Finished lotus mandala earrings macramé pattern in turquoise waxed cord held in hand

Lotus Earrings

Skill levelAdvancedFinished size2 in (5 cm) dia. per earringBuild time4-6 hours / 2 evening sessions
Download this pattern

This lotus mandala earrings macramé pattern guides you through creating a delicate pair of lace mandalas in fine waxed cord. Each earring blooms from a central metal ring into eight lotus petals, then extends into pointed arches topped with picot edging. Because the pattern works in 0.5 mm waxed polyester, it produces a lightweight earring—just two inches across—that drapes beautifully. Therefore, this design suits experienced makers who enjoy micro-macramé lace work and want to expand their jewelry skills.

What You’ll Gain from This Lotus Mandala Earrings Macramé Pattern

You can expect to complete the pair in four to six hours over two evening sessions. Meanwhile, the illustrated steps walk you from mounting the center ring through shaping the inner petals, building the outer points, and finishing with a lacy picot edge. In addition, the download includes a full step-by-step PDF with diagrams for every knot and a printable quick-reference card that keeps cord-cutting quantities and knot abbreviations at your fingertips.

Perfect for Advanced Knotters and Gift Makers

Advanced makers will appreciate the intricate diagonal double half-hitch technique and the precision pinning that keeps eight petals symmetrical. However, once you master the first earring, the second knots much faster. For example, you can scale the pattern up with heavier cord to make pendants or coasters. Moreover, the finished mandalas look stunning in any color, so personalize them to match your wardrobe or craft a unique handmade gift for someone special.

Materials at a glance

  • 0.5 mm waxed polyester cord (approx. 22 yd)
  • 10 mm welded metal rings (2)
  • French hook ear wires (1 pair)
  • 4 mm jump rings (2)
  • Pinning board + T-pins
  • Tapestry needle
  • Thread zap or lighter
  • Sharp micro scissors
  • Fabric stiffener (optional)

Build order

  1. Mount 16 cords on the center ring (RLH), space evenly, mark north
  2. Inner petal round - shape 8 DDHH leaves, 4 ends each
  3. Outer point round - 8 arches on leaders B1/B2 between the petals
  4. Picot lace edging - 3 loops down each edge of every point
  5. Hanging point - gather at north, OK loop, jump ring, ear wire
  6. Finishing - trim, melt-seal, block flat, optional stiffener. Repeat all for earring 2

Cord cutting reference

  • A1-A16 — 16 × 20 in (petal / working cords)
  • B1-B2 — 2 × 24 in (leaders for outer point round)
  • C — 1 × 12 in (hanging loop cord)
  • Total per earring: 19 cords, 380 in (10.6 yd)
  • Total per pair: 38 cords, 760 in (21.2 yd)

Knot abbreviations

  • RLH = Reverse Lark's Head
  • DHH = Double Half Hitch
  • DDHH = Diagonal Double Half Hitch
  • PIC = Picot Loop
  • OK = Overhand Knot

Top 5 mistakes to avoid

  1. Mandala cups like a bowl — knots too tight in outer rounds; loosen tension and steam-block flat
  2. Petals different sizes — uneven leader angle or hitch count; count hitches per side and pin every tip
  3. Center hole distorted — ring not pinned during mounting; always pin through the ring
  4. Picots uneven — loops unpinned before neighbors tied; pin every picot at 3 mm
  5. Cord fuzzing or fraying — overworked waxed cord; handle ends less, re-wax, trim and seal early