How to Make a Macramu00e9 Wall Hanging: Complete Beginner’s Guide

Macrame is one of the most satisfying crafts you can learn. With just cotton rope, a wooden dowel, and a few basic knots, you can create stunning wall art that would cost hundreds of dollars in a boutique store. This guide walks you through everything from selecting your materials to finishing your first macrame wall hanging.

What Is Macrame?

Macrame is the art of knotting rope or cord into decorative patterns. It originated in 13th-century Arabia, spread through Europe during the 17th century, and had a massive revival in the 1970s. Today it’s a popular modern craft with a bohemian aesthetic that suits everything from minimal Scandinavian interiors to maximalist boho living rooms.

The beauty of macrame is its simplicity. Unlike weaving or knitting, you don’t need a loom or needles. Your hands and a few basic knot techniques are all the tools you need beyond the materials themselves.

Materials You Will Need

• Cotton macrame cord: 3mm single-strand or 3-ply twisted cotton rope. For a 40cm wide hanging you’ll need approximately 20 metres of cord. Buy a little extra for mistakes.
• Wooden dowel: 45cm long, 12mm diameter. Birch or pine dowels from a hardware store work perfectly.
• Scissors: Sharp fabric scissors make clean cuts essential for neat fringe.
• Tape measure or ruler
• Comb or stiff brush: For fringing the ends of your cord.
• Hanging hook or nail

Cutting Your Cords

For a hanging approximately 60cm long (not including the fringe), cut your cords to the following lengths. The general rule is to cut each cord four times the desired finished length, because the knotting uses up a lot of material.

• Cut 16 cords each 3 metres long for the main body.
• Cut 2 cords each 1.5 metres long for the gathering knots at the top.

Fold each of the 16 main cords in half and attach them to the dowel using the Lark’s Head Knot described below. This gives you 32 working strands.

Step 1: Attach the Lark’s Head Knot

The Lark’s Head Knot is the standard method for attaching cord to a dowel or ring in macrame. Here is how to tie it:

1. Fold one cord in half so the two ends meet evenly.
2. Place the folded loop over the top of the dowel, with the loop pointing towards you and the two tails hanging down behind.
3. Pull the two tails through the loop from front to back.
4. Pull firmly to tighten. You should now have two equal-length strands hanging from the dowel.
5. Repeat for all 16 cords, placing them side by side across the dowel.

Space your knots evenly. For a 45cm dowel with 16 cords, leave about 1cm between each attachment point and 2cm free at each end.

Step 2: The Square Knot

The Square Knot is the most versatile knot in macrame and forms the main body of most wall hangings. It is always tied using groups of four strands: two outer “working” cords and two inner “filler” cords.

Half Square Knot (left to right):

1. Take the left cord (cord 1) and lay it over the two centre cords (cords 2 and 3), forming a figure-four shape.
2. Take the right cord (cord 4) and pass it over cord 1, then behind cords 2 and 3, then through the loop created by cord 1.
3. Pull both outer cords firmly and evenly to tighten.

Completing the Square Knot:

1. Now take the right cord (which is now on the left after the half knot) and lay it over the two centre cords.
2. Take the left cord and pass it over the right cord, behind the centre cords, and through the loop.
3. Pull tight. This completes one full Square Knot.

Tie a row of Square Knots across all 32 strands (8 knots total, each using 4 strands).

Step 3: Alternating Square Knots

Alternating Square Knots create a net-like or lattice pattern that is one of macrame’s most iconic designs. Here is how to alternate them:

1. Tie your first row of 8 Square Knots using strands 1-4, 5-8, 9-12, 13-16, 17-20, 21-24, 25-28, and 29-32.
2. For the second row, leave the first 2 strands and last 2 strands out. Tie Square Knots using strands 3-6, 7-10, 11-14, 15-18, 19-22, 23-26, and 27-30. This gives you 7 knots that sit between the first row.
3. For the third row, return to the original groupings (same as row 1) and tie 8 knots.
4. Continue alternating for as many rows as you want. Five to seven rows creates a beautiful main panel.

Step 4: The Spiral (Half Square) Knot Column

For decorative accents on the sides, try the Spiral Knot. This is simply a series of Half Square Knots (step one only of the Square Knot, repeated without completing). As you tie only the left-to-right half consistently, the cord naturally spirals into a beautiful twist.

Use a group of 4 strands on each side of your main panel. Tie 10 to 15 consecutive Half Square Knots to get a full spiral effect.

Step 5: Creating the Fringe

The fringe at the bottom is what gives macrame wall hangings their characteristic bohemian look. Here is how to create a neat, brushed fringe:

1. Leave all strands unworked for the bottom 20-25cm of your hanging.
2. Untwist each strand by separating the individual plies with your fingers. Single-strand (spun) cotton will unravel into fine, fluffy fibres. Twisted (3-ply) rope will separate into three strands each.
3. Use your stiff brush or comb to brush each untwisted strand thoroughly, working from the bottom upward.
4. Trim the bottom edge in a straight line, a V-shape, or an arc using sharp scissors and a ruler or curved template.

Step 6: Finishing and Hanging

Before hanging, give your piece a gentle tug all over to check that all knots are tight and even. If any knot looks loose, untie and redo it now. Use a fine-tooth comb for a final fringe fluffing.

Tie a hanging cord to each end of the dowel using a simple overhand knot. Choose a length that suits where you’ll hang it. Hang it on a nail or hook and step back to admire your work.

Tips for Your First Macrame Project

• Work at a comfortable height. Hang your dowel at eye level so you can see the pattern develop.
• Keep tension consistent. Uneven tension is the most common beginner mistake. Every knot should be pulled to the same tightness.
• Don’t rush the fringe. Thorough brushing makes the difference between a cheap-looking and a professional finish.
• Use recycled materials. Check our Recycled Crafts category for ideas on upcycling materials into macrame backings and frames.

Design Variations to Try Next

Once you have mastered the basic wall hanging, explore these variations:

• Macrame plant hanger: Use a ring instead of a dowel and create a basket for a pot plant.
• Macrame shelf: Attach a wooden plank below a dowel using knotted supports.
• Dip-dyed macrame: Dip the fringe ends in fabric dye for an ombre effect.
• Feather macrame: Cut individual cords and brush them out into leaf or feather shapes.

For more hands-on project ideas, browse our full DIY Crafts category. You’ll find dozens of tutorials suitable for complete beginners through to experienced makers.

Conclusion

Macrame is a wonderfully meditative craft. Once you learn the four or five core knots, your hands begin to work almost automatically and the rhythmic knotting becomes deeply relaxing. Start with this simple wall hanging, then challenge yourself with more complex patterns as your skills grow. The only limit is the length of your rope.