Macrame, a term derived from the Arabic word ‘migramah’ meaning ‘fringe’, is a textile art based on the knotting technique. Knot weaving has an infinite number of variations and innumerable practical and decorative uses: tapestries, plant hangers, lampshades, bracelets, bags and other bohemian accessories.

Its origins go back thousands of years to the Mesopotamian peoples, when the knot, in its most primitive form, was used to make useful items such as straps. A little later, the Chinese and Egyptians used macrame to create accessories and ornaments, but it wasn't until the 13th century that it really took off as a decorative art, when Arab weavers began to adorn the linens of young brides. They and the sailors contributed to its development by exporting the technique, first to Spain and Portugal, and then all over the world. Macrame was very popular until the start of industrialisation in the 20th century.

Macrame's popularity waned in the early 1900s with the advent of industrialisation and mass production, but it made a comeback in the 1970s, becoming a popular pastime among hippies and craft enthusiasts. It all but disappeared from the mainstream in the 80s, 90s and 2000s, until the big comeback of DIY (‘Do It Yourself’) and modern crafts in recent years. It fits in perfectly with the decorative and stylistic trends of the time.

✺ history of macrame ✺