What is macrame and why one should master it?

What is macrame?

Even before the appearance of houses and even the first huts – when people lived, in fact, in caves – they already knew the art of weaving. Then the samples of macrame looked a little like modern products: their idea was to manufacture ordinary nodeless networks. The latter were obtained from the veins of animals, herbs, vines.

Later, nets began to be made from twisted threads, woolen, and vegetable raw materials. In the Stone Age, knotless weaves were replaced by knotted ones, which then consisted of only two or three knots.

And starting from the period of Antiquity and ending with the Middle Ages, people invented and tested the main knots of macrame. It was then that this art reached its peak, and over and over again it turned out to be at the peak of popularity, then went out of fashion.

An interesting nuance: or many peoples, weaving knots was considered a magical act: with its help, it was possible to cure a person or send disease to him. Today, nodular weaving, which has not lost its mystery, is used mainly as a decoration.

Macrame is a knot weaving technique. You can use different materials for this hobby, there is only one requirement for it – strength.

Here are some reasons to get into this needlework:

• You will be able to create interior items and accessories with your own hands. There are a lot of options for using macrame. For example, the manufacture of bracelets, bags, rugs, wall panels, bedspreads, coasters for hot, curtains.
• Macrame style items are suitable for those who love minimalism or eco-style in the interior. For example, wicker planters will definitely decorate your home. Or not yours – decorative items are a great gift.
• This hobby does not require large financial costs. 

How to learn to weave macrame?

Let’s explore the basics of macrame cords, without which you will not be able to create designs. Consider knots that are woven from one thread.

Fundamentals of weaving technique

Weaving in the technique of modern macrame consists in a nodular connection of adjacent threads, in a certain direction. The latter can be horizontal, vertical, diagonal or checkerboard (grid).

Before weaving, it is necessary to cut the threads and prepare metal or wooden rod or a circle on which they will be located. The rod can be hung from the ceiling or on hooks to the wall, the circle can be placed on the pillow. Additional pins and a measuring tape may be required. Instead of a rod, you can use a cord.

It should be taken into account that depending on the type and number of nodes, the length needed is different. For example, the consumption of a thin thread will be 1.5-2 times less than a thick one; consumption also increases when fixing complex nodes. Conventionally, it is recommended to take a thread at least 2 times longer than the height of the product that you plan to receive.

There are more than two dozen knots in the art of weaving, including varieties. But there are only about 5 ways to fix the thread:

1. Fastening with a lock is available (front).
2. Extended fastening with a lock is available.
3. Fastening with a lock inside out (wrong side).
4. Extended fastening with a lock inside out.
5. Uneven fastening (used when weaving chains or laces).
   
   

With the 1st fastening, the thread is fixed from the outside, with the 3rd from the back. Options 2 and 4 are their extended versions when the right and left threads are alternately passed either under the main thread (obvious) or behind it (inside out), pulled into the loop, and fixed. After fixing, the main work with threads begins. The direction of weaving and the types of knots are selected. The most interesting is coming.

What styles are best to use?

The simplicity, naturalness, beauty, and even a certain roughness of individual macrame embellishments make them the preferred choice for several styles. This is boho, loft, Scandinavian and eco-style.

Eco-style

Since the eco-friendly style involves the abundant use of natural materials, macrame crafts made from natural threads fit perfectly here. These can be capes or covers for macrame furniture, panels, paintings, nets for lamps, canopies over the bed: there are no exceptions.

Boho

Eclectic and at the same time harmonious, boho retains the charm and naturalness of objects from different parts of the world. Therefore, things made from natural materials are not alien to him, for example, weaving macrame for boho furniture – chairs or a hammock.

Loft

The roughness and negligence of the loft decor in the apartment are softened by such macrame products as a large panel against the background of a plastered, brick, or whitewashed wall, as well as wicker furniture. It is better to give preference to practical options. The main thing is that the thread for weaving is stiff, with a thickness greater than average.

Scandinavian style

The monotony and rigor of the northern style can be easily diluted with decorations and macrame textiles. For example, a macrame panel on the wall will add warmth and grace to any room, and a bedspread or blanket will give comfort.

Conclusion

Weaving beautiful things from macrame for the interior is not difficult. The main thing is to master the basics of weaving. And already on the basis of the knowledge gained, make a thing with your own hands. And if there is no time, you can always buy a ready-made version made by a master.