Macramé

History

Macramé is the craft of knotting twine to form decorative objects. The craft is employed primarily in the creation of jewelry and decorations for the home, but has a rich history of being employed for other objects, and offers additional possibilities for creative individuals.

Macramé evolved thousands of years ago from primitive knotting techniques used to lash together rafts, craft fishing nets, and to supply nautical ropes for vessels. Weavers applied knots to the ends of textiles to prevent fraying, and at some point determined these knots could be decorative as well as functional.

It is believed that macramé was brought to Spain during the Muslim invasion in the early eighth century CE. The craft spread throughout Europe, and became especially popular in France. Macramé evolved simultaneously in China.

Perhaps more than any other group, sailors were traditionally associated with macramé. With little else to occupy their time while at sea, they knotted square and half hitch knots in imaginative ways, and created goods to sell when they went ashore. These included knife handles, screens, and mats.

While these goods were typically made with heavy twine, another type of macramé developed that was daintier and lacier. Macramé lace was embraced by Victorian women, who decorated lampshades with macramé fringe, and designed macramé lace covers for mantels and tables.

The last macramé revival occurred in the nineteenth century, until the counterculture in the 1960s adopted and popularized macramé. More books about macramé were published in the late 1960s and 1970s than at any other time in history. Headbands, wall hangings, vests, purses, jewelry, and the ubiquitous macramé plant hangers are just some of the objects that were crafted by a nation of enthusiasts. Many of these items could later be found at yard sales and flea markets.

During the last decades of the twentieth century, as the popularity of macramé declined, it became the subject of gentle ridicule. However, interest in macramé seemed to be picking up by the second decade of the twenty-first century.

Additional supplies that may be needed for macramé jewelry:

• Jewelry findings
• Jewelry-making tools

Techniques

General guidelines for successful knotting:

Novices should avoid stretchy twines and slippery cords, such as satin. They can be difficult to work with.

Some natural fibers can be hard on the hands. Keep a bottle of hand lotion nearby.

Before starting a project, knot a sample to check the gauge.

If a pattern does not provide specific information, or an original design is being considered, cut twine so that it is at least eight times the final length of the project.

If a cord ends up being too short, a new piece can be appended, although it is better to overestimate the needed length so that it does not run out. Remnants can always be used for small projects.

If working on a project with lengthy pieces of twine, each end can be wound up and tied with rubber bands. Leave enough loose cord to knot several rows.

Twine should be anchored with pins on a macramé board. If using another method, such as knotting from a doorknob, twine should be pulled fairly taut.

Unless otherwise instructed, knots should be tied close together.

The same tension should be used throughout the project.

Keep twine, T-pins, and loosely knotted macramé items away from babies and toddlers.

Trends

By 2019, macramé had made another significant comeback, largely in the area of home décor. As house ownership among younger generations had decreased by that point, gardening enthusiasts and savvy interior decorators began to incorporate even more indoor plants into smaller spaces, particularly those that lacked a yard. As indoor plants gained greater popularity, the use of macramé to create stylish plant hangers became more popular as well. As a general interest in macramé had been sparked once more, users on social media sites such as Instagram shared pictures and suggestions for incorporating macramé into home décor, inspiring many to learn the craft or buy items from online shops such as Etsy, which centers upon handmade goods. However, unlike in the 1960s and 1970s, this revival of macramé has focused on pieces that use neutral colors and more organic accents.

Jewelry made with hemp and beads as well as Celtic and Chinese-knotted belts, purses, and other items are also popular uses for macramé.

Macramé for Fun vs. Profit

The good news for macramé crafters is that there is not much competition in the marketplace, with the possible exception of hemp jewelry. The bad news is that the overall market for macramé is limited. However, a creative person with contemporary ideas may do quite well at craft shows and through e-commerce sites that favor handmade items such as Etsy. Posting about macramé creations on social media sites can also put the items in front of a wider audience.

Learning More

Organizations

International Guild of Knot Tyers <http://www.igkt.net/>

Books

Bress, Helene. Macramé. Flower Valley Press, 1999.

Gentry, Jim. Macramé: 20 Great Projects to Knot. Lark, 2002.

Haab, Sherri. Beaded Macramé Jewelry: Stylish Designs, Exciting New Materials. Watson Guptill, 2006.

Hensel, John. The Book of Ornamental Knots. Cornell Maritime Press, 1990.

Millodot, Suzen. Chinese Knots for Beaded Jewelry. Search Press, 2003.