How to Make a Macrame Curtain (Square Knot Window Curtain)

Steps

1. 1. Measure and Cut the Macrame Curtain Cords

   Drape a piece of cord over your existing curtain rod and let it hang to where you want the curtain to end. Fold it in half to find the length, then add extra for the knots.

   Tip: Cut long. A curtain that ends too high is much harder to fix.

   

2. 2. Pair and Fold the Macrame Cords in Half

   Pick up two cords and hold them together as one. Fold the pair in half to find the middle.

   Tip: Lay the groups out in a row so they do not tangle.

   

3. 3. Tie the Cord Groups Onto the Dowel With a Lark's Head Knot

   Hang the dowel at a comfortable height first. Put the folded loop of a group over the dowel from the front, then pull all four cord ends down through the loop and tighten.

   Tip: Space the groups first, then tighten each one firmly.

   

4. 4. Start the First Square Knot Under the Dowel

   Take one group of four cords. The two middle cords stay still.

   Tip: Keep the middle cords taut with your fingers while you tie.

   

5. 5. Finish the Square Knot on the Other Side

   Now mirror the move. Put the right outer cord behind the middles.

   Tip: Always switch sides. Two halves on the same side make a spiral.

   

6. 6. Tie the Second Row of Alternating Square Knots

   For row two, leave the first two cords alone. Take the two right cords of one group and the two left cords of the next group, and tie a square knot with those four.

   Tip: Row three goes back to the original groups, so the rows alternate.

   

7. 7. Measure the Rows to Keep the Macrame Curtain Level

   Keep alternating rows down the curtain. After each row, hold a tape measure against the work and check the distance from the dowel to the knots.

   Tip: Measure from the dowel every time so small errors do not add up.

   

8. 8. Tie Overhand Knots on the Last Row of the Curtain

   For the final row, Rachel took the outer cords of neighbouring groups and joined them with a single overhand knot. It closes each diamond at the bottom and it is quicker than a square knot.

   Tip: Stop knotting about two thirds down so the fringe can fall free.

   

9. 9. Add Nails and a Rope Loop to the Dowel Ends

   Hammer a small nail into each end of the dowel, leaving the heads sticking out. Fold a piece of rope in half to make a loop and slip it over each nail.

   Tip: Pre-drill a small hole if your dowel is hardwood so it does not split.

   

10. 10. Hang the Macrame Curtain From Ceiling Hooks

    Screw two ceiling hooks above the window, one over each end of the dowel. Loop the ropes onto the hooks and let the curtain settle.

    Tip: Trim the fringe once it hangs. Cords stretch a little at first.