What Is Macrame?
Macrame is the art of knotting cord or rope into decorative patterns. It originated in 13th-century Arabia and has had several major revivals — most recently the 1970s and again now. The results range from simple wall hangings to elaborate plant hangers, hammocks, and room dividers. Best of all, the core technique involves just a handful of knots that any beginner can master in an afternoon.
What You Need
Our Macrame Wall Hanging Kit for Beginners includes everything: 3mm natural cotton macrame cord, a wooden dowel, a metal ring for hanging, scissors, and a pattern booklet with 3 designs. You'll also need something to hang your dowel from while you work — a clothes rack, a hook, or a doorknob works perfectly.
The 3 Knots You Need to Know
1. The Lark's Head Knot
This is how you attach your cords to the dowel. Fold a length of cord in half, place the loop over the dowel, pull the two loose ends down through the loop, and tighten. That's it. Every cord on your piece starts with a lark's head knot.
2. The Square Knot
The workhorse of macrame. Take 4 cords: the 2 outer cords work, the 2 inner cords are filler. Right outer cord goes over the fillers and under the left outer cord. Left outer cord goes under the fillers and through the loop on the right. Pull tight. That's the first half. Reverse it for the second half. Together they make a square knot. Rows of square knots create the beautiful geometric patterns you see in macrame.
3. The Half Hitch
Take one cord (the working cord) and loop it over and under another cord (the filler), pulling the working end through the loop. Do it twice in the same direction for a double half hitch — this creates diagonal lines and is how macrame patterns change direction.
Your First Wall Hanging: Step by Step
- Cut your cords — Cut 16 cords, each 4x the intended finished length of your piece. For a 40cm hanging, cut each cord 160cm long.
- Attach to dowel — Using lark's head knots, attach all 16 cords to your dowel. You now have 32 working ends.
- Row of square knots — Working in groups of 4 cords, tie square knots across the entire width.
- Alternating square knots — Drop 2 cords at each edge, then tie square knots again — but using cords from adjacent groups. This creates the classic macrame diamond pattern.
- Repeat and vary — Continue alternating rows, adding spacing for open designs or packing knots tightly for a denser look.
- Finish the fringe — Once your pattern is complete, leave the cords hanging as fringe, or trim them into a V-shape or straight edge. Unravel the ends for a fluffy, bohemian finish.
- Hang it — Thread a loop of cord through the ring and hang. Stand back and admire.
Ready to Start?
Our Macrame Wall Hanging Kit for Beginners comes with 3 pattern options so you can progress from simple to complex. Browse our full DIY Kits Collection for more hands-on craft projects. First order? Use WELCOME15 for 15% off.