximately 9m
Scissors
Comb – a small pet comb works great
Measuring tape/ ruler (optional – I used the lengths of my arms to measure out for this project)
Clipboard or clip on a piece of cardboard or a book to secure your project in place as you work

Flat lay of macrame crafting supplies including a green macrame leaf decoration, scissors, a comb, and rolls of macrame cord.

Leaf/ Feather Macrame Cord Lengths

I used 3mm 100% cotton 4 ply macrame cord for the tutorial. However I would recommend using single twisted macrame cord for this project. Use the same colour (or reel if you’re using a multi-coloured cord) for both your filler (my white cord) and working (my green) cord.

For the filler cord I wrapped the cord once around my forearm (see the video tutorial if you need more visual clarification). It’s approximately 80cm
For the working cords wrap the cord around your forearm ten times. The cut the cords and the top and at the bottom (this means you are cutting the cords in half). Then fold each bundle in half again and cut again. You will now have 40 cords that are approximately 20cm each in length
If you find it easier to measure, go ahead. I just find it easier to use my forearm

Macrame Cord Pricing

I’m UK based. As a rough guide I look for 3mm macrame cord that is less than £6-£6.50 per 100m. If you’re UK based then The Range have some amazing deals on macrame cord which brings the price down to around £2.50 for 100m. You can find good multiple sets of colours that work out good value.

Amazon Macrame Cord UK

The Range UK

Amazon Macrame Cord US

Target Macrame Cord

Walmart Macrame Cord

Macrame Leaf/ Feather Decoration Video Tutorial

Below you will find the super slow macrame tutorial for the leaf/ feather decoration. What does super slow mean? It means you can follow along as you are working on the project with me. You can save the video to a playlist on YouTube so you can access it when you need it. You can find printed instructions below as well.

Simple Leaf/ Feather Macrame Instructions

Below you will find a macrame tutorial sheet for the leaf/ feather project. Don’t make your knots too tight to start with so that you are able to push the knots up towards the top (don’t push too high – make sure you leave a loop for hanging). Once you are happy with the position then tighten in place.