Getting Started with Textile Art: A Beginner’s Toolkit

Why Textile Art?

If you’ve ever admired a stunning macramé wall hanging or a handwoven tapestry, you’ve already experienced the magic of textile art. Unlike any other art medium, textile art invites touch, creating a deep sensory connection that draws people in. This tactile quality is what makes textile art so special—it’s not just something to look at, but something to feel.

For me, this connection is deeply personal. Textile art is also incredibly mindful. The slow, repetitive nature of techniques like macramé and weaving helps quiet the mind, offering a sense of calm and focus. It’s no surprise that I turned to this craft during a time when I needed mental clarity—it truly became a form of therapy.

Beyond these benefits, textile art adds warmth and character to any space, even improving acoustics to make a room feel cosier and more inviting.

In this guide, I’ll focus on macramé and weaving, two foundational textile techniques that are approachable, versatile, and endlessly inspiring. Let’s break down what you need to get started and some simple projects to ignite your creativity!

1. Basic Materials for Macramé and Weaving

To begin your textile art journey, you’ll need a few essential tools and materials.

Here’s a beginner-friendly checklist:

Macramé Basics

• Cotton Cord or String: The star of macramé! For beginners, I recommend starting with 4-5mm thickness. Single strand is soft and easy to knot and will give your piece a beautiful organic look. Using twisted 3 ply cord will result in more "perfect" and structured knots. Same goes for braided cord. I recommend you try each one to see which you prefer to work with.

  
  

• Wooden Dowels or Rings: These are great for creating wall hangings or plant hangers and there are wooden or metal options. You can also opt for a natural branch or drift wood for your wall art, but make sure you clean and prepare it before you start knotting!

  
  

• Sharp Scissors: Invest in a good pair of scissors designed for fabric or crafting to make clean cuts. If I didn't have my scissors I would have given up on textile art a long time ago... Trust me, this is a must! I personally use Fiskars but there are many brands out there.

  
  

• Measuring Tape: Essential for ensuring your cords are the right length for your project. This will help you avoid waste and also not having enough material for you to finish your piece.

  TIP: The lengths will depend on your particular project, but always work on the extra side as it's worse to run out of material than it is to have a little waste. Plus you can always repurpose these scraps on another project. I've create pieces using solely waste from my atelier!

  
  

• Comb or brush (optional): Use this to create soft fringes on your pieces. I use a pet brush as I feel it is quicker than a comb.

  TIP: You can use a mask if you want to while working on a fringe. You do not believe the amount of dust brushing cotton creates!

  
  

Weaving Essentials

• Weaving Loom: Start with a small wooden frame loom, perfect for beginners. If you’re feeling crafty, you can even make one from cardboard and keep costs down while you're still figuring out if this is for you!.

  
  

• Warp Thread: This is the thread that runs vertically on your loom. I use 1mm warp thread on smaller pieces and this will be the best for you to try it out. There are many colours available out there if you're feeling bold!

  
  

• Weft Yarn: These are the threads you weave horizontally through the warp. Experiment with different materials, textures and thicknesses to create interest in your designs.

  
  

• Tapestry Needle (optional): A large blunt needle is perfect for weaving yarn through your warp threads. I have a few wooden ones but always find myself using my hands.

  
  

• Tapestry Comb (optional): A wooden comb will help you tap your thread down on the loom as you weave but this is also optional (picture below). You can use your hands like me or you can even use a fork to get you started if you don't want to invest in tools just yet.

  
  

• Shed Stick (optional): This helps to separate your warp threads, making weaving quicker and easier as you build your tapestry. Again, I don't usually use mine as I always prefer to use my hands.

2. Beginner-Friendly Projects to Get Started

Now that you have your materials, let’s talk about the kinds of projects you can start with to explore macramé and weaving.

Macrame Keyring

Start with a simple keychain using knots like the square knot, lark’s head knot, or overhand knot. You can find countless tutorials online, but if you want to take it a step further, consider purchasing a beginner’s macramé kit.

Project Tip: A macramé keychain is a great first project—it’s small, portable, and the knots will give you a feel for the process without overwhelming you.

Macramé Wall Hanging

Creating a macramé wall hanging is an excellent way to practice knots while producing a beautiful piece of décor.

Start with simple knots like the lark’s head and square knots to build confidence.

You can experiment with patterns and fringes as you go, making it uniquely yours.

For a smaller project, try a mini wall hanging that uses fewer cords and less time to complete.

Woven Coaster or Mini Tapestry

Weaving a small item like a coaster or mini tapestry is a great way to get comfortable with the basics of weaving.

Play with colours and textures of yarn to create a simple yet functional piece.

For beginners, a plain weave is a good starting point, but you can gradually incorporate techniques like rya knots for added texture as your confidence grows.

Macramé Plant Hanger

A plant hanger is a practical project that helps you learn to work with longer cords and structural designs.

Focus on a few key knots, such as the square knot and spiral knot, to build the hanger.

This project is perfect for beginners as it’s forgiving and allows for creative variations in knot placement and fringe length.

These examples are meant to inspire you and to get you experimenting with materials and techniques, building confidence as you create.

Don’t worry too much about perfection—every knot and weave is a learning experience.

3. Helpful Resources: Workshops & Kits

Learning from others can make the process even more enjoyable. Here are some options to enhance your textile art journey:

Online Tutorials

YouTube is an incredible resource for learning macramé and weaving techniques. Many talented artists share free, detailed tutorials that cater to beginners. You’ll find everything from knot basics to full project guides—perfect for picking up new skills at your own pace.

One-on-One Sessions with Me

I offer personalised online sessions where you can ask me anything about macramé or weaving.

Whether you’re looking to learn a specific knot or technique, get guidance on finishing a piece, overcome a creative block, or even learn more about my own creative process, these sessions are tailored to your needs.

You can book a 30-minute or 1-hour session, and the time is yours to explore any aspect of textile art and pick on my brain as much as you’d like!

DIY Kits

Beginner kits are a convenient way to dive into macramé or weaving.

They often include pre-measured materials and instructions for specific projects, making it easier to get started.

Look for kits that match your style and skill level to kickstart your creativity.

4. Final Tips for Getting Started

• Start Small: Choose projects that can be completed in a few hours to build confidence and keep your motivation levels high.

  
  

• Embrace Imperfection: Mistakes are part of the learning process, and they often add character to your work.

  
  

• Practice Regularly: Like any skill, the more you practice, the better you’ll become. Dedicate a little time each week to your craft.

  
  

• Join a Community: Connect with other textile enthusiasts online or in person. Sharing your progress and learning from others is a great way to stay inspired. The textile community is incredibly supportive!

Conclusion: Get Started with Textile Art Today!

Starting with macramé and weaving is a fantastic way to explore the world of textile art. With just a few materials and a willingness to experiment, you’ll be amazed at what you can create. Whether it’s a cozy wall hanging, a functional plant hanger, or a useful woven coaster, every project is a step toward mastering this timeless craft.

So grab your cotton cord, loom, and scissors, and let your creativity flow. I can’t wait to see what you make—please do share your progress and projects with me! Let’s connect and create something beautiful together! Grab your yarn, thread, fabric, and start your first textile art project today, I'm here if you need any help!