Where to Buy Macrame Supplies on a Budget (Online and In-Store)

Have you ever fallen in love with a macrame wall hanging or plant hanger, only to feel discouraged when you start pricing out the materials? You’re not alone. Knowing where to buy macrame supplies on a budget (online and in-store) is one of the most common questions beginners — and even seasoned crafters — ask.

The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to create beautiful, professional-looking pieces. Whether you prefer shopping from the comfort of your couch or browsing shelves in person, there are plenty of affordable options waiting for you.

In this guide, you’ll discover the best places to score quality macrame cord, wooden dowels, metal rings, and more — all without breaking the bank.

Why Finding Affordable Macrame Supplies Matters

Macrame has exploded in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason. It’s a relaxing, creative hobby that produces stunning results — and it makes for incredible DIY handmade gifts that people genuinely treasure. But if you’re buying supplies at full retail price every time, costs can add up fast.

A single skein of quality cotton macrame cord can run anywhere from $8 to $25 depending on the brand and thickness. Multiply that across multiple projects, and your “budget” hobby starts feeling anything but. Finding the right sources means you can craft more for less, experiment freely, and even sell your creations at a profit.

The key is knowing where to look — and that’s exactly what this guide covers.

Best Online Stores to Buy Macrame Supplies on a Budget

Online shopping gives you access to a massive variety of macrame supplies at competitive prices. Here are the top platforms worth bookmarking.

Amazon

Amazon is often the first stop for affordable macrame cord, and for good reason. You’ll find bulk cotton rope at prices that are hard to beat, especially if you have a Prime membership. Look for listings that offer 100–500 meters of 3mm or 5mm natural cotton cord — these bulk options give you the best value per meter.

Read reviews carefully. Focus on sellers with 4+ star ratings and check that the cord is single-strand or 3-ply twisted, which matters for texture and knotting ease. Avoid overly cheap options that feel plasticky — they’ll unravel during knotting and ruin your project.

Etsy

Etsy might seem like an unlikely budget destination, but many small suppliers on the platform offer competitive wholesale pricing when you buy in bulk. You can also find unique dyed cords, specialty fibers, and macrame starter kits at reasonable prices. Search for “macrame cord bundle” or “macrame supplies lot” to find deals.

Another perk: Etsy sellers often include free patterns or tips with your order — a bonus that saves you money on tutorials elsewhere.

AliExpress

If you’re willing to wait a few weeks for shipping, AliExpress is arguably the cheapest source for macrame cord in bulk. Prices per meter can be 50–70% lower than retail. Just order early if you have a project deadline, and always check seller ratings before purchasing.

JOANN Fabrics (Online Store)

JOANN’s website frequently runs 40–50% off coupons that apply to macrame supplies. Their online selection includes cotton rope, jute twine, wooden beads, and metal rings. Sign up for their email list to get coupon codes sent directly to your inbox — this alone can cut your supply costs significantly.

Walmart.com

Walmart’s online marketplace has quietly become a solid destination for craft supplies. You’ll find affordable macrame cord, natural jute, and basic tools shipped directly to your door. Prices are often lower than specialty craft stores, and you can take advantage of free pickup if you prefer to shop in person too.

Best In-Store Places to Buy Macrame Supplies on a Budget

Sometimes you want to feel the texture of the cord before buying, or you need supplies today rather than waiting for shipping. Here are the best brick-and-mortar options.

Dollar Stores

This one surprises a lot of crafters: dollar stores are goldmines for macrame basics. You can often find jute twine, wooden rings, small dowels, and even scissors for just $1–$2 each. If you’re just starting out or experimenting with a new pattern, these supplies let you practice without financial risk.

For more creative ways to stretch your dollar at these stores, check out these dollar store crafts ideas that look surprisingly expensive — many techniques translate beautifully to macrame projects.

JOANN Fabrics and Hobby Lobby

Both stores carry a solid range of macrame-specific supplies in-store. The trick is never paying full price. Both chains offer weekly sales and accept competitor coupons.

Hobby Lobby runs a 40% off one regular-priced item coupon almost every week via their app — use it on your most expensive purchase. In-store shopping also lets you compare cord thicknesses and textures side by side, which is invaluable when you’re still learning what you prefer for different projects.

Thrift Stores and Garage Sales

Don’t overlook secondhand sources. Thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army occasionally stock partially-used craft supplies, including cord, yarn, and wooden frames. Garage sales are even better — crafters who are cleaning out their supply stash often sell materials for pennies on the dollar.

You might also find macrame wall hangings you can unravel and repurpose the cord from — a surprisingly effective way to get free materials.

Walmart In-Store

The craft aisle at Walmart usually carries jute twine and basic rope at very low prices. While the selection isn’t as wide as specialty stores, it’s great for quick, affordable purchases on everyday projects. Pair these materials with patterns from free online resources, and you’ve got a low-cost creative setup.

Smart Tips to Save Even More on Macrame Materials

Finding where to buy macrame supplies on a budget is only half the battle — knowing how to shop strategically saves you even more.

• Buy in bulk: The cost per meter drops dramatically when you purchase 500m+ spools. If you craft regularly, this always pays off.
• Join crafting Facebook groups: Members often sell surplus supplies at cost or below, and you can find local swap deals too.
• Use cashback apps: Apps like Rakuten or Honey can get you cash back on online orders from JOANN, Amazon, and other retailers.
• Subscribe to newsletters: Craft stores send exclusive discount codes to subscribers — a simple way to unlock savings you’d otherwise miss.
• Check clearance sections: Both online and in-store clearance sections often hide discounted cord colors or seasonal supplies at steep markdowns.

These small habits compound over time. A crafter who applies all five strategies consistently can cut their supply spending by 40–60% annually.

Macrame Supplies You Actually Need (Skip the Extras)

One of the biggest budget mistakes beginners make is buying too much — or the wrong things. Before you shop, know what you actually need for your specific project. For a basic wall hanging, you need: cotton macrame cord (3mm–5mm), a wooden dowel or branch, scissors, and a measuring tape.

That’s it. Everything else is optional. Rings, beads, feathers, and driftwood are beautiful additions, but they’re not essential for learning.

Master the basic knots first — square knots, half hitches, lark’s head — then add decorative elements as your skills (and budget) grow. Looking for more creative ways to use what you already have at home? Explore these fun crafts to make at home that require minimal supplies and zero prior experience.

Turning Your Macrame into Meaningful Gifts

Once you’ve stocked up on affordable supplies, macrame opens up a world of gifting possibilities. Handmade plant hangers, wall art, keychains, and coasters are all items people love to receive. When you create something with your own hands using budget-friendly materials, the perceived value is still incredibly high — it’s the thought and craft that counts.

If you love the idea of turning your macrame hobby into a gifting tradition, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in these handmade gift craft ideas that are perfect for any occasion. And if you’re looking to expand beyond macrame, there are tons of home craft projects quick enough to complete in a single afternoon.

Conclusion: Start Crafting Without Overspending

Finding where to buy macrame supplies on a budget (online and in-store) doesn’t have to be complicated. From Amazon bulk purchases and AliExpress deals to dollar store finds and JOANN coupons, affordable options are everywhere once you know where to look. The key takeaway?

Smart shopping beats expensive shopping every single time. Start small, buy only what you need for your first few projects, and expand your supply stash gradually as your skills grow. You’ll be amazed at how much beautiful work you can create on a tight budget.

Whether you’re making pieces for your home, selling them online, or giving them as heartfelt gifts, macrame is one of the most rewarding crafts you can pick up — at any budget level. Now that you know where to shop and how to save, there’s nothing standing between you and your next macrame masterpiece. Happy knotting!

Ready to Start Your Macrame Journey?

Found this guide helpful? Share it with a fellow crafter who’s been putting off starting macrame because of supply costs. Drop a comment below telling us your favorite place to buy macrame supplies on a budget — we’d love to hear your go-to sources and money-saving tips!

And if you’ve already made something beautiful, share a photo — this community loves seeing real projects from real people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the cheapest place to buy macrame cord online? A: AliExpress is generally the cheapest source for macrame cord online, with prices significantly lower than retail when buying in bulk. Amazon is a close second, especially for Prime members who want faster shipping without a huge price premium.

Always check reviews before ordering to ensure cord quality meets your expectations. Q: Where to buy macrame supplies on a budget if I need them today? A: If you need supplies immediately, your best budget options are dollar stores, Walmart, and local craft stores like JOANN or Hobby Lobby with same-day coupon downloads.

Dollar stores are especially useful for jute twine, basic rings, and dowels when you just want to practice or start a small project right away. Q: Can I find macrame supplies at the dollar store? A: Yes!

Dollar stores like Dollar Tree and Dollar General often carry jute twine, small wooden rings, craft scissors, and basic rope — all for $1–$2 each. While the selection is limited, these supplies are perfect for beginners practicing their first knots or for small accent projects that don’t require large quantities of cord. Q: How much macrame cord do I need for a beginner project?

A: For a basic wall hanging, plan on roughly 30–50 meters of 3mm–5mm cotton cord. For plant hangers, 20–30 meters is usually sufficient. Buying a 100-meter spool gives you enough for 2–4 beginner projects and typically offers the best value per meter at most online and in-store retailers.

Q: Are there budget-friendly macrame supplies for beginners who want to buy online and in-store? A: Absolutely. For online shopping, Amazon, JOANN’s website (with coupons), and AliExpress offer excellent budget macrame supplies for beginners.

In-store, Walmart, dollar stores, and Hobby Lobby (with their weekly app coupon) are your best bets. Combining both channels — buying bulk cord online and picking up hardware like rings and dowels locally — often yields the best overall savings.