A macramé wall hanging brings something no print or canvas quite manages — texture you can almost feel from across the room. The interplay of knotted cotton cord, trailing fringe and natural materials adds warmth and a handcrafted quality that suits everything from a boho bedroom to a calm, minimal living room. Whether you want to make your own or find a piece by a talented British maker, this guide covers both.
What is a macramé wall hanging?
Macramé is the craft of creating decorative textiles through knotting rather than weaving or knitting. It has roots going back centuries but found its most recent moment of mass popularity in the 1970s, when knotted hangings appeared in homes across Britain and beyond. Today’s revival is quieter and more considered — natural cotton cord instead of synthetic twine, geometric patterns alongside organic fringe, and a strong lean towards supporting independent makers.
The appeal is practical as well as aesthetic. A macramé wall hanging fills a wall without the weight or formality of framed art. It introduces softness into rooms that might otherwise feel hard-edged, and because every piece is knotted by hand, no two are exactly alike.
Macramé wall hanging styles
Knowing the main styles helps you choose the right piece for your space — or decide what to make first.
Boho and fringe
The most recognisable style: a wide hanging with cascading fringe, often in natural or cream cotton. Works in bedrooms, living rooms and above a sofa — relaxed, textural, with a handmade feel that reads beautifully against white or warm-toned walls.
Geometric and structured
Tighter knotwork forming diamond, chevron or honeycomb patterns. More graphic than soft, these suit modern or Scandi-influenced interiors.
Statement colour
Macramé is no longer limited to neutral. Coloured cord — burgundy, emerald, forest green — transforms the craft into something closer to textile art.
Small and considered
Not every macramé wall hanging needs to dominate a room. A smaller piece works well in a hallway, above a bedside table or layered as part of a wider wall arrangement.
Large macramé wall hanging
A large piece works best treated as you would a piece of art — given space, a plain backdrop, and good light. Pieces over 80cm wide have enough presence to carry an entire wall.
Shop Macramé Wall Hangings
Every piece below is handmade to order by BetweenTheLinesCraft, a London-based maker specialising in knotted textile art. Each macramé wall hanging is crafted from natural cotton cord and ships with free delivery.
Olivia — Minimalist Macramé Wall Hanging
BetweenTheLinesCraft on EtsyA smaller, pared-back piece with quiet presence. Works well in a hallway, above a bedside table or layered as part of a wider wall arrangement.
View on Etsy
Sally — Macramé Wall Hanging Tapestry
BetweenTheLinesCraft on EtsyA clean, minimal tapestry design with fine fringe and considered knotwork. Suits neutral and Scandi-inspired rooms without competing with other elements.
View on Etsy
Freja — Retro Beige Macramé Wall Hanging
BetweenTheLinesCraft on EtsyA relaxed, fringe-heavy hanging in natural beige cotton cord. Suits warm-toned and white walls equally well, with a handmade quality that reads beautifully in person.
View on Etsy
Roxy — Burgundy Macramé Wall Hanging
BetweenTheLinesCraft on EtsyRich burgundy cord with structured geometric knotwork. A strong statement piece for a sitting room or bedroom — pairs well with warm neutrals and dark walls.
View on Etsy
Sylvia — Green Macramé Wall Hanging
BetweenTheLinesCraft on EtsyDeep forest green with tassel detail and bold geometric knotwork. A maximalist piece that works as textile art — particularly striking against white or warm plaster.
View on Etsy
Margaret — Large Macramé Wall Hanging
BetweenTheLinesCraft on EtsyA large, traditional fringe hanging with intricate knotwork and a wooden branch dowel. Enough presence to anchor an entire feature wall in a sitting room or bedroom.
View on EtsyHow to make a macramé wall hanging
Making your own macramé wall hanging is a satisfying weekend project and genuinely more achievable than it looks. The basic technique uses a small set of repeating knots — once you have those, the rest is pattern and patience.
What you need
• Macramé cord (3mm single strand or braided cotton for a first project)
• A wooden dowel, stick or metal ring
• Scissors
• A comb or pet slicker brush for finishing fringe
• Measuring tapeFor cord, CosyYarnsUK in Hereford stock an excellent range of 100% recycled cotton macramé cord in both braided and twisted finishes. Their 3mm braided cord is well suited to a first wall hanging — strong, smooth and available in a wide range of colours.
Shop Macramé Supplies
CosyYarnsUK is an Etsy maker supplying everything you need to get started with macramé. From cotton cord in a wide range of colours and thicknesses to wooden dowels and decorative beads — all available to order in one place, with delivery across the UK.
Basic knots to learn first
You need four knots to make the vast majority of macramé wall hangings:
Lark’s head knot — used to attach each length of cord to your dowel. Fold a cord in half, loop it over the dowel and pull the ends through.
Square knot — the foundation of most macramé patterns. Two outer cords cross over two central cords, then under and through. Repeat in reverse to complete the knot.
Spiral knot — a half square knot repeated continuously in the same direction, which creates a twisted rope effect.
Diagonal clove hitch — used to create angled lines and geometric shapes across the hanging.
Step-by-step: a simple macramé wall hanging
Step 1 — Cut your cord
Cut lengths approximately four times the finished length you want. For a hanging around 60cm long, cut cords at 240cm. Fold each in half before attaching.
Step 2 — Attach to your dowel
Using a lark’s head knot, attach each folded cord to your dowel until you have the width you want. A 30cm dowel with cords every 1.5cm gives you a full, dense hanging.
Step 3 — Work your pattern
Start with rows of square knots across all cords. Once comfortable, introduce alternating square knots in the next row — offset by one cord — to create a net or diamond effect. Add spiral knot sections for texture.
Step 4 — Finish the fringe
Once you have reached your desired length, trim the trailing cords to an even line, a V-shape or a curved edge. Use a comb or slicker brush to unravel and brush out each cord end for a full, soft fringe.
Step 5 — Hang and adjust
Loop a length of cord or leather around the dowel ends to hang. Adjust any knots that look uneven and trim the fringe once hanging so it falls straight.
Video tutorial
New to macramé? Start with a kit
A macramé wall hanging kit takes the material sourcing out of the equation and gives you a pattern to follow — useful if you want a guided first project. The three below are all from independent UK makers on Etsy.
Shop Macramé Wall Hanging Kits
Learning how to make a macramé wall hanging is a relaxing way to create beautiful handmade décor for your home. These macramé wall hanging kits include the materials and guidance needed to get started, whether you prefer a classic neutral wall hanging, a colourful beginner kit or a textured weaving project.
DIY Macramé Wall Hanging Kit
ButOneString on EtsyA complete DIY macramé wall hanging kit with everything needed to create an elegant boho-style piece. Perfect for beginners who want to learn decorative knotting techniques.
View on Etsy
Colourful Beginner Macramé Kit
SouthseaMacrame on EtsyWith soft coloured cords and clear instructions, this beginner-friendly macramé kit is a lovely choice for creating a pretty handmade wall hanging at home.
View on Etsy
Macramé Weaving Starter Kit
Wool Couture Company on EtsyCombining macramé and weaving, this creative starter kit helps you make a textured wall hanging with soft details, fringe and a relaxed handcrafted feel.
View on EtsyFAQs
Are macramé wall hangings still in style?
Yes — and the current wave feels more lasting than a trend. The move towards handmade, natural and tactile objects in interiors has given macramé a settled place alongside ceramics, rattan and linen. It works particularly well in boho, coastal, Japandi and maximalist rooms.
How do you hang a macramé wall hanging?
Most macramé wall hangings come with a dowel or rod already attached. A single picture hook or nail is usually enough — position it so the hanging sits at eye level or slightly above. For heavier or extra-large pieces, use two hooks to distribute the weight evenly.
How do you clean a macramé wall hanging?
Spot clean with a damp cloth for minor marks. For a more thorough clean, hand wash in cool water with a gentle detergent, reshape while wet and hang to dry naturally. Avoid the tumble dryer — heat shrinks cotton cord and loosens knots.
What size macramé wall hanging do I need?
As a guide: a small hanging (under 40cm wide) suits a hallway, nook or bedside wall. A medium piece (40–70cm) works above a sofa, desk or fireplace. A large macramé wall hanging (70cm and above) can anchor an entire feature wall and works best with clear space around it.
What cord is best for a macramé wall hanging?
3mm single-strand or braided cotton cord is the most versatile starting point — easy to knot, widely available and produces clean fringe when brushed out. For a chunkier, more textural result, move up to 5mm cord. Avoid synthetic fibres if you want a natural, brushable fringe.
More inspiration
Boho bedroom ideas
How to create a relaxed, layered bedroom with texture, natural materials and artisan pieces.
Crochet storage baskets
Stylish and practical — the best handmade crochet baskets for organising your home.
Artisan crafts
Discover handmade craft ideas and British makers bringing skill and character to the home.