Macrame and Fiber Art: Knots, Cord Choices and Singapore's Local Suppliers

Macrame is a textile craft based on knotting rather than weaving or knitting. It dates back centuries — with roots in Arabic decorative knotting and 19th-century sailor crafts — and experienced a revival in the 1970s before gaining fresh attention in the late 2010s. In Singapore, the craft has a growing following among adults who appreciate its low equipment requirements and the meditative quality of repetitive knot-tying. The barrier to entry is a length of cord, a dowel and a basic understanding of two or three core knots.

Core Knots Every Beginner Needs

Almost every macrame pattern relies on combinations of just a few knots. Mastering these allows you to follow most published patterns and, eventually, improvise your own designs.

• Lark's head knot — The standard mounting knot. Fold a cord in half, place the loop behind the dowel, pull the tails through the loop and tighten. This creates two working cords from a single length.
• Square knot — The foundation of most flat macrame work. Two outer cords wrap around two inner (filler) cords in a left-right-left or right-left-right sequence. Repeating this creates a flat chain; alternating the position of square knots across multiple cords produces a net-like pattern.
• Spiral knot (half square knot) — Identical to the square knot, but only the first half is repeated. The result naturally spirals. Common in plant hangers where a twisted look is desirable.
• Gathering knot (wrapping knot) — Used to bundle multiple cords together into a neat column. One cord wraps around the group, with the tail pulled through a hidden loop. This knot typically appears at the top of plant hangers and the base of wall hangings.

Cord Types and Their Characteristics

Cord selection affects both the process and the finished piece. In Singapore, the following types are most commonly available:

Single-Twist Cotton Rope

The most popular choice for wall hangings. Available in 3 mm, 4 mm and 5 mm diameters. Single-twist cord can be unravelled at the ends to create a fringe, which gives wall hangings their characteristic feathered base. The downside: it frays easily during knotting, especially in humid conditions where cotton fibers absorb moisture and swell slightly.

Three-Ply Braided Cotton

Sturdier than single-twist and holds its shape well under tension. Braided cord cannot be unravelled for fringe, so it suits projects like bags, coasters and keychains where a clean edge is preferred. Available at Spotlight stores (Westgate, Plaza Singapura) in spools of 50 m to 200 m.

Jute Twine

A rougher, more rustic material. Jute works well for plant hangers destined for outdoor use because it handles moisture better than cotton over time. It is stiffer, which makes knot-tying physically harder on the hands. Gloves are recommended for sessions longer than 30 minutes.

Nylon and Polyester Cord

Synthetic options that resist mould and humidity. Useful in Singapore's climate for items that will hang outdoors or in kitchens and bathrooms. The drawback is a plastic feel and less attractive drape compared to cotton.

Where to Buy Materials in Singapore

Dedicated macrame supply shops are rare, but several general craft retailers carry what is needed:

• Spotlight (multiple locations) — Stocks braided cotton cord, dowels, wooden rings, and S-hooks. The Westgate outlet in Jurong East tends to have the widest selection of cord colours.
• Art Friend (Bras Basah Complex) — Carries jute twine, cotton string and basic craft tools. The range is smaller than Spotlight but conveniently located in the civic district.
• Shopee and Lazada sellers — Multiple Singapore-based sellers import single-twist macrame cord from Indonesia and Thailand. Pricing runs SGD 8–15 for a 100 m roll of 3 mm cotton cord, which is enough for one medium wall hanging.
• Arab Street shops — Textile shops along Arab Street sell rope and twine in bulk. Not all stock is suitable for decorative macrame, but it is worth checking for jute and thicker cotton rope used in large-scale installations.

Project Ideas Suited to Singapore Living

Plant Hangers

Practical and space-efficient for HDB flats where floor space is limited. A single plant hanger uses about 8 to 12 metres of 4 mm cord and takes roughly 45 minutes to complete once you know the knots. Hang from ceiling hooks rated for at least 5 kg to account for the weight of a watered plant.

Wall Hangings

The signature macrame project. Size varies enormously — from 30 cm wide pieces suitable for a hallway to 1.5 m wide installations that serve as a headboard alternative. Larger pieces can use 100 m or more of cord. In humid environments, cotton wall hangings should be hung in air-conditioned or well-ventilated rooms to prevent musty smells developing over months.

Table Runners and Coasters

Flat macrame work using tight square knots creates functional table items. Braided cord works better here because it lies flat and resists fraying when items are placed on top. A set of four coasters uses approximately 15 m of 3 mm braided cord.

Humidity and Storage

Singapore's year-round humidity (75–90%) affects cotton cord storage. Unopened rolls should be kept in sealed bags with silica gel packets to prevent moisture absorption. Once a roll has been opened, store it in a dry cupboard rather than leaving it on an open shelf. Cotton cord that absorbs too much moisture can develop a musty odour and may feel limp, making knots less crisp.

Finished pieces benefit from occasional spot-cleaning with a damp cloth. Machine washing is not recommended for anything with fringe, as the fibres tangle irreversibly. For items hung near windows or balcony doors, check periodically for mould, especially during the northeast monsoon season (November to January) when humidity peaks.