MACRAME LORD GANESH JI

“Made with Love, Knot by Knot”

It began with a small request — I asked my mom if she could help with my project. Nothing big, just a bit of handmade work. She smiled, nodded, and the next thing I knew, she was sitting quietly with yellow cords, beads, and an old needle.

She didn’t know macramé, but she taught herself. Slowly, patiently. Her fingers trembled at times, but she never stopped. With every knot, she wove love, care, and blessings — creating not just a craft, but a beautiful Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

She didn’t make it for the project. She made it for me. To protect me, guide me, and remind me that no matter how tough things get, love will always be the strongest thread.

Now it hangs by our door — not just as a decoration, but as a symbol of a mother's quiet strength.

1. Macramé cord (approx. 3–5 mm thickness)
2. Beads (for eyes, optional nose embellishment)
3. Scissors (sharp, for clean cuts)
4. Measuring tape or ruler
5. Comb or brush (to fringe, optional)

To begin, prepare a wooden dowel approximately 30–40 cm in length. Cut 20 to 24 strands of 3–4 mm cotton macramé cord, each measuring around 1 to 1.2 meters. Fold each cord in half and attach them to the dowel using lark’s head knots. These knots should be evenly spaced along the dowel to ensure balance and symmetry. Once all cords are mounted, smooth them out so they hang freely and untangled.

Once the cords are attached, you’ll start constructing Ganesha’s head. Using the central cords, begin tying square knots in horizontal rows. Start wide at the top and gradually reduce the number of knots in each row to create a rounded forehead shape.

To form the crown or turban, you can introduce an accent color cord. Wrap this around the top section using spiral knots or half-hitch wraps, building a crescent or semi-circular crown above the forehead. This will give Ganesha a regal, divine appearance.

Below the head, begin working on the upper body of the figure. Divide the cords into centre and side sections—using the central cords for the torso and the outer cords later for the arms and ears. Tie horizontal rows of square knots with the torso cords to create a broad chest area, and let the lower cords hang freely for now, as they will form the base and fringe of the body.

To form the iconic elephant trunk, isolate 6 to 8 cords hanging from the centre of the face area. Begin tying half knots repeatedly in the same direction, which will naturally form a twisted spiral pattern. Continue this spiral knotting until you reach your desired trunk length—typically around 10 to 12 cm. When complete, finish it off with a tight overhand knot and trim the ends slightly to give the trunk a rounded, finished appearance.

To create the ears, take four to five cords on each side of the head. Use diagonal double half-hitch knots to form an arched outline that represents the ear shape. Then, fill in the interior space using square knots. Aim to make both ears symmetrical and well-formed, and either finish the ends with overhand knots or tuck them behind the body layer to keep the design tidy.

To complete the piece, comb the fringe thoroughly until it is soft and voluminous. You may then trim the ends to your preferred shape—such as a soft V, a wave, or a rounded hem. For more structure in areas like the ears or crown, you can apply a light fabric stiffener spray.

Finally, add a hanging loop by tying an extra cord at both ends of the dowel or by knotting a single loop at the center. Ensure the loop is securely tied so the finished macramé Ganesh hangs flat and straight when displayed on a wall.

Keep your knot tension consistent throughout to achieve a clean and professional look. The spiral trunk and symmetrical face are key to capturing the likeness of Ganesha, so pay special attention to balance. Customizing with beads, colour accents, or even metallic threads can make your creation more personal and artistic.