geo macrame pendant light

If you don’t ooh and aah over this project, I don’t want to know. I’ve been creating macrame projects and tutorials for quite some time, but this one little pendant shade has been the ultimate challenge. It’s actually more complicated than it seems. But after several days of knotting, un-knotting and re-knotting 300 feet of rope, interspersed with a few wine breaks, I finally figured it out. So here it is. My take on a macrame light pendant with a modern geometric vibe.

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supplies needed:

• 3mm cotton rope – 24 pieces, each 108″ long
• Ikea Brunsta pendant lamp shade, cord set & light bulb
• masking tape & scissors

step 1 – preparation

Spray paint the wire frame white. Let dry completely. Next, cut 24 pieces of macrame cord, each measuring 108″. Place a small piece of masking tape around all ends of the cords to prevent fraying while knotting.

*A note before starting:  visualize the pendant frame as 6 different sides or sections; you will work on one side at a time. 

step 2 – lark’s head knots

Using Lark’s Head Knots, tie 4 cords to the frame at the top left side, as shown below.

step 3 – wrapping from side to side

As you pull each cord across to position 2, wrap it over the frame, then under and back up. See photo below. Pull tightly.

Pull all 8 cords tightly, then wrap them over and back across to position 3. Repeat the same process as before for attaching the cords.

Continue wrapping the cords in this way until you get to position 5. 

As you pull the cords from position 5 to position 6, cross over the horizontal frame, then secure cords using the same method as before.

After attaching the cords to position 7, let the cords hang free or secure them with a clip until later.

step 4 – continue with more sections

Repeat the same process used for the first section of the shade. Tie the Lark’s Head Knots onto each subsequent section as shown below. As you continue wrapping and see how the cords fill in the gaps on the frame, the beauty of the design will start to take shape.

step 5 – finishing touches

Once all 6 sections are completed, attach the electric cord and bulb. Then, pull the loose cords hanging from the bottom of the frame together in a cluster. Wrap a rubber band around them to keep them together. Wrap an extra piece of rope, about 3 feet long, around the cluster, hiding the rubber band. Make a knot to secure. Then trim away the taped bottoms of the tassel, and untwist the tassel ends  slightly to encourage fraying.

This geo macrame pendant light is reminiscent of a sixties inspired string lamp.  It’s simple but filled with interest and quite the conversation piece. Enjoy!

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