Back in the 70s these were everywhere, but not so readily available now. As a fast way to get a pot hanging, I've started doing some simple ones. I have a question for any of you that might make these. I've looked on the net, but can't find a guideline for the length of cord or the placement of the knots that will correspond to the size/shape of the container. Can someone help? Here's one I made with some sisal rope this week.

I edited this to show how it looks now. The photo on the right was taken 6/14. The container is hanging in the same place and the old galvanized trough is still behind it, though the angle and distance aren't the same. You really don't notice the sisal sling with the Mandevilla trying to take up all the air space.

Good Job, Donald. I did a lot of Macrame back in the day. I still have books, cord, beads, rings, etc. It has been a long time since I have made anything macrame. I do not recall ever seeing a chart for the amount of cord to use for a certain size container or where to place the knots so I am not any help there. I only worked from a pattern with explicit directions. I made and sold many things besides plant hangers. Hope you can find the answers you are looking for.

I recommend adding a few more lengths of rope and rows of knots to keep the pot stable and centered. For a hanger 3 feet long, start with 10-12
6 foot lengths and tie the knots every 3-4 inches until the pot fits securely. You may need to adjust the starting lengths, depending on the knots and rope you use.

Although the natural fiber ropes look good, they don't weather well. (Voice of experience!) A poly cord hanger won't drop your pot in the middle of a stormy night.

Thanks, Rosesse. I'm trying to keep them as simple as possible. I made a couple with 4 leaders?, but I like the 3 leader better because it doesn't interfere as much with getting to the plant in the container. I'm actually trying to figure out some way where those leaders can separate at the hook or ring so they can be detached and laid aside temporarily. Sure would help when upsizing a long trailing plant which is what is scheduled to go in the one in the photo. Is the reason for more knots and lengths to add strength?

I do understand about the natural fiber. The first one I ever made was using a cotton one that I'd picked up at the dollar store as a pattern. It only lasted one season. Though I used it as a pattern, I didn't understand how they were actually made so made the first tries backward. The net just helped me get that straightened out. I have used a lot of what I have on hand, so I used some paracord which is poly material, but really didn't like it too much. I used a coated copper cable for one. I like the strength and look, but the cable was really stiff and difficult to knot. I used some old phone cable (I think - it's been lying around for a few years). It's very strong and should be UV resistant, but it was hard to knot as well. I have some nylon rope I'm going to use. The sisal will only be used for a plastic container, nothing that will break because I think it will only be good for one or two seasons.

Doesn't the space between the knots align somehow with the circumference of the container? That's what it seems like, because the first one I made using directions off the net will only hold a container about 9" in diameter. Anything else will be too large. Most things I have exceed that.

Donald

Donald,

Yes, more strands and knots will make a stronger hanger that will hold the pot more securely. With 3 or 4 vertical strands, I've had a problem with the pots getting lopsided and tipping out one side. Yours may be better balanced.

If you can hang your pot upside down and knot the strands around it as you go, you'll get a custom fit. Much easier than trying to use a formula based on the pot size, although I'll bet there is a math whiz on this site who could draw it out with circumferences and radials.

To make the strands detachable, look at S hooks (the kind with one closed end) at the big box stores. That's also a good place to look at various cords and ropes.

Thanks Rosesse,

I've thought of doing that, I just haven't come up with a stable stand to set the pot on that I can work on all sides. I'll figure it out somehow. I use S hooks and rings both, but for a 3 string hanger I'd need three and that might get crowded at the top. I use a lot of clay pots and some ceramic. They are heavy and some I wouldn't want to see shattered if I can avoid it. No sisal rope for them! I have a wad of insulated copper wire I might be able to use if I can get it untangled and relatively straight. It should be strong as long as it swings evenly without any twisting. I've used a lot that to secure the chain ends and even some as the actual chain from the limbs. It takes it a long time to twist until it breaks. Here's the one I did using using the old phone or TV cable. It will hold a larger container than this one and should be very strong. It's a bit of overkill for this pot.


Donald

I still have a bag of these that I made prob 20+ years ago. Every couple years I use 1 or 2. They are for various sizes of pots. Somehow I had knots about 1/2 way up the pot & then just at the rim.

Lucky you, Jean, to have a bag handy when you need one! Yes, I sort of prefer the knots placed like you describe. It's not always bad otherwise, but my preference would be to have the knots fall in that configuration. I'm sure there must be some way to determine where the first and second knots should go to make it happen, but I haven't figured it out yet. I'm thinking the distance of the cord between the knots probably limits how large the circumference of the container it will hold. Drilling holes in clay and ceramic is tedious and the bits wear out fast. Making these simple slings is a lot quicker.

Donald, A few more suggestions:

Depending on the size of the pot, you can use a toilet plunger or a lampshade for a stand. Anything that will hold the pot stable while you work will do--a kitchen stool, a wastebasket, a bucket.

To make the strands detachable, finish each one with a loop and string them on one S hook.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=... PERHAPS THIS WILL HELP YOUR DILEMMA?? I THINK I WILL START MAKING AGAIN! I HAVE MADE SOME BEAUTIFUL ONES IN THE PAST! DOUBLE DECKERS ETC! GOOD LUCK! SOME ARE STILL AROUND AFTER 25 YEARS! ZONE 5

Memories of the good old days. I used to make them also, mostly for my hanging type indoor plants.

I've sort of figured out that the distance between the knots toward the bottom dictate how large a diameter container you can use. If they are too close, they don't spread out enough and limit the size of diameter that will fit. That has to correspond to the top for hanging and I'm not very good at estimating that. No two are alike when I do them! They have been faster than drilling holes through clay and ceramic and for the most part don't look too funky .

I used to do a lot of macramé when I was much younger. I just cleaned my basement junk room and came across all my macramé beads and cord and rings. All my books are in a closet upstairs here somewhere. I so much enjoyed creating with macramé. I made much more than just plant hangers. I would love to scan some pictures and show you if anyone is interested. Have fun making your plant hangers.
Jeanne from Iowa

Well I wish somebody would make some, because I was headed to etsy or ebay looking for a few. I 'd rather keep the money here among ATP members than go to an outside source.

gardenglassgems said: I would love to scan some pictures and show you if anyone is interested. Have fun making your plant hangers.
Jeanne from Iowa

@gardenglassgems
I'd like to see some hangers. It would help give me ideas on the basic construction, I think. For a while back in the 70s they were ubiquitous, but not any longer. I can't leave very many plants close to the ground. Too many varmints chew on them as I just learned yet again with a new little cactus I acquired. Now I've got to figure out some way to get it higher than just sitting on the bricks. I'm thinking I may need to rig up something like those clothesline trees except sturdy enough to hang pots on.

I finally found my pictures of some of the macrame things that I made many years ago. I hope you enjoy them.



I made this hanging light table for my mother. She's gone now but I still have it hanging in my bedroom.

Here are a few of the plant hangers I made.

These are a couple wine holders that I make for other people.


I made a pair of these for myself.

Here are a couple lion heads. I still have one of these.


This one I made while I was helping my mom take care of my dad when he had cancer. My dad's name was Joe. This hanger is called "Josephine". I still have this hanging in my home.



A wall hanging

Jeanne those are all wonderful. Far beyond the simple macrame hangers I made.

Donald, those are great! Let me know when you are ready to sell, I can pick them up while visiting cousins, LOL

Jeanne, you are so talented, and boy does that bring back memories. I did fairly simple plant hangers and I did get a aluminum chair frame finished. Wish I still had it, HAHAHA


I agree with Kabby, I would buy some