DIY Macramé Rainbow Wall Hanging: Boho Nursery Decor Tutorial

A Macrame Rainbow for Nursery is a quick, beginner-friendly project that adds a soft, whimsical pop of color to a baby’s room. The design mainly uses simple cord wrapping and a single overhand knot to secure each layer, so no advanced knotting skills are needed. 

You can easily customize the colors to match any nursery theme, whether you prefer calming neutrals, soft pastels, or warm, earthy tones. It’s a small project but creates a cozy, handmade accent that adds texture and personality to the space.

Plus, it’s quick enough to finish in one sitting, making it ideal when you want a creative project without a big time commitment.

If you’re looking for a simple DIY that feels special and meaningful, grab your cords, choose your favorite colors, and give this macrame rainbow a try — it’s an easy way to create something beautiful for a little one’s space.

Getting Started: Materials and Tools

What you'll need:

• 3-5mm single-strand macrame cotton cord
• Ribbons
• Glue
• Craft wire

Essential Macrame Tools 

You will also need some essential macrame tools:

• Scissors

• Measuring Tape

• Comb

Macrame Rainbow for Nursery Details

Skill level

•  Beginner

Completed size

• Approximately 5 inches wide by 4.5 inches tall

Completion time

• 1 hour

Materials needed

• 3-5mm single-strand macrame cotton cord
• Ribbons
• Glue
• Craft wire

Cord Lengths Needed

•  25 x 40 cm (16") using 5mm

Interested in More Macrame Knots?

If you want to add more knots to your macrame designs, check out my free resource, "50 Macrame Knots & Sennit Guide."

It's packed with easy, step-by-step instructions to help you improve your skills and try new creative projects.

Access it here.

Macrame Rainbow for Nursery | Video Guide

*Note: We recommend following the tutorial video for more detailed instructions and to achieve the best results.

This will provide additional guidance and clarity as you work through each step.

How the rainbow is built: the idea

Each rainbow "arc" is a small bundle of inner cords (the foundation) wrapped tightly with a colorful outer material. The inner cords, plus a length of craft wire, give each layer structure so it can be bent into a curved shape.

After wrapping and finishing each arc, glue the layers together in order to form the final Macrame Rainbow for Nursery.

Step 1: Cut the foundation cords and wire

• Cut 5 strands of your foundation cord, each about 40 cm long. If you are using a thinner cord (3mm or 4mm), add extra strands so the layer has a similar thickness: about three to four extra strands for 3mm, two to three extra for 4mm. 
• Cut craft wire to about 35 cm and place it together with the cords — this wire will run inside the wrapped bundle.

Step 2: Start wrapping

• Use your chosen wrapping material (ribbon, t-shirt yarn, or cord). 
• Leave roughly two inches at the starting tail, tie a small overhand knot around the bundle to anchor, then wrap the long end tightly around the foundation cords and wire all the way to the other side.

Step 3: Finish the arc

• When you reach the end, leave another two inches, trim excess if needed, and secure the wrapping with a neatly tucked overhand knot.
• Tuck the knot and end into the loops of the wrapping so it is hidden. Trim any wire poking out at the base before proceeding.

Step 4: Repeat for all layers

• Make five arcs total, each slightly larger than the previous, so the final Macrame Rainbow for Nursery has a clean layered look.
• As you build downward, match the wrapped length so both ends line up evenly across layers.

Step 5: Seal the ends and glue layers

• Dab a bit of glue on hidden ends to prevent unraveling.
• To assemble the rainbow, place a thin line of glue along the top center of the second layer, press the first (top) layer onto it, and continue stacking glue and pressing one layer at a time until all five are joined.
• Keep glue lines thin and straight to hide them between layers.

Step 6: Comb and trim the fringe

• Comb through the inner cords at each end to create a soft, fluffy fringe. Trim to your desired length for a tidy finish.

Step 7: Add bows or clouds (optional)

• Instead of traditional clouds, attach two large bows at the ends of the rainbow for a playful look.
• Make each bow from about 12 inches of ribbon, cut the tails on a diagonal, and glue them to the back sides of the rainbow.

Tips, variations, and troubleshooting

• Using scraps: This pattern is ideal for using leftover cord or ribbon. Mix textures for a modern look.
• Thickness adjustment: Change the number of foundation strands to control layer thickness and fullness.
• Sew instead of glue: For extra durability, sew the layers together rather than gluing.
• Finishing options: Add a small dowel or driftwood at the top for hanging, or keep it as a cake topper that doubles as nursery decor.

Final thoughts

A Macrame Rainbow for Nursery is an approachable project that yields a charming, personal decoration. It’s forgiving for beginners, customizable in color and texture, and perfect for gifting. Use scraps, experiment with ribbons, and have fun building a layered rainbow that brightens a room.

FAQ

How long should each cord be?

Cut foundation cords to about 40 cm each. Wrapping material can be left on the roll and wrapped until you finish each layer, or pre-cut about 1 to 1.5 meters per layer depending on the wrapping density and layer size.

What wire size should I use?

A thin but firm craft wire around 35 cm per layer works well. It needs to be flexible enough to bend into an arc but sturdy enough to hold the shape.

Can I make a smaller version?

Yes. Reduce cord and wire lengths proportionally and consider sewing the layers together for a compact piece. A smaller version is great for keychains or small ornaments.

How do I prevent the wrapped ends from unravelling?

Tuck the final knot and tail into the loops of wrapping and seal with a dab of craft glue or hot glue. Keeping glue lines thin will hide them between layers.

Happy knotting and enjoy gifting or decorating with your tiny textured wreaths this season.

Looking for Macrame Patterns and Projects? 

I’ve got a fun variety of DIY macrame patterns for you to explore—whether you’re into creating unique wall hangings to spruce up your home or timeless plant hangers, there’s something for every skill level.

Each pattern is super easy to follow with step-by-step photos, clear instructions, and plenty of tips to help you along the way.

Ready to start creating?

Browse DIY macrame patterns on Etsy and dive into your next project.

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