Macrame Clutch Tutorial: Learn to Make a Stylish and Functional Bag

Create a Stunning Macrame Clutch with This Detailed Tutorial

Apr 21 2025

Create a Stunning Macrame Clutch with This Detailed Tutorial

Caring for Your Handcrafted Bag

Proper care and maintenance of your handcrafted bag are essential to preserving its beauty and durability. Whether you use it daily or for special occasions, following these simple guidelines can help ensure your bag remains in excellent condition for years to come.

  • Dust Off Regularly: Use a soft, dry brush to gently remove dust and debris. This prevents dirt from embedding in the fibers, which can cause wear over time.
  • Spot Cleaning: If your bag gets a stain, address it promptly. Use a clean, damp cloth and mild soap to gently blot the affected area. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can push the dirt deeper into the fibers.
  • Limit Exposure to Water: Keep your bag away from prolonged exposure to moisture. If it gets wet, don’t wring it out. Instead, pat it gently with a dry towel and let it air dry naturally away from direct sunlight.
  • Use a Protective Spray: Consider applying a water-repellent fabric spray to protect against moisture and stains. Make sure the spray is suitable for the type of material your bag is made from.
  • Proper Storage: When not in use, store your bag in a cool, dry place. Use a breathable fabric bag to cover it, which can prevent dust buildup and protect from scratches and fading.
  • Maintain Shape: To help maintain its shape, stuff your bag lightly with clean, dry tissue paper or a soft cloth.
  • Check for Wear and Tear: Regularly inspect your bag for any signs of wear or damage, such as frayed strings or loose knots. Addressing these issues early can prevent them from worsening.
  • Professional Help: For significant repairs or difficult stains, consider seeking professional cleaning services that specialize in handcrafted items.
  • Gentle Usage: Handle your bag with care to avoid overstretching or stressing the material. Avoid overloading it with heavy items which can strain the fibers and alter the shape.
  • Avoid Direct Sunlight: Store your accessory away from direct sunlight when not in use. Continuous exposure can cause the color to fade and the material to weaken over time.
  • Natural Odor Removal: If your bag acquires an unpleasant odor, sprinkle baking soda lightly on the inside and let it sit overnight before gently brushing it off. This natural deodorizer can help eliminate smells without damaging the fabric.
  • Use Charcoal: For persistent odors, place a small bag of activated charcoal inside your accessory when not in use. Charcoal is effective at absorbing odors and moisture, keeping your bag fresh.

Trendy DIY Macrame Bag Designs

Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox. Trendy DIY Macrame Bag Designs

  1. Boho Chic Tote: Create a large, roomy tote bag with intricate macrame patterns. The bohemian-inspired design will add a trendy touch to your outfit.
  2. Mini Crossbody Bag: Craft a compact macrame crossbody bag perfect for carrying essentials. The intricate knots and delicate straps make it a fashionable accessory.
  3. Beachy Macrame Bag: Design a lightweight, airy macrame bag using a natural-coloured rope. This beachy style is ideal for carrying your beach essentials in a stylish and functional way.
  4. Statement Fringe Bag: Make a bold statement with a macrame bag featuring long fringe details. This eye-catching design is perfect for adding a boho flair to your look.
  5. Geometric Clutch: Experiment with geometric patterns and create a chic macrame clutch. This sleek design is ideal for evening outings or special occasions.
  6. Bucket Bag With Drawstring: Craft a versatile macrame bucket bag with a drawstring closure. This practical design can be customized with colourful rope or unique embellishments.
  7. Backpack With Macrame Accents: Add a touch of macrame to a regular backpack by incorporating macrame accents or straps. This fusion of trendy and functional elements will make your backpack stand out.

Remember, with macrame, the possibilities are endless. Feel free to experiment with different patterns, colours, and sizes to create your own unique and trendy macrame bag designs.

How to Make a Trendy DIY Macrame Bag in 5 Creative Steps!

Chic, trendy, and stylish, this macrame bag is something both teens and adults will love.

My sons’ school organized a trade fair to raise funds to buy new equipment for their marching band. I was known among the teachers as an avid DIY-er. Because of this, I was invited to join the fair. Seeing that it was for a worthwhile cause, I gladly said yes.

I wanted to contribute something different as I knew that most of the people involved will be selling baked goods. So I thought of things that everybody will enjoy having. Picking up my sons one day, I noticed a group of teenage girls hanging around. They looked so… fashionable. And that’s when the idea clicked.

Macrame bags make ideal accessories due to their trendy, hip, and chic nature. They are highly appealing to teenagers and parents alike, making them a desirable purchase. Additionally, they offer the added advantage of being simple to create. I recently came across an excellent tutorial video on YouTube that provided clear and easy-to-follow instructions, prompting me to craft multiple pieces.

The intricate details of these bags are truly delightful, aren’t they?

We’ve rounded up some of the best designs we could find to inspire you to create your own beautiful macrame bag.

Macrame is a great way to add a personal touch to your accessories, and there are endless possibilities when it comes to design. Whether you want to keep it simple or get creative with colour and pattern, there’s a macrame bag design out there for you.

So what are you waiting for? Get inspired and start creating your own one-of-a-kind macrame bag today!

  • 1 Trendy DIY Macrame Bag Designs
  • 2 Step-By-Step Guide on Crafting Your Own DIY Macrame Bag
    • 2.1 Materials You’ll Need
    • 2.2 How to Make a DIY Macrame Bag

    DIY macrame bag and purse patterns and PDF tutorials

    Once you’re ready to craft more independently, downloadable macrame bag patterns and tutorials are excellent resources to consider. You can find an eclectic variety of designs in different cord types and colors — including macrame backpacks!

    While these will be more complex to work through at first, they’re worth a shot if you’re all about wearable macrame items and accessories. Find some of our favorites below!

    Macrame DIY Boho Bag with Leather Handles Pattern by WhiteOwlKnot

    Sophisticated and subdued, this macrame bag pattern is perfect if you’re all about summery, handmade fashion items that look bought right off the shelf!

    WhiteOwlKnot is an Etsy Star Seller and features this $7.25 pattern to make a macrame bag with leather handles. Although this is a beginner’s project and only requires two types of knots, its overall design is a little more elaborate.

    That said, having some previous macrame experience will be helpful. Along with your downloadable pattern, you’ll also get access to a video tutorial for extra guidance. Be sure to review the list of materials needed beforehand; you’ll need more items here than your average project.

    To support your learning, this seller also sells a knot guide e-book (~$6) with step-by-step instructions on 15 basic knots for complete beginners — an excellent addition to your purchase! Your final piece will measure ~11 inches (30cm) wide and ~14 inches (~36cm) high (without handles).

    DIY Macrame Boho Bag PDF Pattern by WhiteOwlKnot

    Our next pick is another WhiteOwlKnot special, this time, a color-packed boho-inspired macrame purse.

    Also available on Etsy for $7.25, this is a really enjoyable project if you want to challenge yourself to incorporate multiple colors in your handmade bag. However, remember that the beauty of patterns is that you can adapt them as you like — you can use one color instead if preferred!

    This is a great pattern to have fun with if you want to learn simple techniques to spruce up more basic creations with detail and flair. And surprisingly, as complex as this design may seem, like the previous pattern, you’ll only be required to apply very few knots.