Paracord and macrame crafts are a fun way to keep little hands busy and help them practice fine motor skills and following a pattern.
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Macrame has become a trendy craft for adults, but kids can do it too. Younger kids will need some help getting started, but once they’ve learned a pattern, it’s easy to repeat. When you’re just getting started, go slow and don’t worry about perfection. Just like any other craft skill, tying knots is one that takes practice.
Macrame is a craft technique that uses a combination of knots to make everything from artwork to jewelry. There are tons of specific knots you can learn, but to keep it simple for kids’ activities, we collected crafts that use any type of tying.
You’ll find lots of paracord crafts, braiding, and simpler knot crafts on our list below. Most can be done with any type of cotton cord, parachute cord, or even yarn.
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Friendship bracelets
Here at Backyard Summer Camp, we have instructions for making simple braided friendship bracelets. These are super easy for young kids to learn and big kids will love them too.
Boondoggle keychain
At some point, every kid learns how to make a boondoggle keychain, right? Doodlecraft has a simple tutorial so your kids can make them using a round or square pattern.
T-shirt plant holder
This DIY plant holder from Pink Stripey Socks combines two fantastic summer crafts! Turn a tie-dye t-shirt into a macrame plant hanger. You can use an old shirt or make your own.
Macrame rock necklace
Macrame rock necklaces are a good craft to do after a nature walk. Have kids collect rocks that are interesting, then wash them and turn them into jewelry, via Artful Parent.
Wall hanging art
Making a wall hanging is one of the most popular macrame projects for adults, but it can be pretty complicated to do. Handmade Charlotte designed a kid-friendly version that’s much easier!
Paracord scrap dolls
If you have leftover pieces of rope or paracord from other macrame crafts, put them to good use with these paracord scrap dolls, via Red Ted Art.
Macrame keychain
This macrame spiral keychain tutorial from Pretty Life Girls has tons of detailed pictures so you can see each step. They also dyed the cord before making the knots, so you can customize it to your kids’ favorite colors!
Wish bracelets
Wish bracelets are a fun retro summer camp throwback. Once your kids have learned the pattern from Happy Hour Projects, they will be able to make the bracelets quickly.
Denim dog toy
Kids can make this simple denim dog toy from Artsy Fartsy Mama using an old pair of jeans. It’s the perfect craft to make a playtime activity!
Paracord snake
Add this paracord snake at Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls to a nature or animal themed day. Kids can make a snake using any colors or try to match familiar snakes that you’re learning about.
Tee-shirt produce bag
A macrame string produce bag is a craft that’s also practical. Older kids can make this one from DLTK Kids. It’s made with an old tee-shirt!
Beaded friendship bracelets
Beaded friendship bracelets like these at Projects With Kids are a classic kids’ summer camp craft. Once your kids have made a few, they’ll want to make them for everyone they know.
These macrame crafts are sure to keep your kids busy this summer. Plan them as part of your backyard summer camp crafts, or save a few ideas for a rainy day.
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