Macramé has been popular for centuries as a method of crafting a textile or various decorations that use several types of knots to form a basic shape. It is an easy and affordable way to add personality and decorate your home. With an infinite way of combining various types of knots, you can create both aesthetic and functional pieces. Macramé is usually either tied on a wooden frame (a macrame board) or hung from the ceiling.
Macramé is done without any tools, just using your hands. You can use macrame to create plant hangers, clothing, wall hangings, dream catchers, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, curtains, tablecloths, coasters, tassels, keychains, bookmarks, belts, etc. – the possibilities are endless. You can accentuate your pieces by adding beads, charms, seashells, etc. Once you have mastered the basic macramé knots, you can research more complicated ones or make up your own. You can use different cord sizes and colors. Material options include leather strips, cotton rope, yarn, jute, ribbon, nylon cord, and a popular hemp cord.
Materials used in macramé include cords made of cotton twine, linen, hemp, jute, leather or yarn. Cords are identified by construction, such as a 3-ply cord, made of three lengths of fibre twisted together. Jewellery is often made in combination of both the knots and various beads (of glass, wood, and so on), pendants or shells. Sometimes ‘found’ focal points are used for necklaces, such as rings or gemstones, either wire-wrapped to allow for securing or captured in a net-like array of intertwining overhand knots. A knotting board is often used to mount the cords for macramé work. Cords may be held in place using a C-clamp, straight pins, T-pins, U-pins, or upholstery pins.
For larger decorative pieces, such as wall hangings or window coverings, a work of macramé might be started out on a wooden or metal dowel, allowing for a spread of dozens of cords that are easy to manipulate. For smaller projects, push-pin boards are available specifically for macramé, although a simple corkboard works adequately. Many craft stores offer beginners’ kits, work boards, beads and materials ranging in price for the casual hobbyist or ambitious crafter.
