Ever since I started sharing my macrame experience with friends, I’ve been asked by a few people about the easiest and best ways to get started. My first post is selfishly dedicated to that topic so that I can just share this link whenever someone asks 🙂

GET INSPIRED

The first thing I did was search YouTube for some how-to videos. I think I just searched “Easy Macrame Wall Hanging” and skimmed the results until I found a pattern that I liked, but also looked easy enough for a beginner. My first project was a mixture of this pattern from Emily Faith and this one from Mandala Bunny. Both give great introductions to the common knots that show up in pretty much every pattern out there: square knot, double half hitch, lark’s head, and spiral knot. Once you get these knots down, you can make like 75% of the patterns you’ll find online. That’s what makes these wall hanging tutorials an excellent first project for a beginner!

SUPPLIES

Once you’ve settled on a starter project, take a look at the video description to see what kind of macrame cord you’ll need. My first project required the following supplies (and I’ll even show you where I bought them!)

• 1″ thick dowel rods, cut to 24″ // You can buy dowel rods at your local hardware store. Most hardware stores will even cut them for you! You can also get dowel rods at craft supply stores like Michael’s, but they come in a standard length of 36″ which is far too long for most wall hanging projects.
• Macrame Cord // There are a lot of options out there, but remind yourself that you’re a beginner and there is no need to spend more than you need to on expensive cord. I started with a few spools of the following types, all available on Amazon Prime:
  • 3mm Natural Cord
  • 4mm Natural Cord
  • 6mm Single Strand Cord (for unwrinkled fringe)
• Clothing Rack // You can get creative with this, but you will need something to hang your dowel rod on while you work. I use this clothing rack that we already had in the house, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
• Hanging Hooks // You’ll also need a set of hooks to hang your dowel rod on. I use these hanging hooks from The Container Store, and they fit PERFECTLY on that clothing rack I linked above. I was actually amazed at how well it works. Again, you can get create with whatever you have lying around the house.
• Measuring Tape // For prepping and measuring your cords.
• Fabric Scissors // I didn’t start with a good pair of scissors, but I wish I had.
• Masking Tape // For cutting a clean edge on your finished product.

GETTING STARTED

Now that you have your inspiration and supplies, start watching your chosen tutorial! Don’t feel distraught if you mess up; the cord is forgiving and can be easily undone. Be consistent with how tight or loose you are making your knots. Don’t be surprised if you want to take a break after cutting your cords and hanging them on the dowel– it’s seriously the worst part 🙂