Macramé’s Knotty Knots

CEBU, Philippines - Macramé. Not too many, for sure, is familiar with the craft, and fewer still practice it.

Though macramé is widely viewed by different hobby circles as a trend of the past, a resurgence in the fiber art form has been subtly ongoing, defined in how contemporary interpretations of the craft have found their way into today's mélange of fashion accessories and home furnishings.

A form of textile making that involves the use of knots (as opposed to knitting or weaving), macramé is often associated with the 1970s, but its knotty origins reportedly date back to the glory days of the ancient Babylonians and Assyrians.

The word macramé is Spanish, but its working application as the name for the craft is said to have come from the Arabic word "migramah" - which loosely translates to "ornamental fringe," in reference to the decorative fringes of the coats made for camels and horses.

Incredibly popular during the Victorian era, sailors - known for their skills in all things knotty - are thought to be the proponents of the formalization of macramé knots, conventions and forms, using macramé pieces to decorate practically anything, from bottles to knives.

With macramé projects starting with just one simple knot, the craft still has a steady hold as one that is worth one's while to learn - even in the midst of its "outdated" stature presently.

Macramé Materials

Since macramé involves knots, the most basic material of the craft takes shape in cords.

Either made of cotton twine, hemp or leather, easy-to-knot cords are generally identified by construction, with the 3-ply cord popularly being preferred as a "basic" by macramé experts and hobbyists.

Like knitting and crochet, macramé has its own set of basic conventions - the square knot being primary, followed by different types of knot-and-cord hitching.

Most hobby and craft shops in Cebu offer a range of cords that are perfect for macramé projects, with some carrying products like a knotting board, cord clamps and upholstery pins.

Beads and similar "knot-able" items are also often used in the making of macramé projects, perfect for the creation of unique knotted-up fashion accessories.

Macramé Forms

As a fiber art craft, the goal in macramé is to knot up something that is not only solid but also decorative.

As such, macramé creations are often used as complements for textile-based items like hand towels and tablecloths, apart from being used as accents for furniture pieces like beds, potted plant hangers and more.

Depending on the type of cord being used - apart from how big a given macramé project is - a macramé piece can have different functional roles in homes and offices, either as window blinds or as door curtains.

As fashion accessories, macramé pieces are often favored for the elaborate effect they have as bracelets, necklaces or belts. The ever-endearing friendship band is often used as a macramé example, with its relatively easy-to-make, simple knots and hitches.

With the different applications macramé pieces have as decorative embellishments or as personal accessories, you can easily go knots with macramé. (FREEMAN)