Macramé, the ancient textile art of knotting threads, cords, or other fibers, has made a major comeback in recent years. After experiencing immense popularity in the 1970s, macramé fell out of fashion for decades. But now, a new generation is discovering the joys of this DIY fiber art and adding a modern twist to it. From wall hangings to plant holders, jewelry, and more, macramé is being used in fresh and creative ways. Let’s explore why knotting has become so knotty again!
A Brief History of Macramé
Macramé has a long and storied past, dating back thousands of years. The art of decorative knotting likely originated in Arab cultures, where the intricate patterns were used to adorn horse tack and camel decorations. The term “macramé” comes from the Arabic word “migramah,” meaning fringe or embroidered veil.
As macramé spread, distinct regional styles developed using different knots and techniques:
- Turkish (or Egyptian) macramé – Known for using small knots to create geometric patterns. Often used to make household items like tablecloths and curtains.
- Persian macramé – Focused on bolder, more elaborate knots and patterns. Ropes, bridles, and other horse trappings were common Persian macramé projects.
- Spanish macramé – Intricate lace-like knots were used to make shawls, veils, and fashion accessories for wealthy Spanish noblewomen.
Macramé reached the height of popularity in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. Sailors would pass time on long voyages by making sturdy knotted netting, belts, and hammocks.
In the Victorian era, macramé flourished as a genteel pastime for upper-class ladies. Elaborate wall hangings and decorations featuring freshwater pearls, glass beads, and tassels became a parlor room staple.
By the mid-20th century, macramé declined in popularity in America and Europe. But a revival emerged in the 1960s and 70s, inspired by hippie culture and DIY crafting. Suddenly macramé plant hangers were everywhere!
Though it faded from fashion again in the 80s and 90s, macramé has re-emerged in the hands of modern makers looking to add texture and a handmade touch.
Why the Macramé Revival Now?
Several factors have contributed to the renewed interest in macramé we’re seeing today:
The Handmade/DIY Movement
A growing maker culture emphasizes creativity, sustainability, and personal expression through handicrafts. Macramé fits right in with its natural, customizable, and textural look. The DIY ethos has helped drive the macramé comeback.
Nostalgia
Those who grew up in the 1970s have fond memories of macramé’s trendy hippie chic. Making macramé now can be a nostalgic throwback. And younger folks are attracted to the retro-vintage aesthetic.
Social Media Inspiration
Platforms like Pinterest and Instagram allow DIYers to discover and share macramé projects. Exposure to the striking visual style of modern macramé gets people interested in trying it.
Relaxing Hobby
Our fast-paced modern lives leave many seeking calm activities to unwind. The rhythmic practice of knotting and weaving cords can induce a meditative state for stress relief.
Support For Plant Parenthood
Houseplant ownership surged during the pandemic, and macramé offers a perfect way to creatively display prized leafy greens. Hanging planters and wall mounts for trailing vines remain a top use for macramé.
Sustainable and Natural Appeal
Eco-conscious creators appreciate that macramé uses natural, biodegradable fibers like cotton, hemp, jute, and linen. It’s a plastic-free, sustainable craft. That aligns with modern sensibilities.
What Makes Macramé So Hot Now?
Beyond the reasons for its resurgence in popularity, macramé itself has some intrinsic characteristics that make it an appealing fiber art for today’s aesthetic:
Texture & Dimension
The hand-tied knots add wonderful visual and tactile texture, creating a multi-layered dimensional effect with light and shadow. Macramé has depth and richness.
Organic Look
Since it uses natural fibers in relaxed imperfect patterns, macramé has an earthy, organic quality. The pieces evoke nature even when hung indoors.
Versatility
From jewelry to hammocks and everything between, macramé can be adapted to suit a range of mediums and functions. It’s a remarkably versatile textile technique.
Customization
With endless knot patterns and design options, each macramé piece can have a unique personalized look. Makers love that creativity is unlimited.
Artistic Potential
In the hands of modern makers, macramé becomes a new form of art. Going beyond function into the realm of sculpture, it’s fiber art for the wall, home, or body.
Satisfying Process
Mastering the knots and seeing a piece come together provides a sense of achievement. And working with your hands has proven mental health benefits.
With this winning combination of qualities, it’s no wonder macramé has woven its way back into popularity again. The art form truly offers something for our times.
Modern Macramé: New Takes on an Age-Old Craft
Today, macramé makers are taking the technique in exciting new directions:
Unexpected Applications
Beyond the expected plant hangers and wall art, macramé now appears in cutting-edge clothing, accessories, jewelry, abstract sculpture, headboards, rugs, upholstery accents, and more. Contemporary makers push boundaries.
Playful Color Palettes
While natural white and earth tones remain popular, bright pops of color now weave their way into macramé, reflecting modern eclectic style. Neon hues, pastels, jewel tones – anything goes!
Fiber Diversity
Traditional jute, hemp, and cotton cord meet materials like recycled T-shirt yarn, silk ribbons, leather strips, plastic bags, and even wire. New fibers keep macramé fresh.
Creative Shape Forms
Contemporary macramé takes on avant-garde forms – undulating waves, geometric frames, sculptural spheres. It evolves from 2D to 3D.
Unexpected Pairings
Macramé gets used alongside other mediums like concrete, glass, ceramics, metals, upcycled items, found objects. The textural fiber contrasts with hard, sleek surfaces.
Bleached and Dyed
Natural white cotton gets reinvented through hand-dyeing techniques or bold bleaching. Vibrant hues intermix with neutral strips for visual impact.
Simplified Minimalism
Some modern macramé embraces simplicity – clean lines, negative space, flowing single cords rather than dense knots. The pared-down style creates a contemplative feel.
This new breed of macramé pushes boundaries while staying grounded in the meditative, handmade practice of knotwork. The craft simultaneously honors tradition and trailblazes innovation.
Getting Started with Modern Macramé
Want to dip your toe into the world of modern macramé? Here’s a quick guide to the supplies and skills needed to begin:
Choose Your Fibers
- Cotton cord – The classic choice, available in varying thickness. Easy to knot and bleach/dye.
- Jute – Natural brown color; textured look. Sturdy and inexpensive.
- Hemp – Strong and eco-friendly. Off-white color softens over time.
- Recycled t-shirt yarn – Made by twisting up strips of old T-shirts. Creative reuse!
- Silk, satin, or velvet ribbons – Add luxurious sheen and texture.
Get Your Equipment
- Scissors – Sharp scissors will make clean cuts. Both standard and bent-nose work well.
- Measuring tape or ruler – To measure cords for consistent sizing.
- Clips – Small clothespins help keep cord bundles in place while working.
- Needle – For stitching ends of knots. Large tapestry needles work best.
Learn Basic Knots
- Square knot – The fundamental macramé knot. Alternating twists create a flat, rectangular knot.
- Half hitch – A simple overhand knot used to attach cords or create spiral patterns.
- Spiral knots – Wrapping one cord around another to make bumpy corkscrew-like knots. Fun texture!
- Alternating square knots – Square knots made in a sequence with alternating placement of knots. Forms stripes.
Once you have supplies and basic skills, you’re ready for your first project! Start simple with knots made on a dowel or ring.
5 Modern Macramé Projects for Beginners
Ready to try your hand at macramé? Start with one of these beginner-friendly projects:
1. Simple Wall Hanging
A basic wall hanging teaches fundamental techniques. Alternate square knots in stripes with a tassel fringe. Add beads or found objects for texture.
2. Plant Hanger
Hang trailing greenery in boho style. Wrap cords around a hoop in a spiral pattern. Leave strands long to suspend pots.
3. Coiled Trivet
Protect surfaces from hot dishes with a handmade trivet. Coil and stitch cotton cords in concentric circles for a sculptural look.
4. Macramé Necklace
Make a bohemian-chic necklace using micro-macramé with thin cords. Add chunky beads as accents between knots for visual interest.
5. Macramé Mirror or Jewelry Holder
Display your favorite accessories by adding knotwork to a circular mirror or small hoop. Alternating square knots create a net-like holder for earrings, rings or necklaces.
Start with a small-scale project in simple cotton cord. As your skills progress, move on to larger statement pieces with varied fibers and knots!
Tips for Achieving Quality Macramé
Master macramé makers recommend these techniques for creating tight, well-crafted knotwork:
- Use high-quality, non-fraying cords. Synthetic blends may unravel.
- Keep tension steady as you knot – not too tight or too loose.
- Pull knots snug against each other so there are no gaps.
- Ensure knots are uniform in size for consistent finished look.
- Attach cords very securely to minimize slipping.
- Weave and stitch cord ends into the piece to hide them.
- Steam or iron finished pieces for flattened, smoother appearance.
- Allow adequate drying time for starched pieces to set fully.
- Check for mistakes and stray threads before calling a piece finished.
With practice and patience, you can create professional-looking macramé! Be present, enjoy the process, and don’t stress small imperfections.
Where to Buy Macramé Supplies
To fuel your fiber art, shop at these retailers offering specialized macramé materials and tools:
Online Stores
- Etsy – Handmade cords and DIY kits from independent sellers.
- The Macrame Shop – Wide selection of quality cords, tools, rings, and kits.
- Amazon – Budget-friendly cords and supplies with fast shipping.
- Woven Art – Hand-dyed and variegated cotton cords.
- Net Knots – Large assortment of waxed linen and hemp cords.
Local Craft and Fabric Stores
Check the fiber arts section for smaller selections of cords, findings, hoops, and books on macramé techniques. Stores like Michael’s, Joann Fabrics, and Hobby Lobby can supplement your supplies.
Thrift Stores
Repurpose old sheets and clothing by cutting fabric into strips for recycled T-shirt yarn. Check thrift stores for inexpensive craft supplies.
Our modern lives may be more knotty and complex than ever – but returning to simple, purposeful work with our hands offers comfort. Let macramé become your meditative refuge as it makes a comeback in the hands of a new generation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Macramé
What is macramé exactly?
Macramé is the ancient craft of creating textiles like woven fabrics, lace, and tapestries through knotting and weaving cords and yarn by hand rather than using a loom.
Where did macramé originate?
The earliest origins were in Arab cultures as decorative tassels and textures on horse tack around 13th century. Macramé spread through the Middle East and Europe over centuries, taking different regional forms.
What materials are used for macramé?
Traditional fibers are cotton, linen, jute, hemp, silk. Today’s makers also use recycled t-shirt yarn, leather, plastic, velvet ribbons, etc. Natural, non-fraying fibers are best to avoid unraveling.
What are the basic knots for beginner macramé?
Square knot, half hitch, spiral knot and alternating square knots in rows are the foundations. Learn those before moving on to more intricate knots.
What can you make with macramé?
Classic uses are plant hangers, wall hangings, jewelry, belts, nets, and hammocks. Modern macramé expands into rugs, bags, clothing accents, sculpture, upholstery, home decor and more.
Is macramé easy for beginners?
The basic knots are quite easy and intuitive to learn. But perfecting the tight, uniform technique takes practice. Start simple, and you can make basic pieces as a macramé beginner.
What are some beginner macramé project ideas?
Great starter projects include plant hangers, trivets, small wall hangings, necklaces or bracelets, jewelry holders, and mini decorative objects using hoops or dowels.
What makes macramé different from general knot tying?
Macramé uses specific knots in patterns to intentionally form decorative textures and geometric designs. The knots interlock and build on each other artistically.
Why is macramé becoming popular again now?
After falling out of fashion, macramé has made a comeback thanks to the boho/hippie revival, a renewed interest in DIY crafts, houseplant parenthood, and the soothing, meditative nature of the knot-making process.
Where can I buy supplies for macramé projects?
Online retailers like Etsy and specialty stores like The Macrame Shop offer cords, tools, rings, and kits. Amazon has affordable supplies too. Check local craft stores for basics.
Conclusion
As an artistic, soothing hobby and a way to incorporate natural texture into your home, macramé has woven itself back into our modern lives. Experiencing the satisfaction of working with your hands to master the mesmerizing knots and patterns helps counterbalance our digital world. Give macramé a try and rediscover this vintage craft with a fresh new twist!
