Lisa Comfort upcycles…
A macramé plant pot holder
STEP-BY-STEP
❶ To get started, you need to measure out the jute string. (a) It needs to be eight times the height of your chosen jar. (b) Repeat this four times, so you have four pieces of string the same length. (c) Then divide the four lengths of string into two sets. Now you will make your box knot.
You may want to practice this technique, so make sure you have enough string.
❷ To do this, (a) lay the two sets of string over each other in a cross shape, crossing roughly at the middle of both lengths. Next, (b) take the top ends of your vertical strings and bring them down over the horizontal piece. Now bring the bottom ends up over the horizontal piece.
❸ Now, (a) take the left ends of your horizontal strings and weave through the vertical strings, over the top of the first and under the second. Then move back to the vertical strings and weave them through the horizontal strings (b). Finally, (c) take the right ends of the horizontal strings and weave them through the vertical strings as above.
❹ Slowly tighten your knot. I find that the easiest way is if you just go slowly pulling on each length of string at a time.
❺ Ta-da! Now you have your box knot.
❻ Next, turn your glass jar face down on a table and place your knot on to the bottom of the jar. Tape it down to secure it into place.
❼ You now need to take two strands at a time and tie an overhand knot. Repeat this step for all four sets of string.
❽ Next, tie one strand each from an adjacent set of strings together in another overhand knot. Repeat this around your jar, keeping the knots at the same length.
❾ Now’s the easy bit! Repeat step 8 and create more rows of knots until you have reached the mouth of your jar. Remember to take the lengths of string from two adjacent knots.
10 Finally, turn your jar right side up, take all the loose ends of string and tie them together in a large overhand knot. Cut off any excess string after your knot.
11 Add your favourite flowers or Christmas greenery and hang your macramé plant holders with pride!