How to Make Macrame Wall Hangings Last Outdoors

There’s something magical about bringing the bohemian charm of macrame to your outdoor spaces. Whether adorning a covered porch, garden fence, or balcony wall, macrame wall hangings add texture and warmth to outdoor living areas. But without proper protection, the natural fibers that make macrame so beautiful can quickly deteriorate when exposed to rain, sun, and changing temperatures. The good news? With a few simple steps, you can create durable outdoor macrame wall hangings that withstand the elements and continue to enhance your space for seasons to come.

1. Choose the Right Cord for Outdoor Use

The foundation of any weather-resistant macrame wall hanging starts with selecting the right cord. While traditional indoor macrame often uses natural cotton, outdoor pieces require more durable materials.

Best Outdoor Macrame Materials

• Polyester cord – Excellent UV and moisture resistance
• Polypropylene rope – Completely waterproof and fade-resistant
• Nylon cord – Strong and resistant to mildew
• Cotton-polyester blends – Balance of natural feel with added durability
• Recycled plastic cord – Eco-friendly option with good weather resistance

Materials to Use with Caution

• 100% cotton – Absorbs moisture and can mildew without treatment
• Jute or hemp – Breaks down quickly in wet conditions
• Wool – Prone to moth damage and shrinkage when wet
• Silk – Degrades rapidly in sunlight and rain

If you’re set on using natural cotton for its beautiful texture and workability, you’ll need to apply extra protective treatments and place your hanging in a more sheltered location.

Pro Tip: If using cotton, plan extra protection from moisture with weatherproof sealants.

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2. Pre-Treat the Cord Before Knotting

Preparing your cord before you begin knotting is a crucial step that many macrame artists skip. This pre-treatment process helps remove manufacturing residues and prepares the fibers to accept protective sealants better.

Pre-Treatment Steps:

1. Wash your cord in warm water with mild detergent to remove sizing and oils
2. Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear
3. Allow to air dry completely, hanging straight to prevent kinks
4. For cotton cords, pre-shrink by soaking in hot water for 10 minutes, then air drying

Pre-shrinking is especially important for cotton cords as it prevents your finished piece from warping or shrinking unevenly when exposed to rain. When cotton gets wet and then dries, it naturally contracts. By pre-shrinking, you’re allowing this process to happen before you create your knots, ensuring your design stays true after exposure to moisture.

Pro Tip: Always treat the cord before starting your project,it’s much harder to treat a finished piece evenly.

3. Apply a Weatherproof Sealant

Once your macrame piece is complete, applying a quality weatherproof sealant creates an invisible barrier against moisture, UV rays, and mildew. The key is finding a product that protects without making your macrame stiff or changing its natural appearance.

Recommended Sealant Types:

• Fabric waterproofing sprays (like Scotchgard™ or Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Fabric Seal)
• Marine-grade fabric protectors (designed for boat canvas)
• UV-resistant clear acrylic sealers (diluted for flexibility)
• Outdoor fabric protector sprays with UV inhibitors

Application Method:

1. Lay your completed macrame piece flat on a protected surface
2. Test the sealant on a small, inconspicuous area first
3. Apply in thin, even coats, allowing each to dry completely
4. Gently massage the sealant into knots and tight areas
5. Apply 2-3 coats for maximum protection

Pro Tip: Light coats are better than one heavy coat. Heavy application can cause stiffness and an unnatural appearance. Allow 24-48 hours of drying time in a well-ventilated area before hanging your piece outdoors.

4. Protect Against Moisture & Rain

Moisture is the biggest enemy of macrame wall hangings, causing fibers to swell, mildew to form, and colors to run. Strategic placement is just as important as proper treatment.

Best Placement Locations:

• Under covered patios or porches
• On walls protected by roof overhangs
• Inside gazebos or pergolas with roof covers
• On sheltered garden walls with minimal exposure

Even with weatherproofing, direct and constant exposure to rain will eventually break down your macrame. Consider the climate in your region,areas with frequent rain or high humidity will require more protection than dry climates.

For additional moisture protection, you can create a simple “rain hood” by attaching a small piece of clear acrylic or treated canvas above your hanging. This diverts water away from your piece while remaining nearly invisible.

Pro Tip: Covered patios dramatically extend lifespan. a Well-protected and properly treated macrame hanging can last for years instead of months.

5. Prevent Sun Damage & Fading

Left: Unprotected macrame after 3 months of sun exposure. Right: UV-protected piece

While moisture causes structural damage, sunlight causes aesthetic damage through fading and fiber weakening. UV rays break down fibers at the molecular level, causing colors to fade and materials to become brittle over time.

UV Protection Strategies:

• Choose lighter colors that show less visible fading
• Apply UV-protective sprays specifically designed for fabrics
• Position hangings where they receive morning sun but afternoon shade
• Use UV-resistant synthetic cords that have built-in protection

Remember that even UV-protected pieces will eventually show some signs of fading with constant sun exposure.

Pro Tip: Rotate hangings occasionally for even fading if they can’t be fully protected from direct sunlight. Moving your piece to different locations every few months helps prevent one side from becoming more faded than the other.

6. Secure the Hanging for Wind Protection

Wind poses a unique challenge for outdoor macrame, causing constant movement that leads to fraying, tangling, and stress on knots. Proper mounting is essential for wind resistance.

Wind-Resistant Mounting Options:

• Use heavier dowels or metal rods that won’t sway easily
• Secure both ends of the mounting rod to prevent rotation
• Add small weights to the bottom of hangings to reduce movement
• Install in naturally sheltered areas where wind is blocked
• Consider temporary removal during high wind seasons or storms

For areas with frequent strong winds, consider creating a more compact design with fewer loose elements. Tighter knots and shorter fringe are less likely to tangle or fray in windy conditions.

Pro Tip: Slight airflow is fine, constant whipping is not. Some gentle movement won’t damage your piece, but continuous flapping in the wind will quickly cause wear.

7. Regular Cleaning & Maintenance

Regular maintenance extends the life of your outdoor macrame and keeps it looking its best. Establish a cleaning routine based on your local environment, dusty or high-pollen areas will require more frequent attention.

Cleaning Schedule:

• Monthly: Light dusting with a soft brush
• Quarterly: Spot cleaning of visible dirt
• Bi-annually: Full cleaning and reapplication of protective sealant

Gentle Cleaning Method:

1. Remove loose dirt with a soft brush or handheld vacuum on low setting
2. For spot cleaning, use a mild soap solution (1 tsp mild detergent in 1 quart water)
3. Apply solution with a soft cloth, gently dabbing rather than rubbing
4. Rinse by dabbing with clean water
5. Allow to air dry completely before reapplying any protective treatments

Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or pressure washing, as these can damage fibers and strip protective coatings.

Pro Tip: Let it fully dry before rehanging. Even slightly damp macrame can develop mildew if rehung too soon.

8. Seasonal Storage Tips

In regions with harsh winters or extreme weather seasons, temporary storage may be the best protection for your macrame wall hangings. Knowing when and how to store your pieces can significantly extend their lifespan.

When to Consider Storage:

• During monsoon or heavy rain seasons
• During winter in areas with snow, ice, or freezing temperatures
• During hurricane or typhoon seasons in coastal areas
• When leaving a vacation home unattended for extended periods

Proper Storage Method:

1. Clean thoroughly and allow to dry completely
2. Roll rather than fold when possible to prevent creasing
3. If folding is necessary, use acid-free tissue between folds
4. Store in breathable cotton bags or pillowcases
5. Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
6. Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter pests

Pro Tip: Store in breathable fabric, not plastic. Plastic bags trap moisture and can lead to mildew growth during storage. Cotton pillowcases or canvas bags allow air circulation while protecting from dust.

Essential Supplies for Outdoor Macrame

Weather-Resistant Cord

Polyester-blend cord with UV protection offers the perfect balance of workability and durability for outdoor projects.

Fabric Protector Spray

Marine-grade fabric protector creates an invisible shield against moisture, UV damage, and mildew without stiffening fibers.

Mounting Hardware Kit

Stainless steel hardware kit with rust-resistant components ensures your macrame stays securely mounted in all weather conditions.

Create Beautiful Outdoor Spaces with Lasting Macrame Art

With the right materials, proper treatment, and thoughtful placement, your macrame wall hangings can become stunning outdoor art pieces that withstand the elements for years to come. The extra care taken to weatherproof your creations is well worth the effort when you can enjoy their beauty in your outdoor living spaces through changing seasons.

Ready to start your outdoor macrame project? Save this guide for reference and gather your supplies. Your patio, garden wall, or balcony is waiting to be transformed with the organic texture and bohemian charm that only macrame can provide,now made durable enough to enjoy outdoors.