Macrame - A History of Knotted Art

When and where did macrame come from?

Who first saw the decorative potential of a simple piece of rope?

Macrame is the ancient craft of knotting rope or fiber in geometric patterns to create decorative and functional items. While several ancient cultures had knot tying tehniques and art forms, the form of macrame we use to day has its origins in ancient China. The word macrame is Arabic in origin, and means 'fringe'.

Over the centuries, macrame spread throughout the Orient and Europe, thanks in part to sailors and seafaring merchants, who practiced the art of knot tying for utility and decorative purposes. Macrame techniques were used in the Middle Ages to craft mourning jewelry from human hair, a practice that continued into the 19th century. By the Victorian era, macrame was a popular and fashionable pastime in England, used for lace, decorative details, and clothing.

The 1960's and 1970's saw a resurgence of interest in knotted crafts, with macrame plant hangers, wall hangings, accessories, and jewelry. Vivid colors and bold patterns are a hallmark of the time.

Macrame shows up in a surprising number of fashion and home accessory items available today. From hemp jewelry to woven tote bags, macrame has made an impact on fashion and in the home. Today's macrame features softer, more soothing colors and a greater array of fibers, textures and embellishments. Macrame is a good solitary craft--all you need is a length of cord, a pair of scissors, pins, and a work surface, so it travels and stores well.

Samantha McNesby