How to Make a Macrame Wall Hanging - Beginner Pattern

MacraméEasy12:458 steps

By ShowMeStepByStepPublished May 7, 2026Updated May 10, 2026

Based on a video by Habit Made.

A macrame wall hanging looks elaborate but it's just three knots layered into a pattern. Larkshead attaches the cords to a wooden dowel. Square knots build the textured center. Double half hitch knots form the diagonal V at the bottom that frames the design.

Habit Made walks through a beginner-friendly version that takes about 45 minutes once you've practiced the knots. The clean white cotton cord against a wooden dowel is the classic boho look - it goes with almost any decor without trying.

The trickiest part is keeping the knot tension even. If one row looks tighter than another, it's usually because you're pulling harder on one side. Slow down and the rows even out. The whole piece is forgiving - small inconsistencies become part of the handmade character.

Step-by-Step Guide

Gather Your Supplies

0:30

You need cotton macrame cord (7mm thickness is the standard for wall hangings), sharp scissors, a measuring tape, masking tape, and a 2-foot wood dowel or natural branch.

Cotton cord gives a soft, lived-in look once it unravels at the bottom into fringe. Avoid synthetic cord - it doesn't fray the same way and the texture feels plasticky.

Tip

Look for a natural-finish wooden branch instead of a perfect dowel - it adds rustic character. Most craft stores sell them in the floral or wedding section.

Products used in this step

7mm Cotton Macrame Cord (50ft)View product

Wooden Macrame Dowel 24 inchView product

Sharp Fabric ScissorsView product

Cut Your Cords

1:50

Cut 8 cords at 8 feet each - these go in the center of the design and need extra length for all the knots. Then cut 18 cords at 6 feet each - these add to the sides later.

Lay them flat on the floor as you cut so the lengths stay even. Cotton cord stretches if you measure it under tension.

Tip

Always cut a foot longer than you think you need. Macrame eats cord faster than expected, and running out 3/4 of the way through the design is the worst feeling.

Attach Cords with Larkshead Knots

1:15

Tape the dowel to a flat surface or hang it on a hook so it stays still. Fold each 8-foot cord in half. Loop the fold over the front of the dowel, pull both tails back through the loop, and snug it up.

That's a larkshead knot. Repeat with all 8 cords, spaced evenly across the center of the dowel.

Tip

Push each new larkshead snug against the previous one - small gaps look intentional, big gaps look sloppy.

Tie the First Square Knot Row

2:25

Group the hanging cords into bundles of 4 (the two outer cords are the working cords, the two inner cords are the filler).

Drop down 3.5 inches from the dowel. Tie a square knot at each bundle. A square knot is two half-knots tied in opposite directions - left over right, then right over left.

Tip

Keep your tension even across all the knots in one row. Pull each knot to the same tightness or the row dips and waves.

Build Square Knot Rows in a V

3:20

Drop another 2.5 inches and tie the second row of square knots, but offset between the first row's knots (this is called alternating square knots).

Repeat with another row of 2 knots offset 2.5 inches below, then a final single knot at the bottom point. The result is a downward-pointing V of square knots in the center.

Tip

If your V isn't centered on the dowel, you used different bundles than expected for the offset. Untie back to the previous row and start the alternation pattern over.

Attach 18 More Cords

5:30

Take the 18 shorter (6-foot) cords. Attach them with larkshead knots in groups of 3 - that's 3 cords per section, alternating sections on each side of the central V.

Once all are attached, the dowel is fully covered with cords hanging down. The design is starting to take shape now.

Tip

The video calls these 'larks heads' but the technique is identical to step 3 - just three folded cords instead of one. Pinch all three folds together before threading through the loop.

Diagonal Double Half Hitch Knots

7:40

Starting from the leftmost cord at the top, tie diagonal double half hitch knots working down toward the center. Each knot wraps the working cord twice around a holding cord laid diagonally across the design.

Repeat from the right side. The two diagonal lines meet at the bottom of the central V to frame the square-knot section in a diamond shape.

Tip

Double half hitch is the slowest knot in macrame - don't rush. The diagonal angle has to stay consistent or the V looks crooked.

Trim the Bottom Fringe

12:00

Tape a piece of masking tape across the bottom in a V or straight line - this is your cut guide. Trim the cords with sharp scissors right along the tape edge.

Pull the masking tape off and comb out the fringe with your fingers if you want a fluffier, lived-in look. Hang the dowel on a wall hook.

Tip

Steam-iron the cord ends after trimming for a neat finish. A little water in a spray bottle plus an iron on the cotton setting tames frizzy ends in seconds.

Products Used

7mm Cotton Macrame Cord (50ft)View Wooden Macrame Dowel 24 inchView Sharp Fabric ScissorsView

Your Guide

Habit Made

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