Macrame looks complicated but this project uses only two knots repeated in a pattern. If you can tie a square knot, you can make this wall hanging in about 30 minutes.
Soulful Notions walks through a geometric diamond pattern that looks impressive on a wall but is one of the easiest macrame projects to start with. You build the pattern row by row, and the diamond shape emerges naturally as you add and subtract cords from each row.
Fold each cord in half and loop it over the wooden dowel. Pull the ends through the loop and tighten. This is the larks head knot.
Cut cords in graduated lengths - shorter on the outside, longest in the center. The center cords do the most knotting and need extra length. Mount them symmetrically: two of each length on each side.
Take four cords. The outer two are your working cords, the inner two stay straight as filler. Make a figure four with the left cord over the fillers, pull the right cord over, behind, and through the loop. That is half a square knot.
Now do the same thing from the right side. Left then right makes one complete square knot. That is the only knot you need for this entire project.
Work across the full width, tying square knots with every group of four cords. Pull each knot tight and push it up snug against the dowel so the row is even and secure.
This first row anchors everything. Take your time getting the tension consistent before moving on.
For the next row, offset by two cords. Take two from one knot and two from the neighboring knot to form a new group of four. Tie a square knot. This is called an alternating square knot.
Drop two cords from each side with every row. The pattern naturally narrows into a V shape as you work down.
Tip
Keep the tension even on both sides. Lopsided tension makes the V crooked and it is hard to fix later.
Once you reach the bottom of the V (one knot wide), start adding two cords back into each row as you work down. You are reversing what you just did.
The pattern widens back out symmetrically, forming the bottom half of the diamond. Make sure both sides match in tension and spacing.
Once you have expanded back to the full width, you have completed one diamond. Start the V shape again to begin a second diamond directly below the first.
Two diamonds stacked vertically makes a nice sized wall hanging. You can add more if you want a longer piece.
Once all the diamonds are done, trim the hanging cords to your desired length. You can cut them straight across, at an angle, or in a V shape. Brush out the cord ends with a pet brush or comb for a soft, feathered look.
