DIY wall hangings

3mm or 4mm natural cotton cord, and yes, the type matters a lot. Single-twist cotton string combs out into a soft fringe, which is the look most beginners want, while braided cord holds knots crisply but will not fringe. I started with 3mm three-ply cotton, since it is forgiving on knots and brushes out beautifully at the ends.

Far more than feels right, roughly four times the finished length per strand, doubled. Macramé eats cord, since every knot uses length, so a 50cm hanging needs strands around 2 metres each before folding. I always cut generously, because running short mid-row and having to join a strand is the most frustrating thing that can happen.

No, it comes down to two or three knots you repeat. The square knot and the half-hitch cover most beginner patterns, and once those click, the rest is combinations and spacing. I learned from a single video in an afternoon. The skill is in keeping tension even, which just takes a little practice rather than any special talent.

A wooden dowel, a found branch, or a brass ring, depending on the look. I like a smooth length of driftwood for an organic feel, but a sanded dowel from a DIY shop costs almost nothing and gives a cleaner line. Whatever you use, make sure it is sturdy enough not to bow under the weight of the knotted cord.

You can sell them, though the market is crowded and prices are competitive. Handmade macramé sells on craft markets and online, but mass-produced imports have pushed prices down, so it is hard to earn much per piece once you count the hours. I treat it as something I make for myself and gifts first, with the odd commission rather than a reliable income.