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Macrame is the art and craft of decorative knotting, this is, of tying a variety of different knots to form specific patterns and/or original designs. The macramé technique is extremely versatile, allowing you to create both utilitary and ornamental works of art: from useful and decorative plant hangers, hammocks, macramé clothes and jewelry, to more purely decorative forms such as wall hangers and fiber art. The array of things that you can use macramé for is as infinite as your imagination, and it can result in art forms as diverse as each person.  

Micro macrame, also known as Cavandoli macrame, is a variety of macrame, which although done mainly using a single type of knot, the double half hitch knot, can achieve very elaborate and sophisticated designs. This style of macrame allows for the creation of geometric or free form patterns like those obtained by weaving. Reverse half hitches are also used to repeat a pattern or maintain the balance of a piece where one side mirrors the other.  

Since macramé is absolutely handmade, the creation of more complex and intricate designs, consisting of tying hundreds of knots into different patterns, is a very slow and time consuming process. This adds to the value of this magnificent, ancient skill, that has been revitalized by modern times.   

MACRAME HISTORY 

The word macramé is derived from the arabic word migramah (مقرمة), which is translated as "embroidered veil," "ornamental fringe," and "striped towel," basically describes what this knotting technique was first used for. Macrame is believed to have originated around the thirteenth century when the arabian weavers started decorating the edges of hand-loomed fabrics such as towels, shawls and veils, by knotting the excess thread that was left over along it, coming up beautiful decorative fringes. Hence, macrame was born as a result of the desire to make the final work look beautiful even up to its finest details, a creative and aesthetic way of dealing with what would otherwise be simple leftovers. 

The art of macrame was introduced in Spain during the Moorish conquest, and from there it spread to the rest of Europe. The skill arrived to Italy and France in the early fourteenth and fifteenth century and was later introduced into England in the late 17^th century at the court of Queen Mary, the wife of William of Orange, where it was used to embellish the elegant dresses and veils of the court members. During the Victorian Era this craft became a favorite, reaching homes where it was used to decorate curtains, lamp fringes, table cloths, bed spreads and clothes.  

Sailors had a very important role in conserving and spreading this art form around the world. Macrame became the perfect craft for them: for one, the different knots proved useful aboard the ships and allowed them to produce necessary utilities, such as hammocks and nets, fix their clothes, etc. On the other hand, macrame was a great way of entertaining themselves during the long hours spent overseas, where they would create and decorate different objects, such as knife handles, bottles, shell necklaces, etc… that they later traded or sold when they landed. Thus, seamen became very skillful in the art of macrame, which they took to places like China and America.  

The Chinese adopted this craft and adpated it to their own culture, from where a whole new sets of knots and designs has been born. Chinese macramé is based on some basic knot types that are named according to their distinctive shapes, origins or particular uses. This is because Chinese culture makes great use of symbols, thus each knot has a symbolical meaning, representing values such as honesty, and feelings such as love or friendship. Therefore, Chinese macramé, in addition of having great aesthetic value for its original and perfectly symmetrical knots, adds a symbolic dimension to the ancient art of macramé. Chinese macramé has been treasured since ancient time for decorative purposes in places like Chinese palace halls to domestic homes, enhancing the look of lamps, draperies, mirrors, clothes, etc.  Its symbolism made it an elegant addition to Buddhist rosaries and personal gifts. The variety of complicated and visually enchanting designs that can be achieved with Chinese macramé has added to this art and increased its popularity, also becoming well appreciated by admirers of the Chinese arts and crafts.     

Macrame was popularized in North and South America during the 1960s and ‘70s by the hippie movement. Macrame clothes and jewelry became fashionable and many engaged in this art as a form of personal expression. Hemp became a favorite for macramé creations.  

In later years, the craze for macramé fell down in the U.S. but it continued in South America thanks to the many traveling artisans who used macramé as a way of making money to cover their travelling expenses. This became a way of life for many young ones who chose to learn the skill and start traveling around selling at fairs, schools, beaches, downtown streets, and at any event they could make it to.  

Today, macramé is enjoying a renewed popularity worldwide, this ancient skill has been revived and revitalized thanks to the endless possibilities it offers which people are coming to appreciate now more and more. Macrame original and unique handmade products are a great alternative to the repetitive and impersonal mass production. It is also a great hobby for anyone with patience and free time, and a great skill for artists to incorporate into their work.  

Macrame is absolutely handmade, without making use of needles, hooks or hoops, making it an laternative to weaving or knitting, or can even be combined with them.   

Macrame has also proven to be a great natural therapy for those undergoing rehabilitation processes. Learning the variety of knots and working on them once and again helps strengthen the memory, making it a great activity for everyone, especially seniors. Working with the cords and tying them strengthens the arms and hands, and helps to loosen the joints of the wrist and fingers. It also helps calm the mind and spirit as it requires concentration and the repetitive patterns make you enter in a meditative state of mind. Additionaly, it is believed stress is released through the fingers, making of macramé knotting a relaxing activity. Macrame has the additional benefit of enjoying the process of creating something that is born form within yourself. 

Yet, macramé patterns and designs can be so intricate and complex that it poses a great challenge for already skillful crafters and hobbyists. Some projects, such as macramé hammocks can take even a month to finish, exercising ones patience and perseverance.  

Definitely, one of the factors that has influenced in the great popularity of macramé today, is the fact that it is an earth-friendly technique, allowing for the creation of beautiful art and utilitary objects without the use of harsh chemicals or polluting fumes and waste.   

MACRAME KNOTS 

Macrame knotting is based on basic knots that we use everyday:  

Half knot: it is the knot used in tying a shoelace, with the use of two strings. 

Square knot: it is made of two half knots in opposite directions 

Overhand knot: it is made with just one string to create a loop by knotting the string to itself. 

Double half hitch: one string bears the knot while the other string is wrapped around it. 

The basic knots used in macrame are the square knot, the full hitch and the double half hitch. The Larks’ head knot is used to mount the cord to an anchor or to another cord.  

Square knot: also know as flat knot results in a flat, square design. It can be knotted into different combinations. 

Spiral Knot: this is made by doing the half knot repeatedly on the same direction, making the cord turn into a spiral.