Beginner's Guide to Macrame: 5 Stunning Wall Hangings

What Is Macrame?

Macrame is a textile art form that uses knotting rather than weaving or knitting to create decorative and functional pieces. The word comes from the Arabic word "migramah," meaning fringe, and the technique has been practiced by sailors, artisans, and craftspeople for centuries.

A Brief History

The origins of macrame can be traced back to 13th-century Arab weavers who used decorative knots to finish the edges of woven textiles. The technique spread to Europe through Moorish influence, and by the 17th century, sailors were using macrame to decorate everything from knife handles to bell pulls during long ocean voyages. The craft reached peak popularity in the 1970s when macrame plant hangers, wall hangings, and owl decorations adorned homes across the Western world.

The Modern Revival

After a decades-long hiatus, macrame has experienced a remarkable resurgence since the mid-2010s. Today's macrame is more refined and minimalist than its 1970s predecessor. Contemporary artists have elevated the craft with sophisticated color palettes, innovative materials, and sculptural designs that blur the line between textile art and home decor. Social media platforms have played a huge role in this revival, making it easy for beginners to find tutorials, inspiration, and community.

Essential Materials and Tools

One of the great things about macrame is that you need very little to get started. Here is everything you need for the projects in this guide.

Cord Types

The cord you choose significantly affects the look and feel of your finished piece. Here are the most common options:

Other Essential Supplies

• Dowel rod or wooden branch: 12-24 inches long, 0.5-1 inch diameter. This serves as the mounting bar for wall hangings. A natural driftwood branch adds character.
• Macrame ring: A metal or wooden ring (6-12 inches) for plant hangers and circular designs.
• Sharp scissors: Dedicated craft scissors that cut cleanly through thick cord.
• Measuring tape: For measuring cord lengths accurately.
• T-pins or masking tape: To secure your work to a surface while knotting.
• Comb or brush: A wide-tooth comb or pet brush for creating fluffy fringe at the ends.
• Wooden beads: Optional, for adding decorative elements to your pieces.

Basic Knots Guide

Everything in macrame is built from a handful of fundamental knots. Master these four knots and you can create virtually any pattern. Practice each one until it feels natural before moving on to the projects.

1. The Square Knot

The square knot is the most important knot in macrame. It is the building block for most patterns and creates a flat, symmetrical design. You will use this knot in every single project in this guide.

How to tie it:

1. Start with four cords. The two outer cords are your "working cords" and the two inner cords are your "filler cords."
2. Take the left working cord and pass it over the two filler cords and under the right working cord.
3. Take the right working cord and pass it under the two filler cords and through the loop created by the left cord. Pull tight. This completes the first half of the square knot.
4. Now mirror the process: take the right working cord over the filler cords and under the left cord.
5. Take the left working cord under the filler cords and through the loop created by the right cord. Pull tight.
6. You have completed one square knot. It should lie flat and symmetrical.

2. The Spiral Knot (Half Square Knot)

The spiral knot is simply a square knot that is repeated on the same side instead of alternating. This creates a beautiful twisting spiral pattern that adds visual interest to any piece.

How to tie it:

1. Using the same four-cord setup as the square knot, complete the first half of a square knot (left cord over, right cord through).
2. Instead of alternating sides, repeat the exact same motion: left cord over, right cord through.
3. Continue repeating this half knot. After 8-10 repetitions, the cords will naturally twist into a spiral.
4. Keep going until your spiral reaches the desired length.

3. The Half Hitch (Double Half Hitch)

The half hitch is a simple knot that creates diagonal, horizontal, or vertical lines in your work. It is commonly used to create diamond and chevron patterns.

How to tie it:

1. Take your working cord and pass it over the filler cord from left to right.
2. Bring the working cord around and through the loop you just created, pulling it snug against the filler cord.
3. Repeat once more in the same direction for a double half hitch (DHH), which is more secure and creates a neater appearance.
4. To create diagonal lines, angle your filler cord and tie half hitches along it.

4. The Gathering Knot (Wrapping Knot)

The gathering knot is used to bundle multiple cords together, typically at the top of a wall hanging or at the bottom of a plant hanger. It creates a clean, finished transition point.

How to tie it:

1. Gather all the cords you want to bundle together.
2. Take a separate, shorter piece of cord and create a loop at the top of the bundle, with the short tail pointing down.
3. Wrap the long end of the cord tightly around the bundle, working downward and covering the loop.
4. Continue wrapping for 1-2 inches (or your desired length).
5. Pass the long end through the bottom of the loop at the top.
6. Pull the short tail at the top upward, which will pull the loop and the long end underneath the wraps.
7. Trim both ends close to the wraps and tuck them in.

5 Macrame Projects with Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you know the fundamental knots, let us put them to use. These five projects progress from easiest to most advanced, so work through them in order to build your skills progressively.

Project 1: Simple Plant Hanger

A macrame plant hanger is the perfect first project. It uses only square knots and spiral knots, and the result is both beautiful and functional. Hang it in a window, on a porch, or from the ceiling to display your favorite potted plant.

Materials You Will Need

• One 6-inch metal or wooden macrame ring
• 4mm cotton cord, approximately 80 feet total
• Scissors
• A small potted plant (4-6 inch pot)

Instructions

1. Cut the cord: Cut 8 pieces of cord, each 8 feet long. Fold each piece in half to create 16 working ends.
2. Attach to ring: Use a lark's head knot to attach all 8 folded cords to the ring. (Fold each cord in half, loop it over the ring, and pull the ends through the loop.) You now have 16 cords hanging from the ring.
3. Divide into groups: Divide the 16 cords into 4 groups of 4 cords each.
4. Tie square knots: Using each group of 4 cords, tie 10 square knots (20 half knots) to create a long knotted section. Repeat for all 4 groups.
5. Create the cradle: After the square knot sections, pair the right 2 cords of one group with the left 2 cords of the adjacent group. Tie 3 square knots with each new pairing. This creates a diamond-shaped net that will hold the pot.
6. Gather at the bottom: Gather all 16 cords together about 6 inches below the cradle. Tie a gathering knot to bundle them all together.
7. Finish: Trim the cords to an even length, or unravel them and comb them out for a fluffy fringe finish.

Project 2: Feather Wall Hanging

Macrame feathers are delicate, bohemian accents that look beautiful displayed individually or in a group of three or five. This project teaches you how to create realistic feather shapes using a variation of the half hitch knot.

Materials You Will Need

• 3mm single-twist cotton cord, approximately 50 feet
• One 12-inch wooden dowel or driftwood branch
• Scissors
• Wide-tooth comb

Instructions

1. Cut the cord: Cut one long piece of cord (about 15 feet) for the center spine of the feather, and 20 shorter pieces (about 16 inches each) for the barbs.
2. Create the spine: Fold the long center cord in half and attach it to the dowel using a lark's head knot. This is the central vein of your feather.
3. Attach barbs: Take a short cord, fold it in half, and attach it to the spine using a reverse lark's head knot. Position it close to the dowel. Repeat on both sides of the spine, spacing the knots about 0.5 inches apart.
4. Build the feather shape: Continue adding barbs down the spine. Make the barbs progressively shorter as you move toward the tip to create the tapered feather shape.
5. Tighten and shape: Gently slide the knots along the spine to adjust spacing. Pull each knot tight.
6. Trim and fringe: Trim the bottom of each barb into a V-shape to mimic a real feather. Unravel the cord ends and comb them out for a soft, feathery texture.
7. Repeat: Make 2-3 feathers of different sizes for a complete wall display.

Project 3: Chevron Pattern Wall Art

The chevron (V-shape) pattern is a macrame classic. It looks intricate but is created entirely with alternating square knots. This wall hanging is a perfect introduction to pattern work and produces a striking geometric design.

Materials You Will Need

• 4mm cotton cord, approximately 120 feet total
• One 18-inch wooden dowel
• Scissors
• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Cut the cord: Cut 12 pieces of cord, each 10 feet long.
2. Attach to dowel: Fold each cord in half and attach to the dowel using lark's head knots, spacing them about 1.5 inches apart. You now have 24 cords.
3. First row of square knots: Starting from the left, take cords 1-4 and tie 3 square knots. Skip cords 5-6. Take cords 7-10 and tie 3 square knots. Continue this pattern across, leaving 2 cords between each knot group.
4. Second row (offset): For the next row, shift your knot groups 2 cords to the right. Take cords 3-6, tie 3 square knots. Continue across. This creates the diagonal lines of the chevron.
5. Continue the pattern: Alternate between the two row positions, tying 3 square knots per group, for 8-10 rows total. The chevron pattern will emerge naturally.
6. Create a V-point: To form the bottom point of the chevron, gradually reduce the number of cords in each knot group until you are down to a single square knot at the center.
7. Finish: Trim all cord ends to create an even fringe, or unravel and comb for a textured finish.

Project 4: Diamond Pattern Curtain

This project takes the chevron concept further by creating a repeating diamond pattern across a wider surface. The result is a stunning macrame curtain that can be used as a room divider, window treatment, or wall hanging. It is a bigger time investment but produces a truly impressive piece.

Materials You Will Need

• 4mm cotton cord, approximately 300 feet total
• One 36-inch wooden dowel (or curtain rod)
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• T-pins and a foam board or cork board

Instructions

1. Cut the cord: Cut 24 pieces of cord, each 12 feet long. This will give you a curtain approximately 30 inches wide.
2. Attach to dowel: Fold each cord in half and attach to the dowel with lark's head knots, spaced about 1.25 inches apart. You now have 48 cords.
3. First section (alternating square knots): Tie square knots in groups of 4 cords across the entire width, leaving 2 cords between groups. Tie 5 rows, alternating the starting position each row to create a diamond shape.
4. Transition to spiral knots: After the diamond section, switch to spiral knots for each pair of adjacent cords. Tie 15-20 half knots to create twisted ropes that add visual contrast.
5. Second diamond section: Return to square knots and create another diamond pattern below the spirals.
6. Finish: Leave 8-10 inches of loose cord at the bottom for fringe. Trim evenly and unravel for a soft finish.

Project 5: Large Statement Piece

This is the showstopper. A large, multi-section wall hanging that combines all the knots and techniques you have learned into one impressive piece. It features a decorative top edge, alternating pattern sections, spiral accents, and a dramatic fringe. This piece will be the focal point of any room.

Materials You Will Need

• 5mm cotton cord, approximately 500 feet total
• One 24-inch natural driftwood branch (or wooden dowel)
• Wooden beads (optional, 10-15 beads)
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Wide-tooth comb
• T-pins and foam board

Instructions

1. Cut the cord: Cut 20 pieces at 15 feet each (main pattern cords), 8 pieces at 10 feet each (side accents), and 2 pieces at 3 feet each (gathering knot).
2. Attach to branch: Attach the 20 main cords to the branch using lark's head knots, evenly spaced. Attach the 8 accent cords on the outer edges, 4 on each side.
3. Top border: Tie 3 rows of alternating square knots across the main section.
4. Diamond pattern section: Create a large diamond pattern using 6-8 rows of alternating square knots, as described in Project 3.
5. Spiral accent section: In the center 8 cords, tie 20 spiral knots. Add a wooden bead at the midpoint of each spiral. On the outer cords, continue with square knot patterns.
6. Second pattern section: Create another diamond or V-pattern below the spirals, this time using double half hitch knots for variety.
7. Gathering section: Divide the cords into 3 groups (left, center, right). Tie a gathering knot around each group to create 3 distinct tails.
8. Finishing: Unravel all cord ends and comb out the fringe thoroughly. Trim to create a gradual V-shape, with the center fringe longest. The total hanging length should be approximately 36-42 inches below the branch.

Tips for Choosing Cord and Color

The cord and color you choose set the tone for your entire piece. Here is how to make the right selection for your space and style.

• Match your decor: Neutral cords (natural, white, cream, beige) work in almost any setting. For a bolder look, choose colored cords that complement your room's palette. Earth tones like terracotta, sage green, and mustard yellow are particularly popular in bohemian interiors.
• Consider the wall color: Light-colored cord stands out against dark walls, while natural or dark cord provides contrast against light walls. Think about the visual impact you want.
• Thickness matters: Thinner cord (2-3mm) creates delicate, intricate details but takes longer to work with. Thicker cord (5-7mm) works up quickly and creates bold, dramatic pieces. For beginners, 4mm is the sweet spot.
• Buy from reputable suppliers: Quality cord makes a noticeable difference. Look for 100% cotton cord from craft suppliers or specialty macrame shops. Avoid cheap synthetic cord, which is difficult to knot and does not look as good.
• Test a small sample: Before committing to a large project, cut a few feet of cord and practice your knots. This lets you evaluate the cord's texture, how well it holds knots, and whether the color looks right in your space.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Every beginner makes mistakes. Here are the most common ones and how to avoid or correct them.

• Uneven tension: If some knots are loose and others are tight, your pattern will look messy. Focus on pulling each knot with consistent pressure. After each row, go back and gently tug all knots to even them out.
• Measuring cord too short: Running out of cord mid-project is frustrating. Always add 20-30% extra length to your estimates. You can always trim excess, but you cannot add more.
• Confusing working and filler cords: In square knots, the outer cords do the work and the inner cords stay still. If you accidentally use the wrong cords, your pattern will not form correctly. Use clips or tape to mark filler cords until you are comfortable.
• Not securing your work: Trying to knot while holding the dowel in one hand leads to uneven results. Always pin or tape your work to a stable surface at the top so both hands are free for knotting.
• Rushing: Macrame requires patience. Each knot needs to be tied carefully and checked. Rushing leads to mistakes that are hard to undo in long pieces. Set aside dedicated time and enjoy the process.

Care and Maintenance

With proper care, your macrame pieces will last for years. Follow these guidelines to keep them looking their best.

• Dusting: Gently shake your wall hangings outdoors every few weeks to remove dust. For more thorough cleaning, use a vacuum with a brush attachment on the lowest setting.
• Washing: Cotton macrame can be hand-washed in cold water with a mild detergent. Submerge the piece, gently agitate, and rinse thoroughly. Do not wring or twist. Roll in a towel to remove excess water, then reshape and lay flat to dry.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure to UV rays can fade colored cord and weaken natural fibers. Hang your pieces in indirect light or rotate them periodically.
• Humidity control: Cotton cord can stretch slightly in high humidity. If your piece starts to sag, mist it lightly with water and reshape it while damp. It will hold its new shape as it dries.
• Storage: If you need to store your macrame, wrap it in acid-free tissue paper and place it in a breathable cotton bag. Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and cause mildew.
• Refresh the fringe: Over time, fringe can become tangled or flat. Comb it out with a wide-tooth comb and mist lightly with water, then reshape by hand.

Conclusion

Macrame is a highly accessible and rewarding crafts you can learn. With just a few basic knots and some quality cord, you can create beautiful, handmade decor that adds warmth and personality to your home. The five projects in this guide are designed to take you from complete beginner to confident creator, building your skills progressively with each piece.

Remember that macrame is a skill that improves with practice. Your first square knot might not be perfect, and your first wall hanging might have some uneven rows. That is completely normal and part of the learning process. Each project you complete will be better than the last, and soon you will be designing your own original patterns.

What will you create with your new macrame skills first? From plant hangers to statement wall pieces, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination. With just four basic knots and some quality cotton cord, you now have the foundation to craft beautiful, handmade decor that brings warmth and texture to any space.