A few readers asked for a tutorial on how to make a macrame hanging produce bag, so here it is! It’s really quite simple to make, and how cute would it be hanging in a modern boho kitchen! The great thing about this bag is that it can be made to any desired length. I went a little crazy with my first one and made it ridiculously long. But hey, the instructions are the same; just use cords shorter than I did and be sure to finish it off once you’ve reached the length you prefer.
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supplies needed
- 8 pieces of 3mm cotton macramé cording, each 120″ in length
- painters’ tape
- scissors
step 1 – preparation
Cut 8 pieces of 3mm cotton macramé cording, each measuring 120″ long. I actually made this bag using cords 200″ long! Believe me when I say you can easily go with a shorter length of 120″ or greater. Also cut one more piece of cording approximately 40″ long for the Wrapping Knot. Be sure to tape all ends of the cords to prevent fraying while weaving the bag.
step 2 – make the handle
Gather the 8 pieces of 120″ long cords and find the center. Create the handle by making a vertical row of Square Knots (called a Square Knot Sennit). Tie the Square Knots with 4 cords grouped together in the middle, 2 cords on the left, and 2 cords on the right, as shown in the photo below on the right. Make approximately 18 vertical Square Knots for the handle.
step 3 – make the body
Sometimes my techniques are nontraditional, but hey, I use tools I have on hand! As you can see from the photo below, I taped the handle to the top of a slender water bottle. This provided a narrow form for the bag.
I then took two cords from each handle and tied them together in a Square Knot (see photo below on left). Do this on both sides of the bottle. Then continue making rows of Alternating Square Knots (see photo on right below). Do not space out the rows too much; keep them as close and tight as possible.
This next maneuver may feel a bit tricky, but it works. After your rows of Square Knots reach the bottom of the water bottle, un-tape the handle and gently pull the bag up. Re-tape and continue making more Square Knots. Do this until you reach your desired length of the bag.
step 4 – wrapping knot
When finished weaving the body, make a Wrapping Knot. Trim the tassel if needed and fray. Now it’s time to start filling your macramé hanging produce bag with veggies or fruit!
The biggest compliment is a little share – please pin the photo below!
I am confused by step 2. If you fold 8 strings in half, you end up with 16 pieces hanging down. If I put 4 in the middle, and 2 on each side to do the square knots, that doesn’t use all the strings…
Am I reading the measurements correctly? 8 pieces of cord 10 feet long?
Yes, that’s correct.
Hello! Can you show a full photo of the bag? I am having trouble with step 2. Do I fold the cords in half and then make the square sennet on one half or do I make it at one end of the strings and work my way down the whole length of the strands? Thank you!
Hi Tess, that part is a little confusing. Find the center and place a clamp (or chip clip) there to hold cords in place. Then make a vertical chain of 18 Square Knots (working from the clip down). I hope this helps!
This looks fun. What does the top loop look like? Do you leave a loop at the top? How does it hang? Do you have a photo of this step? Thanks!
Thank you Wendy for coming up with a tutorial on how to make the fruits/veggies produce bag. I can’t wait to get started on mine!!! Connie Kline
glad you liked it!
Fabulous tutorial, Wendy! We will be featuring your project over at the Creative Crafts Linky Party this week! Creatively, Beth
Fun! I love the color! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!
Awh! There are no full length pictures! I was hoping to see just how long ‘ridiculously long’ is!! Seriously though, what a lovely idea.
I love this macrame bag Wendy and it would look so cute hanging in my pantry! I’m excited to feature your post at the next Tuesday Turn About Link Party!
The bottle is a really good idea to create a uniform shape. Thanks for sharing that tip and for visiting with us this week. #HomeMattersParty
So glad you stopped by!