Macrame is an increasingly popular element of interior decoration. What is macrame? Where does it come from? How to start your adventure with macrame? What types of macrame cord are there? We will try to answer these questions.
What is macrame and where does it come from?
Macrame is the art of braiding a string with your hands, without the use of wires, needles or crochet hooks. The term macramé is often used to describe not only the technique of creating decorative weaves, but also a decorative object for the wall, which was created using this method. String macramés are experiencing their renaissance. They decorate many modern interiors. Few people remember that the history of macrame dates back to ancient times. The first traces of decorative cord braiding come from ancient Assyria and Egypt. The oldest finds date back even to the 9th century BC.
Macrame came to Europe in the 8th century CE. due to the conquest of the Iberian Peninsula by the Moors. It was then that twine braiding became popular in Spain and then in France. The Crusades played a significant role in spreading the popularity of macramé on the old continent. Thanks to them, decorative braiding of strings reached Italy and England. In medieval times, macrame weaving was done by nuns who created decorations for churches, but the beauty of slots was quickly discovered by royal courts. Macrame began to decorate the clothes of the wealthy, aristocracy and royal families.
Even the English queens – Mary, wife of William III and the wife of Gregory III, Charlotte, indulged in the art of weaving macrame. Another milestone in the history of the popularity of macrame was the 1960s and 1970s in the United States. It was then that the counterculture movements opposed the growing consumerism and encouraged the learning of DIY techniques. Rope macrames fit perfectly into this idea and gained immense popularity.
How to start the adventure with macrame?
Today, macramés are returning to salons in the form of wall decorations, flowerbeds, pot covers. They perfectly fit into the boho and japandi arrangement trends. Natural decorations add character and home warmth to the rooms. That is why they are so eagerly used by both amateurs of interior decoration and professional designers. The art of braiding a string is also willingly used to create jewelry, keyrings, bookmarks, as well as handbags and hand-woven clothes.
String macrames appear in many interior design and clothing stores. Many craftsmen also offer items woven from a string. However, the art of braiding a string is a pleasant and relaxing activity (the effects of which can be delightful). That is why more and more people start their adventure with macrame. At the beginning, it is enough to obtain a string 100-200 m long and a supply of patience. A tailor's measure, a stick or a wooden profile to hold macramé and scissors may also be useful. At the beginning, it is worth learning the basic weaves and ... practicing. Practice makes perfect.
Macrame cord for beginners
There are many types of macrame cords on the market. At the beginning, however, it is worth betting on the one that will work in beginner hands. For those who take their first steps in weaving decorative knots and knots, a single-braided cotton cord without a core is recommended. The thickness of 5 mm allows you to weave a variety of decorations, and at the same time hides mistakes that happen at the beginning of each road. This type of cord is smooth and pleasant to the touch. It allows you to feel the relaxing effect of weaving macrames from a string.
Other types of macrame cord
Macrame cords differ in the type of yarn, thickness, flexibility and color. Before choosing a string, it is worth considering what project it is to be used for. This will help you decide which macrame cord to choose. Linen cords used to be used to weave macrames, but nowadays cotton cords are the most popular among craftsmen. To make small decorations such as a keychain or a bookmark, you can choose a string with a thickness of 3 mm. It will allow you to obtain small knots and knots that look aesthetically pleasing in small forms of handicrafts. When weaving larger decorations, it is worth putting on a macrame cord for combing. It gives a wide range of possibilities when creating an artistic project.
It enables winding, braiding and creating knots and knots, as well as creating fluffy elements, which are obtained by combing the end of the string. They add lightness and charm to the design. The most popular is a 5 mm thick cotton cord. It is also recommended for beginners. For larger projects that are to keep their shape, we recommend cotton cords with a reinforced core. Pot covers, baskets, rugs and rugs made of this type of twine will be stiff enough to keep their shape. Both natural and dyed strings are available on the market. It is worth remembering that the choice of color will have a significant impact on the final character of the work.