How to Macrame a Simple Wall Hanging with Your Family

Learn to create a beautiful macrame wall hanging using basic knots in this beginner-friendly family craft project.

  1. Gather Your Materials. You'll need a wooden dowel or branch (12-18 inches long), macrame cord or cotton rope (about 200 feet of 3-4mm thickness), scissors, a comb or brush for fringing, and measuring tape. Choose natural cotton cord for the best results - it's easier to work with and looks lovely when finished. Cut 16 pieces of cord, each 4 feet long. Having everything ready before you start makes the project flow smoothly.
  2. Attach Cords to Your Dowel. Take one piece of cord and fold it in half to find the center point. Place the folded center behind your dowel, then pull the two loose ends through the loop you've created and tighten. This is called a lark's head knot. Repeat this process with all 16 cords, spacing them evenly across your dowel. You should now have 32 working strands hanging down from your dowel.
  3. Create the First Row of Square Knots. Divide your 32 strands into 8 groups of 4 strands each. You'll make square knots using each group. Take the leftmost strand and cross it over the two middle strands, then under the rightmost strand. Now take the rightmost strand, go under the two middle strands, and pull it through the loop created by the left strand. Pull both outer strands to tighten. This completes half of a square knot. Repeat the process in reverse (right strand over, left strand under) to complete the full square knot.
  4. Make Additional Rows. Leave about 3 inches of space, then create a second row by regrouping your strands. Take 2 strands from one group and 2 strands from the adjacent group to form new groups of 4. Make square knots with these new groupings. This creates a lovely diamond pattern. Add a third row by going back to your original groupings, again leaving about 3 inches of space. This alternating pattern creates the classic macrame look.
  5. Finish Your Wall Hanging. Once you've completed your desired pattern (3-4 rows work well for beginners), it's time to create the fringe. Trim all the bottom strands to the same length, leaving at least 6 inches for a nice drape. Use a comb or brush to gently separate the individual fibers of each strand, creating a soft, feathery fringe. Trim any uneven pieces to create a clean, finished look.