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DIY Mini Macrame Wall Hanging

DIY Mini Macrame Wall Hanging: Create this gorgeous mini macrame wall hanging in just under one hour using one simple knot. Have you ever wanted to try your hand at macrame only to be deterred by all those intricately detailed knots? Then you will love today’s DIY mini macrame wall hanging tutorial. Using just one knot you’ll be able to create this beautiful diamond-shaped pattern in under an hour.

I am not kidding – it’s that easy.

Once you get the hang of this one knot, then you will want to try your hand at another, and another, and another. It’s that addictive.

But before we get carried away with ourselves with all those knots πŸ˜‰ let’s try learning just one simple knot to create this mini macrame wall hanging (and you’ll see what I mean about the addictive part later πŸ˜‰ )

MATERIALS

You will need only 3 materials to make this piece.

Materials needed - DIY Mini Macrame Wall Hanging

  • dowel (mine is 12 inches long & 1 inch thick)
  • macrame cotton cord (I used a cord 0.1 inch/3mm thick)
  • scissors

STEPS

Step 1:  Anchor Dowel

Before you start, anchor your dowel. You can either hang it directly on the wall or lay it on a table as I did here.

Mini macrame hanging - anchor dowel.

If you decide to lay it down, you will need to create a temporary anchor for it. Cut a small piece of your cord, tie around the middle of the dowel and place a heavy object on the end. I used a paint can.

Step 2:  Cut Cord Lengths and Attach To Dowel

Mini macrame wall hanging - cut cotton cords.

To create the same pattern for this size of dowel, cut 8 cord lengths. When cutting, make sure each cord is at least 3-4 X the length that you wish to achieve in the final product. As you create your knots, the cords will get shorter and shorter along the way. My suggestion is to cut a little more than you think you need.

Once your lengths are cut, attach each one onto the dowel.

Lark’s Head Knot

To attach each cord, you will be using what’s called the lark’s head knot. So, technically, you will be learning how to create 2 knots in this tutorial πŸ™‚

Start by folding one cord in half. Taking the folded portion, place over the dowel and then tuck it underneath. Taking the cut ends of that same cord, feed them through the opening and pull down to create your first knot.

Mini macrame wall hanging tutorial - lark's head knot.

Continue in this way until all your cords are attached.

Mini macrame tutorial: cords attached using lark's head knot.

Step 3:  The Square Knot

Now, the exciting part:  creating your first decorative macrame knot.

One of the most basic knots you can create is the square knot. It is exactly as you would imagine it to look like – i.e., square(ish). For this wall hanging, we will be using the square knot to create a lovely diamond pattern.

To create your first square knot, start on the left side by separating out 4 cords.

DIY mini macrame: use 4 cords to create a square knot.

1. Taking the cord on the far left, lay it over the 3 cords to the right to create what looks like a sail on a sailboat (see step 1 in the picture below).

2.  Then, taking the cord on the far right, place it on top of that same cord that came from the far left.

DIY mini macrame wall hanging - start of square knot.

So far so good. Now comes the part where you create your first knot (follow the steps and the accompanying picture below):

1. Taking the end of the same cord on the far right, feed it underneath the 3 remaining cords so that the tip ends up in the middle of the ‘sail’ on the left side.

2. Pull the tip of that cord up and over the left cord.

3. Keep pulling until you have created 2 symmetrical ‘sails’ – one on the left, one on the right.

4. Now pull the outermost cords in opposing directions.

DIY Mini Macrame Wall Hanging: creating the top of the square knot.Continue pulling in opposite directions until the ‘sails’ disappear. This creates the top half of your square knot.

DIY mini macrame tutorial: top of square knot.

I left a bit of space between the dowel and the top half of the square knot, but you don’t have to.

This first ‘knot’ actually comprises the upper half of the square that you are creating.

To create the bottom half of your square knot, you will repeat the same steps with one important exception. You will start with the cord on the far right first (instead of the far left). If you started on the left again, then your knot will begin to twist. By alternating, you will ensure that the completed square lays flat.

So, let’s see what that looks like:

DIY Mini Macrame Wall Hanging: creating the bottom half of the square knot.

Pull the cords on the far left and far right in opposing directions – as you did with the upper knot – to bring the two knots close together. This is what creates the square shape of this knot, shown below.

DIY mini macrame wall hanging: square knot.

Now that you’ve completed your first square knot, you can create all sorts of lovely patterns. To create the pattern of this particular mini macrame wall hanging, follow along with the rest of the instructions:

For this piece, you will want to create a second square knot directly below the one you’ve just created.

DIY Mini Macrame Wall Hanging: double square knot.

Repeat this pattern going across to create your first row of square knot pairs.

DIY mini macrame wall hanging: first row of square knot pairs.

Step 4:  Creating A Diamond Pattern

Now that you’ve mastered the square knot, it’s time to create a pattern from this knot. For this piece, you will be creating a lovely diamond shape.

To create this shape, you will begin by grouping together a different set of 4 cords for the next row.

Starting from the left side, set aside the 2 cords furthest to the left. Then group together the 4 adjacent cords to the right.

DIY Mini Macrame Wall Hanging: group together a new set of cords to create diamond shape.

These are the 4 cords you will use to create the next pair of square knots. You can already see how this is going to create that diamond shape.

Repeat the same steps to create your pair of square knots as you did in the row above.

DIY Mini Macrame Wall Hanging: create first diamond shape using square knots.

Continue making pairs of square knots going across to complete the second row. When you are finished, you should have 2 spare cords on the far left and two on the far right.

DIY Mini Macrame Wall Hanging: second row of paired square knots.

When beginning your next row, simply group together the original sets of 4 cords.

DIY mini macrame wall hanging: group together original 4 cords to create the next row.

Make your next row of paired square knots.

DIY mini macrame wall hanging: creating diamond shape using square knots.

Make as many rows as  you like, alternating your grouping of cords as you go from row to row.

DIY mini macrame wall hanging - completed rows.

Step 5:  Cut the Bottom Ends

Once you are happy with your pattern, cut the length of cords you want hanging along the bottom. You can cut a straight line, angled line or jagged edge with cords of different lengths (which is what I did for my macrame piece).

Step 6:  Display

Now, simply attach a cord to the dowel and hang your lovely DIY mini macrame wall hanging!

DIY Mini Macrame Wall Hanging: This tutorial uses one basic knot to create a beautiful, minimal macrame wall hanging. Create this piece in under an hour!

DIY Mini Macrame Wall Hanging - up close.

DIY Mini Macrame Wall Hanging - left side up close.

Mini Macrame Wall Hanging - right side up close.

DIY Mini Macrame Wall Hanging: This tutorial uses one basic knot to create a beautiful, minimal macrame wall hanging. Create this piece in under an hour!

The fun of creating a DIY mini macrame wall hanging like this one is that you can create lovely patterns just by using a single knot. If you do a quick google search of macrame wall hangings, you’ll be able to spot this knot being used often alongside other knots to create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.

If you are willing to try making your own DIY version, however, you’ll find yourself wanting to learn more (and more). The variety of gorgeous patterns that you can create is simply mind-boggling!

If you haven’t yet tackled macrame, I hope this tutorial takes some of the intimidation out of it for you.

Happy macrame-making!

This mini macrame wall hanging tutorial shows you how to create this pretty diamond shape using just one simple macrame knot. You'll be able to create this wall hanging in just under an hour.

 

For more craft and decor tips from some of my other fave bloggers, see The Creative Gallery link party.

17 Comments

  • Reply
    Michelle
    May 2, 2017 at 10:13 am

    Stunning Jelica, you always have the best, most instructive tutorials and this one is no exception. Way back when, my mom used to do macrame. But I was a “know it all” teenager and never paid attention to what she was doing. I wish I had though. Thanks for sharing the basic square knot. I think I’ll go visit my Mom this weekend and see if she’ll teach me a few more.

    • Reply
      Jelica
      May 3, 2017 at 6:02 am

      I can relate to being that know-it-all teenager who reluctantly learned how to sew and craft from her mom. And now, I can’t tell you how much I love her for having given me that β€˜crafty’ foundation. We simply have to face it: mom is ALWAYS right!

  • Reply
    Katrin
    May 11, 2017 at 3:57 pm

    I love this Jelica, I’ve been into macrame for a while but haven’t tried this knot yet! Thanks for the great inspiration and tutorial!!!

  • Reply
    Tiffany
    October 19, 2018 at 9:22 am

    Hello Jelica! Thank you so much for sharing your macrame pattern, It’s a beautiful piece of art!!! I recently came across macrame and saw your mini macrame on pinterest and figured, I’ll give that one a try and behold, I have created a beautiful piece too!! I can’t wait to try more and you were definitely right about macrame being addictive, lol. You made this so easy to follow and understand and I truly can’t thank you enough. Happy macraming and hope to see more inspiring, gorgeous macrame designs from you. πŸ™‚

    • Reply
      Jelica
      October 19, 2018 at 1:55 pm

      Hey Tiffany! You’re too kind πŸ™‚ I’m so glad you’ve tried the pattern – it’s nothing fancy, but sometimes I think simple patterns make the prettiest designs. I’m already contemplating my next handcrafts – either a macrame piece or a punch needle piece. Can’t decide. But, rest assured, more macrame is definitely in the future πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Leslie
    November 11, 2018 at 9:47 am

    Thank you for this easy to follow tutorial. I created my first ever mini macrame wall hanging and now I want to create more for myself and my daughters.

    • Reply
      Jelica
      November 20, 2018 at 7:59 am

      That’s wonderful Leslie! So glad you found the tutorial useful. Macrame is definitely addictive!

  • Reply
    Swarna
    November 28, 2019 at 4:22 am

    Thanks Jelica for sharing this. I am a learner of Macrame. You have explained it very clearly (In some videos you cant gather what they try to teach) I would love to know the name of the thread use for the Macrame. Once again thanks so much for your lovely video.

    • Reply
      Jelica
      November 29, 2019 at 11:16 am

      Hi Swarna,
      So glad you are learning macrame – it’s very addictive! I use this macrame cord for this tutorial: (affiliate link) https://amzn.to/2DqWKYE.
      It’s the Rocky Mountain Co. Good luck!

  • Reply
    Jenna
    June 8, 2020 at 3:54 pm

    Hello. I love this design and can’t wait to try it. How long are the lengths of cord you have used? Just as an approximate so I’ve got something to go by. Thank you

    • Reply
      Jelica
      April 14, 2021 at 2:14 pm

      Hi Jenna! I just saw your comment – so sorry for the late reply. Unfortunately, I no longer have the measurements of the piece BUT what I can say is that for this particular pattern, I would recommend that you:
      1. Determine the length you wish the final product to be
      2. Then measure a minimum of 7-8X the length that you wish to end up with! I always err on the side of caution with the square know as it takes a lot of cord to produce!
      Good luck!

  • Reply
    L
    August 18, 2021 at 12:05 am

    Could i use any type of yarn, string or rope for macrame or does it need to be macrame cotton?

    • Reply
      Jelica
      August 29, 2021 at 2:06 pm

      Hi Liz, I used regular yarn for this one (very soft) so any will do. Truly. BUT, I must say, the softer it is, the more challenging it can be to work when creating your knots because it’s a bit more ‘slippier.’ But, again, my hanging was made ENTIRELY of soft yarn, so you should be able to use any type of fibre, as long as you can create knots out of it. Hope this helps!

  • Reply
    Kimberley Trisler
    September 25, 2021 at 10:36 pm

    Oh yes, I love making these and oh yes they are VERY addictive to make! 😁 And VERY beautiful effects I must say.. for I’m square knots to spiral knots and much more. You will definitely love the results. I’ve been making these for years. VERY fun to make for gifts also.

    • Reply
      Jelica
      June 12, 2022 at 2:39 pm

      Yes, definitely addictive. I have so much more to explore!

  • Reply
    Nicole
    September 10, 2022 at 12:59 am

    Brand new beginner question: Can you make this with yarn (that I use for knitting?) I live in Thailand and it is near impossible to get the cord here at a reasonable price.

    • Reply
      Jelica
      October 10, 2022 at 5:23 pm

      Hi Nicole: Yes, you can absolutely do this with yarn, it will just be a little more ‘fussy’ because the yarn is typically soft and macrame cord is a bit more dense/stiff. I created a large macrame wall hanging using yarn my first go and it turned out quite well (actually, I shared the process in the early days of the blog; if you don’t mind ‘grainy’ photos, have a look at my yarn wall hanging here: https://aprettyfix.com/ombre-garland-with-a-macrame-twist/) Hope this helps!

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