DIY Macrame Wall hanging- Beginners Tutorial- Basic Knots Step by Step
Introduction to Macramé Lesson 1: Beginners Step-by-Step Tutorial - Basic Knots
Tutorial By Robyn Gough This tutorial was created to help first time makers learn three basic knots and a simple pattern to make the hanging abover, which is the perfect DIY Macramé Wall Hanging for total beginners.
This pattern was developed for first timers. Those who may not have even heard of Macramé until reading this article. Which will also feature handy tips and full pattern instructions. REMEMBER: these tips can be used when making any Macramé hanging, so feel free to come back later to refresh yourself on the basics. It’s also pointing out that this pattern is my own. I give permission for it to be used by individuals, but not for comercial reproduction. All I ask is that you let me know if I’ve helped you, and share the love! This tutorial will ready to start exploring your own designs using three-knot combinations.
Let’s get started!
This video shows initial knots in real time - repeated twice. The rest of the repeated knots are shown in double time.
This hanging is created in 4 steps, which I will explain in mini lessons: Step 1. 1. Casting on 2. Square knot 3. How to alternate a square knot Step 2. 4. Diagonal double half hitch left 5. Diagonal double half hitch right Step 3. 6. Creating a diamond using both knots 7. Creating a diamond using alternating square knots Step 4. 8. Creating a fringe line 9. Hanging a fringe line
Equipment
Macramé, unlike crochet or knitting, does not require any “needles”. You only need your hands to tie knots.
I use a traditionally styled Macramé cotton cord which is available in my shop here . It’s soft, easy to use and unravels gently should you want to create a shaggy fringe effect.
You will also need a wooden Dowel, stick or branch to make this piece.
Supplies • 3mm Macramé UK super soft cotton
• Wooden dowel/ stick or branch. • Scissors Accompanying Notes 1. Casting on How long is a piece of string?
Any cotton you ever cut for Macramé should be at least 4.5x the length you imagine your final hanging to be. This is because, after it is cut, the cotton cord is then folded in half to be hung on a dowel using the casting-on technique and some knots gobble up more cotton than others.
For this hanging, I have used cord cut at 80cm long 2. Square knot
Square knots are simple, versatile, and strong. They are often used in Macramé plant hanger patterns. When creating a square knot, it is important to do it in two parts.
Initially, you will create a “backward D” shape with left-hand cords, pulling right-hand cords over the tails of the backward D, then under the crossover of cords, to pull out through the center of the backward D.
Next, you must reverse this process working in the opposite direction. Create a “normal D” with the right-hand cords, then pull the left-hand strings over the tails of the normal D. Next, continue under the crossover cords and finish by pulling out through the center of the normal D.
3. How to alternate a square knot
Alternating a square knot requires the same two-step approach to making a square knot, but starting with cotton from two individual square knots below the originals. Alternating square knots join the two, with a knot below, leaving some cotton leftover for the next set.
4. Diagonal Double half hitch left 5. Diagonal Double half hitch right
Half hitches are a little more simple than square knots, but only if you remember to work your knots onto the same static line of cotton and hold it at the desired angle/shape.
I always tie two identical knots onto this static line before moving forward and choosing another cord and tying another two knots. I hold my static line with my right hand and loop the changing cord with my left ( yes, this is probably the opposite to how you would imagine doing this!)
To change direction, you need to change direction! I hold my static line with my left hand and loop the other cords over with my right. 6. Creating a diamond using both knots
The main diamond feature in this pattern is created using a combination of the both knots from the previous two steps. 7. Creating a diamond using alternating square knots
The side diamonds are made from alternating square knots
8. Creating a fringe line
This design is part of my Talisman collection. It has a hanging fringe which sits in front of the pattern back piece. While it is fiddly to attach the two pieces of cotton in the middle, it is ultimately done using a square knot. It is important to leave a little slack in this line as, once you hang your cotton fringe pieces over it, it will change shape from a “V” to a “U”.
9. Hanging a fringe line
This is almost the same as the original casting on the knot in Step 1, only, this time it is cast onto the fringe line instead of a dowel.
Make sure you cut all your fringe cotton pieces to the same desired length. This way, when it hangs, it will naturally create a curved bottom, saving you from giving your hanging a “hair cut”. 10. Marvel in your creative genius! Providing you had no trouble following the video and these notes, you now have your first ever macramé wall hanging!
Remember to go to my shop for all the supplies you need to create this hanging.
If you liked this beginner's DIY Macramé wall hanging tutorial and would like to see more, let me know in the comments below.
Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/robyn_gough to see short clips, product updates and weekly personal projects to get inspired to start joining the knots yourself!