Macrame is a type of craft where knotting techniques are used in order to create various different patterns and designs. It actually has a long history, although it is mostly associated with the 70s, however for the last few years it has been experiencing another revival. Its appealing because it isn’t something that costs a lot to get started in, and because it is such a calming relaxing activity it is something that people often find helpful when it comes to being able to relax.
The origins of macrame are believed to be Arabic and it was something that was particularly popular with 13th Century sailors. It has had many popular revivals throughout history and currently it is again experiencing a new surge of interest, with social media showing lots of different techniques and projects.
Macrame has a wide appeal as there are lots of things that you can make using this technique – it is easy to get started by getting a macrame kit like this https://www.woolcouturecompany.com/collections/macrame-kits too. Here are just some of the things that people like to make using macrame:
- Jewellery
- Placemats
- Decorative Wall Hangings
- Curtains
- Bags
- Plant Hangers
You can use a range of different materials and colours to create different effects so you can be really creative with it. Soft cord materials like hemp and jute are commonly used in macrame.
If it is something that you are keen to get started in, you just need some scissors, your chosen cord and somewhere to hang the work, such as a piece of wood or a ring.
There are lots of online tutorials to help you get started and there are a range of different knots to learn to provide different patterns and effects. Start off by mastering the basics, then you can move onto the more complex knots and designs.
Some places also offer workshops in macrame, which is handy if you are a beginner, or if you have been doing it for a while but want to learn some new skills and techniques to try.
There are lots of benefits of macrame – of course you end up with your own beautifully designed and handmade objects, but you will also find that it helps to reduce stress and encourage creativity. If you want to get away from a computer screen or a =hectic schedule it is a great help and it isn’t something that you need lots of space to work in.
