On trend both as an interior design accessory and as a crafting pastime, macramé has seen something of a resurgence in popularity in recent times, reminiscent of its heyday back in the 60s and 70s. Macramé is the art of knotting cord in order to create intricate textiles with a bohemian edge. With a little practice, anyone can have a go at this ancient art form, but here are our four top tips to get you started:
Have the right tools to hand
Crafting is on the increase and sales of macramé crafting supplies have exploded ever since the Covid pandemic gave some people a little more time to explore their creative side. There are many macramé tools and supplies on the market but ensure you have the basics to hand – a pair of sharp scissors, something to hang your piece onto as you work, such as a mounting ring, and plenty of cord.
Start Simple
There are dozens of different macramé knots you can incorporate into your work but they vary in levels of complexity. Start with simple knots such as the square knot or half-hitch knot before experimenting with the more elaborate knots. It may also be best to start with a straightforward project to hone your skills. A Macrame Kit is a great way to be guided through the process and still have something beautiful to show for it. A range of kits can be viewed at specialists such as woolcouturecompany.com/.
Measure twice, cut once
The great thing about macramé is that if you are unhappy with the way a project is turning out, you can always undo the knots and start again. It is a very forgiving art and provides plenty of opportunity for creativity and experimentation. The one thing that can’t be undone once it has been done is making cuts, so always cut more cord than you think you will need.
Comfort is key
Macramé can be quite a physical art, especially when creating larger pieces, so ensure you have a comfortable workstation to work from. It is up to you where you choose to sit whilst working on your pieces, but there are many ways to hold your item in place so experiment with different ways to find which suits you and the piece you are working on best. And remember, be sure to enjoy the process as much as the result!
