The Not Knot Shelf | Easy CROCHET Pattern for a Macramé-Like Wall Hanging Shelf

The Not Knot Shelf was inspired by the texture and geometry of macramé knots. It’s mostly made up of single crochet stitches, but the strategic placement of fpst and fp2tog creates the diamonds.

It’s quick, easy, and the perfect summer project! Transform your wall into a work of art that provides a functional space for decorations.

Pattern

To follow along to the step-by-step tutorial, watch the video below.
For the written version of this pattern, please download from the links below.

Grab the ad-free version from Etsy HERE
Add to your Ravelry queue HERE.

Getting Started

The materials used to make this wall hanging are all very accessible. My testers and I were able to find the more unique items (dowel rod and shelf) at local craft stores, Lowes, Ikea, and/or Walmart.

Yarn: Peaches & Creme, Ecru

Worsted
100% cotton
6 skeins – 120 yards per 2.5 oz / 70.9 g

Hook: 5.00 mm and 5.50 mm, or hook size to obtain gauge

Other Tools: dowel rod, wooden shelf, wall hook, stitch markers, scissors, tapestry needle, and marker

Gauge: 4″ x 4″ [10 cm x 10 cm] = 15 sts x 16 rows in single crochet

Customization Ideas + Tips

Increase the Height. The pattern is written for one size, but the number one question my testers asked was “can I add one more row of diamonds?” Chances are, you have asked this question yourself. It’s simple to do. Repeat the last 2 sections of the wall hanging until it reaches the height desired.

Increase the Width. The pattern is worked with a multiple of 20 + 3 sts. Each diamond is equivalent to 20 stitches. To add more diamonds, simply add 20 stitches to the stitch count given in the pattern. Or, multiply 20 by the number of diamonds you want and add 3 stitches to that total. Feel free to DM me on Instagram if you need help (@sew.homey).

Tension. If the fpst and fp2tog stitches are too loose, reduce the number of yarn overs, and vice versa if they look too tight. Note, they should be a little loose. If you’re worried it’s too loose, block the piece first to determine if your tension is good.

Yarn to Hang on the Wall. I tied a single strand of yarn to the dowel rod to hang the piece. But one of my testers was much more creative. She braided the yarn, tied to the dowel rod and then hung the piece from the braid. Have fun with this part and make it your own!

Contrasting Colors. The wall hanging does not have to be one solid color. Have a look at the tester photos below. A couple of them used 2 contrasting colors to make the Not Knot Shelf look totally different and more personalized!

Adding Fringe. When adding fringe, a gap forms where the peaks are, since no fringe hangs below. The pattern instructs you to add a piece of fringe directly to the peaks. I had a tester suggest to thread a needle with 2 strands of yarn from the fringe above the peaks and take them down through the peaks. The other 2 strands are put to the sides for a more blended look.

Yarn Substitutions

The yarn used in this pattern is 100% cotton yarn. Cotton is a very strong fiber and holds its shape well. I would suggest to stick with cotton yarn when crocheting this pattern. Each of my testers used a different yarn and they all turned out so well. Their pictures are included in the next section.

The yarn substitutions that have been tested for this pattern are listed below. I also thought it would be helpful to include the yardage, gauge, and blocking information associated with the yarns. Please keep in mind too that each of us crochet differently and results can vary. The information below was collected from my testers and is to be used as a guide.

Artland Skinny Porto Macramé

Hook: 5.50 mm
Gauge: 12 sc x 14 rows
Total yardage: approximately 950 g (600 g for crocheted piece, 350 for fringe and straps)
Final measurements: 50 cm x 50 cm
Modifications: added 1 more section and 2 extra rows of sc at the end, used contrasting color for fringe and yarn to hang from, braided the piece of yarn that holds the wall hanging up

Lily Sugar ‘n Cream

Hook: 3.75 mm
Gauge: 16 st x 16 rows
Total yardage: approximately 930 yards / 549 g total (268 yards / 158 g AND 354 yards / 209 g with extra section for crocheted piece, 308 yards / 182 g for fringe and straps)
Final Measurements: 18.5″ x 17″
Modifications: added 1 more section, added contrasting color to the fringe and straps

Lion Brand Re-Up

Hook: 4.50 mm
Gauge: 15 sc x 18 rows
Total yardage: approximately 755 yards / 460 g total (361 yards / 220 g for crocheted piece, 394 yards / 240 g for fringe and straps)
Final Measurements: 17″ x 14.5″ blocked