How to Make a Macramé Wall Hanging: A Complete Beginner's Tutorial

Macramé has made a massive comeback — and for good reason. With just a few knots and some natural cord, you can create stunning wall art that looks far more complex than it actually is. This tutorial walks you through making your first macramé wall hanging from start to finish.

What You'll Need

  • 3mm natural cotton macramé cord (approximately 20 meters)
  • A wooden dowel or driftwood piece (30–40 cm wide)
  • Scissors
  • A comb or stiff brush (for fringing)
  • Measuring tape

Step 1: Prepare Your Cords

Cut 16 lengths of cord, each measuring about 1.2 meters. The general rule is to cut each piece four times the desired finished length. Fold each cord in half and attach them to your dowel using a lark's head knot — simply fold the cord in half, loop the folded end over the dowel, then pull the two loose ends through the loop and tighten.

Step 2: Learn the Square Knot

The square knot is the backbone of most macramé projects. Here's how to do it:

  1. Take four cords. The two middle cords are your filler cords — they stay relatively still.
  2. Bring the left outer cord over the two filler cords and under the right outer cord.
  3. Now bring the right outer cord under the filler cords and up through the loop on the left.
  4. Pull both outer cords gently to tighten — that's the first half of the knot.
  5. Repeat the same steps in mirror image to complete the full square knot.

Step 3: Create the Pattern

Work across all 16 cords (grouped into four sets of four) and tie a row of square knots. For the second row, skip the first two cords and group the remaining cords into new sets of four — this creates the classic alternating square knot pattern that forms a beautiful diamond mesh.

Continue alternating rows until your hanging reaches your desired length — typically 25–35 cm of knotted work looks great.

Step 4: Finish with Fringe

Once you're happy with the knotted section, leave the remaining cord ends loose to create a fringe. Trim the fringe into a straight line, a V-shape, or a curved line — whichever suits your style. Use your comb or stiff brush to gently unravel the cord ends for a soft, fluffy finish.

Step 5: Hang and Display

Tie a loop of cord to each end of the dowel and hang your creation on a nail or hook. The beauty of macramé is that every piece turns out slightly unique — embrace the imperfections as part of the handmade charm.

Tips for Success

  • Keep consistent tension — too loose and knots look sloppy; too tight and they bunch up.
  • Work on a flat surface or hang the dowel at eye level so you can see your progress clearly.
  • Practice the square knot on spare cord before starting your actual piece.
  • Natural cotton cord is the easiest for beginners — it's soft, flexible, and easy to untie if you make a mistake.

Once you've mastered this basic wall hanging, you'll have the foundation to tackle plant hangers, table runners, and more complex decorative pieces. Happy knotting!