So, what’s macramé all about?

Macramé is an ancient art of knotting that lets you craft beautiful and useful items using a variety of knot patterns. It’s like this versatile art form that lets you make all sorts of unique items. We’re talking wall hangings, plant hangers, decorative stuff like swings, shelves, baskets, and even jewelry. The jewelry usually uses the same technique, just with different materials.
This art form has a pretty long history, spanning across cultures and centuries. Way before it got super popular in the 70s, it actually started with Arab weavers back in the 13th century! It really took off in places like Europe and America during the 17th century. Over time, it’s evolved to fit different styles and trends.
When most of us think of macramé, we picture natural or dyed cotton cords. But here’s the cool part – you can actually use a bunch of different materials. We’re talking jute, linen, raffia, ropes, polyester cords, and of course, cotton. The key is to use materials that’ll make sure your art stands the test of time (if you tie those knots right, they can last for decades!).
Macramé involves a variety of knots and techniques, each contributing to the overall design. It’s tricky to translate all the knot names, but you might know the square knot as the Solomon knot. There are tons of special techniques and knots, although most projects use just three or four main knots in different variations to create complex textures and patterns.