Looking to add a little texture, color, and personality to your macrame? You could be making a minimalist plant hanger or a colorful keychain. Either way, the right wooden beads for macrame can take your project from simple to fabulous!
At Woodpeckers, we carry a huge variety of large hole beads, tube beads, and uniquely shaped beads designed specifically for fiber arts and crafts. From smooth naturals to painted brights, we’ve got the perfect bead to fit your creative vision (and your cord).
We’ll walk you through the best beads for macrame projects, along with ideas, inspiration, and easy ways to use them in everything from bracelets to wall hangings!
What makes a great wooden macrame bead?
Not all beads offer the same quality and versatility, especially when it comes to macrame. Unlike standard crafting beads, wooden macrame beads need to work with thicker cords, hold up to tension, and still look beautiful when the knots are pulled tight. That’s why choosing the right shape, size, and hole diameter matters.
Most macrame artists prefer wood because it feels warm, looks natural, and complements the soft texture of fiber-based projects. Wood beads also offer just the right amount of structure. They can break up long sections of knots, add visual weight, or serve as a clean centerpiece without overpowering the design.
Look for beads with smooth surfaces (no splinters here), large, clean holes, and consistent shapes. A well-made wooden bead won’t snag on your cord or wobble off-center. At Woodpeckers, we prepare each bead carefully and offer a wide variety of sizes and shapes so you can find exactly what your project calls for. With the right beads in your toolkit, the possibilities for macrame beading really open up.
Let’s check out some of our favorite ways to put wooden macrame beads to good use!
Macrame bracelet with beads
A beaded macrame bracelet is a great beginner project if you’re just starting out with macrame beading. Small and totally customizable, it lets you play with textures and patterns without getting overwhelmed.
To make a macrame bracelet with beads, choose a cord thickness that pairs well with large hole beads for jewelry making, like our 1-inch round wooden ball bead (with a ⅜-inch hole). This is perfect for threading onto thicker fibers like hemp or cotton rope. You can also alternate between square knots and beads, or create repeating designs based on your favorite macrame bead bracelet patterns.
Add a sliding knot closure or magnetic claps, and you’ve got a piece that’s easy to wear and even easier to gift. Try mixing in colored beads from our painted wood bead collection to give your bracelet a pop of personality!
Macrame plant hanger with beads
Want some extra flair for your hanging plants? Use beads! A macrame plant hanger with beads adds texture, dimension, and a handcrafted touch that’s hard to miss. Whether you’re going for a boho look or something more modern, beads for macrame plant hangers can help tie your design together (literally).
We recommend using large beads for macrame with generous holes, like our wooden macrame tube beads or barrel beads with ⅜-inch holes. These slide easily onto thicker cords and make a nice visual break between knot sections. You can thread a few beads at the top near the ring, or cluster them lower to accent the basket area.
Leave them natural for an earthy, neutral feel or stain them to match your plant pots and room aesthetic. Either way, the added detail turns a simple hanger into something intentional and beautiful.
Macrame keychain with beads
Quick, fun, and perfect for gifting — a macrame keychain with beads is a great small-scale project that still packs a lot of creativity. You can make a set for friends, party favors, stocking stuffers, or just for yourself!
Start with a clasp or keyring, then build your design using square nots, half hitch spirals, or lark’s head knots. For added flair, thread on a few small wooden beads for macrame, like our ⅝-inch beehive beads or colorful painted options from our ½-inch collection. The trick is to match your bead hole size to the cord. It should be snug enough to hold, but wide enough to slide. Finish with a tassel or bead cap at the bottom, and you’ve got a stylish little accessory that’s as fun to make as it is to carry!
Beaded macrame necklace
If you love statement pieces, a beaded macrame necklace is a must-try. These necklaces blend soft fiber textures with the structured elegance of wood, a perfect balance of earthy and elegant.
Start by choosing your centerpiece: a 1-½ inch wooden ball bead or oval bead works beautifully as a focal point. Pair it with smaller accent beads and a mix of square knots and spiral knots along waxed cord, hemp, or cotton thread. Look for macrame necklace beads with smooth finishes and clean edges (Hint: We’ve got you covered at Woodpeckers).
Depending on your style, you can keep it minimal or add layered strands, tassels, or even color-blocked sections using painted beads. No matter the design you pursue, you’ll have wearable art when it’s all said and done!
Beaded macrame wall hanging
Interested in taking your macrame skills to the next level? A beaded macrame wall hanging adds dimension, movement, and texture to your space. Bonus: it’s easier than it looks! Just a few well-placed beads can elevate a basic wall hanging into a statement piece.
Use large hole beads like tube beads or smooth wooden oval beads spaced between knot patterns to break up the design and draw the eye. Try placing a bead just below the hanging rod or staggering them at different levels for a layered effect. Our 2-inch wooden macrame tube beads are a great choice for this type of project.
Pair natural rope with raw or slightly stained wood for a classic, neutral look, or bring in painted beads to match your room’s color palette. Whatever your style, a macrame wall hanging with beads is a beautiful way to turn knots into art.
Wooden macrame beads from Woodpeckers
From plant hangers to keychains, wall hangings to bracelets, macrame projects become even more special when you add wooden beads. They bring texture, structure, and warmth to your designs. Plus, it’s easy to add a bold pop of color or just keep things rustic with the wood’s natural hue. At Woodpeckers, we make it easy to find just the right beads to fit your vision. We also offer bulk macrame beads at discount prices so that you’ll never run out of your favorite materials!
Our collection includes everything from large hole beads perfect for thick cords, to tube beads that make stunning spacers, to painted wood beads that add personality to your piece. We carefully sand and finish our beads to make sure they’re smooth to the touch and easy to work with. No splinters, no fuss.
Not sure where to begin? Start with some of our best sellers, like our 1-inch round beads, macrame tube beads, or barrel beads that glide onto rope without resistance. Or explore our full collection for more unique shapes, including ovals, beehives, and even cubes. With so many options to choose from, there’s no limit to what you can make. All you need is some cord, your imagination, and a few good beads!
Did you enjoy our wooden macrame beads guide? Be sure to let us know in the comments and check out our wooden beads shop to find the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one!
