Macramé Wall Hangings
Macramé is decorative knotting with no needles, hooks or heat — only cord and tension. A wall hanging is the most forgiving first project because mistakes are easy to untie and rework while the cord is still loose.
Choosing cord
Cord is the decision that shapes everything else. Three properties matter: fibre, construction and thickness.
- Fibre. Cotton is standard for wall hangings because it knots cleanly and brushes out into a soft fringe. Jute and hemp hold a stiffer shape but fray the hands.
- Construction. Single-strand (single-twist) cord brushes into a fringe; braided cord stays as a round rope and does not fringe. Three-ply twisted cord sits between the two.
- Thickness. Common diameters run from about 3 mm to 5 mm. Thicker cord works up faster and reads boldly; thinner cord gives finer detail but takes longer.
A note on quantity
Cord disappears into knots quickly. A widely used working estimate is that each strand should be cut to several times the finished length of the piece, folded in half at the mount. Cutting generously and trimming at the end is less frustrating than running short mid-row.
Two knots carry most designs
You can build a complete hanging from two knots.
Lark's head knot
This is the mounting knot. Fold a cord in half, pass the loop behind the dowel, then pull both ends through the loop and tighten. Repeat across the dowel until you have the width you want. Each lark's head adds two working strands.
Square knot
Worked over four strands: the two outer strands knot around the two still inner strands. Alternate the starting side on each pass so the knot sits flat and symmetrical. Rows of square knots, offset against each other, create the diamond and net patterns most hangings rely on.
| Item | Typical choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cord | 3–4 mm single-strand cotton | Knots cleanly, brushes into fringe |
| Mount | Wooden dowel or driftwood | Holds the lark's head row |
| Scissors | Sharp fabric shears | Clean fringe ends |
| Comb | Wide-tooth or pet comb | Opens the fringe |
Working sequence
- Decide finished width and length, then cut strands long and fold them at the mount.
- Mount every strand to the dowel with lark's head knots.
- Work the body in rows of square knots, alternating the pattern row by row.
- Stand back at each row — tension drift is easier to fix early than late.
- Trim the fringe to a straight or angled edge and comb out single-strand cord.
Canadian seasonal note
Cotton cord responds to humidity. In dry winter indoor air, fringe can look limp; a light mist of water lets cotton relax and re-set when it dries. Keep finished pieces out of direct sun, which fades natural cotton over time.
Finishing and hanging
Tie a length of cord to each end of the dowel for hanging, and trim the fringe last so the piece hangs at its real length before the final cut. A second comb-through after mounting settles stray strands.
References
- Macramé — Wikipedia: history and knot terminology.
- Square knot — Wikipedia: structure of the reef/square knot.
- Canadian Conservation Institute: general guidance on caring for textile objects.