Flower Pot Light

Supplies Needed:

• 6mm Macramé Cord (Nylon or Cotton) – 138 yards total
• One 3-inch metal ring
• One 7-inch clay pot for the top (decorated and finished)
• One 12-inch flower pot (any type)
• One light socket assembly (pipe & screw type, including electrical cord)
• Masking Tape

Cutting and Mounting Process

Step 1:  Cut the cords as follows:

• 8 cords, each 12 yards long
• 2 cords, each 20 yards long
• 2 cords, each 36 inches long

Prepare the ends with glue, tape or wax to prevent unraveling as you work.

Step 2:  Insert the light socket assembly into the 7-inch pot, which should already be decorated. See the instructions for the Quilted Pots at the end of the pattern.  

The pipe should stick out the bottom hole of the pot, which will be inverted and placed at the top of the Flower Pot Light.

Step 3:  Direct the 36-inch cord through the 3-inch ring, and center it at the bottom.  Tape the strands together with masking tape, also going around the pipe.  Make sure the tape is snug and as tightly wrapped as possible.

Top Section

Step 5:  Separate the cords into 4 equal groups.  Use each group of cords to make 1 Lanyard Knot around the short cord and the pipe.  Be sure to tighten the knot as much as you can, so it is very snug.

Tie 3 more Lanyard knots to complete the design.  It should rest against the flat bottom of the pot.  If you wish, you can apply glue to secure it even further.

If you hang the Flower Pot Light up by the ring, it should stay together.  If not, you will need to tighten the knots more.

Step 6:  Tie 10 Square Knots with each group of cords. 

Step 7:  Move down to the point mid-way between the top and bottom edges of the pot.  Use 2 cords from one group, and 2 from the next one over.  Tie one Sailor Knot.  Two strands will act together, as if they were one cord.

Repeat with the other cords, so you end up with 4 knots.  If you prefer to use a different decorative knot for this portion of the Flower Pot Light, this is a good place to change things.  Here are some others you can try:

• Picot Designs
• Square Knot Buttons
• Linked Overhand Knots

Middle Section

Step 8:  Alternate the cords again, using 2 cords from two different Sailor knots (total of 4 cords).  Move down to the edge of the pot.   Start one of the long Spiral Stitch sennits. As you progress, you can switch cords around if necessary, since some of the strands may be longer than others. Stop when the sennit measures 25 inches. 

Repeat this process with the other 3 groups. 

The Cradle

Step 9:  To form the cradle at the bottom of the Flower Pot light, select 2 cords from two different sennits.  Move down 4 to 6 inches. Tie 1 Square Knot.  Repeat with the other 3 groups.

The cradle is designed for shallow pots measuring 12 inches across, and about 6 inches deep. If the pot you are using is deeper than that, you can make the cradle longer by alternating cords again and tying another row of Square Knots. 

Step 10:  You need to use the longest strands in each group as the working cords, so swap them with the fillers if necessary.  Tie a sennit of 10 Square Knots in each of the four groups. These short sennits are supposed to fit snugly against the outer curve of the pot. You can shorten or lengthen them as needed, depending on the depth of the one you are using.

Step 11:  Tie 2 rows of Alternating Square Knots to tighten the cradle.  There should be no space between the 2 rows. 

Step 12: Tie a Wrapped Knot around the strands, using the last 36-inch cord.  Make it at least 2 inches long.  Apply glue to the knot and allow it to dry before cutting off any excess from the 36-inch cord.

Finishing Touches

Step 13:  Trim the ends so they are even.  The fringe for the Flower Pot Light should be at least 12 inches long.  Apply glue to the ends, or tie Barrel Knots to prevent the cords from unraveling.  You can also add beads followed by Barrel knots if you want a more decorated fringe.

Step 14:  Take one 20-yard cord and fold it in half around the electrical wire for the light.  Using the wire as the core, tie the Spiral Stitch. You should use the same type of knot used in the long sennits, if you made changes to the design. 

When you run out of cord, add the other one, tying the first few knots over the ends of the first cord.  When you reach the plug, tie a tight SK, and apply glue.  When dry, cut off the excess.

Quilted Pots

• Clay or Ceramic Pots (unfinished)
• Fine Sand Paper
• 2 Small paintbrushes
• 1-inch Fabric Quilt Squares
• Household Glue
• Clear Varnish

Step 1:  Sand the entire surface of the plant pot you are decorating, to remove any oils or rough spots.

Step 2:  Thin out the glue by mixing it with one part water to one part glue.  Use the paintbrush to apply the glue to a small area on the pot.  Place the fabric on the glue.  Add more glue to the entire square, so it is well attached to the pot. 

Step 3:  Repeat the same process with other quilt squares, until the entire outside surface is covered with fabric.  Do not put the fabric on the inside.  Overlap the squares as you progress.  Allow the glue to dry for at least 6 to 12 hours before moving on.