Macramé Tote Bag DIY: How to Make a Crossbody Bag

Learn how to make a beginner-friendly macramé tote bag using nothing but macramé cords, scissors, and some masking tape. This handmade crossbody bag is perfect for wherever you are headed: mass, the market, the beach, you name it!

Hello, Lovely Souls!

Today, I’m thrilled to guide you through the process of creating your very own crossbody macramé tote bag—a beautiful, feminine, and functional accessory that you can wear wherever your adventures take you. Not to mention, a simple and relaxing project to take on!

I don’t know about you, but I woke up needing rest today. In a world that often rushes by in a blur of activity, this project allowed me to slow down, embrace the beauty of the handmade, and savor an afternoon of prayer and rest. I’ll admit, I had a lengthy list of “more important” things to do, but in contemplation over my morning cup of coffee, I was able to decipher that these things could actually, legitimately wait.

Leaning into slower, more intentional living, it seemed like a great day to pick up the large spool of macramé cord I’ve been meaning to use. As spring has been teasing its arrival, I have felt more and more excited to break out the lighter and lovelier items in my wardrobe. As such, my project very predictably became a macramé tote bag.

Let’s get started!

Materials:

3mm macramé cord (760 feet):

-8 cords x 500 cm in length

-48 cords x 360 cm in length

Scissors

Masking Tape

Part One: Manage Your Macramé Cords

1. Measure out 8 cords that are 500 cm in length and 48 cords that are 360 cm in length.
2. Take the 8 cords and line them up so their ends are aligned. Find the center of the cords.

I used a 3mm cotton macramé cord that I had lying around. You can absolutely use other materials or sizes of cords, but they may change the length of cords that you would need, as well as the size of the finished product. I have had success with this pattern using 5mm jute cord as well!

Part Two: Create the Macramé Tote Bag Strap

1. Hang the cords over a hook or rod from the center, securing it in place with a piece of masking tape.
2. Separate the 8 cords into 2 sections of 4 cords. Tie a row of 2 square knots (one for each 4-cord section).
3. For the next row, use the 4 center cords to tie a square knot. This row will only have one knot.
4. Repeat this, alternating between steps 4 and 5 until you reach half the desired length of your crossbody bag strap. I tied 24 rows, but you can do more or less.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 on the other side of the center point to create the other half of the strap.

Step Three: Build the Macramé Tote Bag

1. Starting from either side of the strap, take a 360 cm cord (from the 48 you measured) and fold it in half. 
2. Place the center behind the 2 leftmost cords of the piece. This creates 4 cords: 2 outside cords from the unsecured cord and 2 inside cords from the 2 leftmost cords. Use these 4 cords to tie a square knot.
3. Repeat this step on the 2 rightmost cords. This will result in a row of 3 square knots.
4. To continue the alternating square knot pattern, take the innermost 8 cords and separate them into 2 sections of 4 cords to tie square knots.
5. Then, use 2 more 360 cm cords to tie square knots on the 2 leftmost and 2 rightmost cords as done in steps 2-4. This will create a row of 4 square knots.
6. Repeat this process, tying alternating square knots, until you have used 24 of the 360 cm cords.
7. Repeat steps 1-6 on the other side of the strap.

Step Four: Connect Halves

You will now have a piece that has a long strap and two triangles on either side.

1. Fold the triangles in half onto themselves (like a taco) so you can clip the piece (or lay it out flat).
2. Connect the bag using 2 cords from one triangle and 2 cords from the other to make a square knot. 
3. Repeat this on the other side of the macramé tote bag. 

OPTIONAL STEP: Make a Fancy Row

I wanted my macramé tote bag to have a patterned look, so at this step, I completed a row of square knots tied using 8 cords instead of four. If you choose to omit this step, the bag will be a bit simpler but still LOVELY! I have made this macramé tote bag with all simple square knots and love it!

1. Tie a row of square knots tied with 8 cords instead of four. This means that each strand of the square knot will have 2 cords.
2. After one row of this, return to alternating 4-cord square knots once again.

Step Five: Complete the Length

1. To complete the length, tie rows of alternating square knots until you reach the desired length of your crossbody macramé tote bag.

I tied 14 alternating rows. Tie more or less depending on how deep you want your macramé tote bag to be.

Step Six: Close the Bottom

At this point, you have likely taken a couple breaks as this project can get rather lengthy. Bear with me for this step as it can be challenging if you have not done it before.

1. Start by finding the knots acting as the side seam on both sides of the bag. I like to do this by finding the center knot in the strap and tracing it down the whole tote bag.
2. Take the center two cords from the bottom knot in the seam and tie a loose knot to mark it.
3. Repeat this on the other side.
4. Turn the bag bottom-side-up and open it, pulling the cords to either side.
5. Find one of the side seam knots that you just made and untie it. These two cords are your “filler” cords.
6. Then, take the next cord on both sides of the opening and skip them; with the cord after that on either side, tie a square knot using the filler cords as the inner cords. Don’t be afraid to tie these very tightly. The further you move along, the more it will make sense.
7. Skip the next cords on either side of the opening; with the cord after that on either side, tie a square knot using the filler cords as the inner cords. Continue this pattern until you reach the center.
8. Repeat this process starting from the other side. When you reach the center, make a simple overhand knot to secure the bag on both sides.
9. Finally, trim the excess cords to about 1-2 inches and then fold the bag inside out. This is your new right-side out!

Finished Crossbody Macramé Tote Bag

What I love most about this project is the mindful time it takes. It’s not about rushing through and getting it done, its about slowing down and finding rest in the slightly monotonous process of tying knots. For me, this macramé tote bag provided a couple hours where my hands were busy and my thoughts active. Some days I might choose to listen to a podcast or a book while I work. Other days, I might solve a problem or reflect on my day. Today, it was an opportunity to talk to the Lord and contemplate His love.

I hope this project persuades you to slow down today, cut out what can actually, legitimately wait, and find some rest.

I would love to hear your ideas and experiences with this project or whatever you have been working on! What are some ways you can slow down? How and where have you been finding rest?

In the Peace of Christ,

Grace

Condensed How-to Steps