How to Make a Hanging Planter | 4 DIY Methods That Work

Making a hanging planter lets you convert nearly any pot or bowl into a suspended planter using rope, twine, chain, or simple hardware — no special equipment needed for most methods.

Hanging planters free up floor space and bring greenery to eye level, but store-bought options rarely match the size or look you actually want. The good news: building your own takes an afternoon and costs less than buying one. Whether you prefer macrame, chain, or a simple drilled pot, each method below produces a planter that hangs square and holds its weight.

Choosing Your Hanging Planter Method

Your pot material and desired look determine which method fits best. The table below matches each approach to common situations, so you can pick the right one before gathering supplies.

Macrame Planter: Rope Cage Around an Upside-Down Pot

This classic method creates a woven cradle that holds a pot centered and stable. Use 8 pieces of rope, each several yards long, so you have enough length for knots and a hanging tail.

Tie all 8 strands together in one knot near the ends. Turn the pot upside down, place the knot at the center of the bottom, and divide the strands into 4 groups of 2. Tie a knot in each group just past the edge of the pot’s bottom. Tape the strands to hold their positions, then tie a knot between one rope from one group and one from the neighboring group — this creates Level 2. Repeat to form Level 3, stopping about half an inch before the top rim. Turn the pot right-side up, gather all ends, and tie a single large knot at your desired hanging height. Trim excess rope, remove tape, and install a screw hook into your ceiling or mount.

Common mistakes: failing to account for extra rope length consumed by each knot, and uneven tension causing the pot to hang crooked. Measure each level against the pot as you go.

Fishnet Twine Planter: Faster Alternative

For pots without a flat bottom or with a wide lip, a fishnet-style twine cage works better than a rope cradle. Use 8 pieces of twine about 6 yards each, folded in half at the midpoint.

Turn the pot upside down. Create a twine circle that fits inside the bottom edge of the pot. Slip each folded twine end under this circle, thread the tail over and back through the fold to create a knot — this gives you 8 total knots and 16 working strands. Tie overhand knots about 1 to 1.5 inches down the side of the pot, alternating the right strand of one pair with the left strand of the next pair. Continue these rows until you reach the top rim. Tie all 16 ends together above the pot and attach an S-hook for hanging.

The twine must be strong enough to hold the wet weight of soil and the pot itself — test your stretch before committing to a heavy planter.

Drilling a Pot for Chain or Rope

If you want to use a favorite ceramic or metal bowl as a hanging planter, drilling holes near the rim lets you thread rope or chain through directly. A diamond drill bit works for ceramic, terra cotta, and glass; a metal bit for metal pots; a standard masonry or wood bit for plastic.

Measure and mark 3 holes about 1 inch below the top rim, evenly spaced around the pot. Spray the surface with water before you start — drilling dry creates heat that cracks the pot. Begin drilling at an angle so the bit doesn’t skid; once a notch forms, level the drill to flat. Keep the bit wet by spraying frequently, and never push hard. Repeat for the other two holes. Thread rope or chain through each hole and secure with a knot or quick link.

If your pot lacks a drainage hole at the bottom, set a smaller nursery pot with drainage inside your hanging pot. The outer pot acts as a catch basin. For a deep dive into ready-to-hang options, explore our review of the best 6-inch hanging planters for pre-made solutions.

Multi-Tier Chain Display for Bowls

A tiered chain setup gives you several planters at different heights on one hook, ideal for a small patio corner or balcony rail. You need 3 metal bowls, 9 quick links (1/8-inch), brass-plated chain cut to three lengths (38, 28, and 20 inches), 3 screw hooks, and a metal drill bit.

Drill 3 evenly spaced holes about half an inch from the top rim of each bowl. Spray-paint the quick links, chain, and bowls gold (or your preferred color) and let them dry. Open each quick link, insert it through a bowl hole, and close it. Cut the three chain lengths with pliers by prying open a link. Attach the bottom of each chain to a quick link on its bowl. Add rocks at the bottom of each bowl for drainage before planting. Attach all three chain tops to a single large screw hook. Pre-drill your ceiling or beam hole, and use a toggle bolt or drywall anchor if the total weight exceeds 15 pounds.