What is macramé?
It is a technique of braiding cords that originated in Arab countries. Literally, it means a tied ornament. By tying, winding and twisting cords in the right way, you can create a piece that may be purely decorative or also practical. To start making macramé, all you need is knowledge of two or three basic knots. Over time, you can make them more intricate and add more elements.
Although the fashion for macramé in the “West,” including Poland, has only been around for several or a dozen years, macramé arrived in Europe as early as the Middle Ages. At that time, macramé lace adorned the garments of the aristocracy and later the interiors of their palaces and castles as well. Today, the fashion for intricately tied cords is definitely making a comeback.
Think about what kind of macramé you want to create
Macramé leaves plenty of room for imagination. We can create a hanging wall decoration, a rug, a canopy, a lampshade, plant hangers, swings... there are countless options. You can use it to add variety to your child’s cradle, brighten up your bedroom, or even use it as a surprising addition to your bathroom. Macramé can also be used to create jewelry or a belt. With it, you can introduce a boho style into your space, which is currently very fashionable. Inspiration for achieving this style in your own apartment can be found in the Pepco leaflet. In these stores, you can often find boho-style accessories in the home and accessories section.
If you do not have a specific idea in mind for how you want to use macramé, that is not a problem. It is a great form of handicraft that can help you relax or beat boredom. You can let yourself go and decide what it will be only after you see the finished piece.
What will you need to make macramé?
- Cord: 100 meters; you can buy it at a sewing store
- A stick; an ordinary stick from the forest will do
- Scissors: you can even borrow them from a child
- Measuring tape: a typical tailor’s measuring tape
- Cord is the foundation of macramé, so its type is very important. The material should be high quality, though it can also come from recycled sources. For beginners, 5 mm braided cord works best. Materials are available in many colors, so choose your favorite or one that matches your interior. You can buy cord at a sewing store, textile shop or a specialist store offering this type of product. To start with, about 100 meters of cord should be enough.
The second item you need is a stick. We often receive one when buying macramé cord, but we can also use a stick found in the woods or on an estate. It should be washed, stripped of its bark and sanded with sandpaper. The stick needs to be hung from something—a regular clothes hanger from a furniture store or a door frame works perfectly for this. Scissors for trimming cords and a measuring tape for measuring equal lengths will also be useful.
Find a macramé pattern and get inspired by the Internet
Of course, over time we can realize our own visions, but at first it is worth taking inspiration from finished macramé pieces. We can use YouTube, where we will find plenty of tutorials and videos introducing us to cord tying. We can also find plenty of inspiration on social media: Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. Treat them as inspiration—once you find your rhythm, you can move away from the original and create your own patterns.
Start braiding and have fun
Time for practice. Depending on the macramé pattern you choose, you need to cut the cord into equal pieces. There may be 10, 20 or 30 of them. Measure the first cord with a measuring tape, then measure the others against the first one. Fold the cord in half and attach it to the stick with a lark’s head knot. Do the same with the remaining cords on the stick, at equal intervals. The rest depends on your pattern. Tutorials will teach you various attachments, knots and weaves.
One final piece of advice: if your first macramé piece turns out slightly crooked or incorrectly tied, do not give up. Be proud of your work and keep trying. If tying cords is not for you, but you like macramé as an interior design element, you can of course also buy it in many online stores. In addition to large interior design companies, many studios and private artists also create these cord wonders, and they are worth supporting.