Macramé , an old classic of knotting techniques, a new surge in popularity and is rapidly gaining in popularity among craft enthusiasts and hobby artists.
With this term you may now feel reminded of colorful friendship bracelets, Wolfgang "Wolle" Petry, flower lights from the eighties or linked wall pictures made of thick Sisal cord, right?
Whether as a decoration element in the apartment or as a piece of jewelry on the body - macrame is versatile and can easily be made yourself.
Wonderful decorative elements for the apartment can be created with macrame .
With this article, we want to show you that there's much more you can do with this oriental knotting technique and that numerous incredibly creative concepts, techniques, ideas, and projects have developed in this area of handicrafts. Thanks to the internet, these are also spreading rapidly across the globe, allowing for a wide variety of cultural influences.
In addition to classic murals and bracelets, you will also find supporters of all kinds, belts, watch bracelets, necklaces, wind chips, pieces of furniture, clothing and decoration in all its characteristics. There are almost no limits to the imagination in the application of macrame.
With macrame you can also produce artistic clothing. Image source: Svetlanasokolova, via Unsplash on Freepik
This is always shown in the creativity and diversity of the use of this connection technique.
There are numerous tutorials and books on macrame that can help you learn basics of knotting techniquessupplies such as macrame yarn or sock yarn are also readily available online or at your local craft store.
With a little practice, you can create impressive works of art that enhance any room and underline your personal style. Anyone who enjoys crafting and needlework will surely find pleasure in this gentle form of knitting and crocheting.
And who knows, maybe making macrame work will even be a relaxation method in between?
Background and origin
The term comes from Spanish (Macramé) and describes a linkage technology coming from the Orient for the production of ornaments, patterns or textiles . The Spanish word "Macramé" in turn comes from the Arabic "Migramah""weaving" in Arab language use .
With the crusaders and the Moors (via Spain), this technology ultimately came to Europe. Since then she has experienced several flowering times here, in which very fine -old -knotted work was created. The last heyday in Germany, which may also have been remembered excellently, was in the 1970s. Work from this decade was often very rustic.
For several months now, this wonderful form of handicraft has been experiencing a strong resurgence and is once again enjoying enormous demand.
The most common forms are:
Chinese Macramé, which is supposed to bring happiness to New Year
Macramé-eulen, a traditional form of the Macramé
Tablecloths, belts, wall hangings
Latin American Macramé, especially jewelry (bracelets, chains, etc.)
Uniform jewelry parts, rank badge
Materials and tools for macrame handicrafts
Certain materials and tools are required to manufacture macrame work.
Which yarn for macrame?
the right yarn is crucial. There's special macrame yarn from cotton or jute that's particularly well-suited for this craft. Sock yarn or other types of wool can also be used, but it's important to make sure they're not too thin and can be knotted easily.
The traditional yarn for macrame is made of cotton and is available in two variants: braided or rotated . The twisted yarn can either consist of a single twirled strand or from usually 3-4 twirled strands, which in turn are twisted together. This is often referred to as a 3-ply yarn.
Ms. Friemel (see below for more information and a link) describes herself as a passionate crafter and a huge macramé fan. She uses twisted yarn because the ends of this type of yarn can fray and it's often cheaper.
In their opinion, braided yarn gives the macrame knotanry more calm and is easier to handle especially for beginners. If you still prefer to use rotated yarn, the DIY professional recommends starting with the 3-ply version.
In addition to the right yarn, there are also a variety of accessories such as crochet needles , knitting or knot accessories as well as books with instructions and inspiration.
Materials and tools for macrame crafting. Image source: Freepik
Bobbiness 's products , a Polish company that specializes in handmade yarns, The best macrame yarn is, in many macrame enthusiasts, the simply twisted 3 mm yarn from Bobbiness . Not only color, optics and a wonderful feeling of work convince here, but also the environmentally friendly production.
In addition to various types of yarns, there are also practical accessories on their website.
If you are new to the world of the macrame, you will find numerous opportunities to make your first steps easier and work creatively.
How long does the thread have to be with the macrame?
With the macrame, the length of the threads depends on which project you want to implement. In principle, however, the threads should be at least two to three times as long as the finished macrame. If you want to make a wall decoration of one meter in length, you should use threads of at least two meters in length.
Another crucial factor is the thickness of the threads. The thicker the thread, the shorter it can be. Therefore, if you use thicker cords, they can be shorter than twice the recommended length of the finished macramé. It's also important to keep in mind that a few centimeters may be lost at the ends when knotting a macramé.
Therefore, you should always add a few additional centimeters to the thread lengths. If you are unsure which length is needed, you can orientate yourself to instructions or tutorials and, if necessary, experiment.
In general, however, the following applies: better use a little more than too little material - it can always be shortened or cut off!
Basic nodes and techniques in the macrame
In the macrame there are a variety of nodes and techniques that should be mastered to create attractive and authentic works. The elementary knots in the macrame include the cross node , the double cross node and the slash node .
Playful flower light with the macrame technology Photo of Rocknwool @rocknwool, via Unsplash
With these knot techniques you can make beautiful wall hangings , flower lights or bracelets . Regardless of whether it is a beginner or advanced, with the numerous instructions and books on the subject of macrame, everyone will find their suitable challenges.
Fades and work thread
In principle, a distinction is made between two threads with this connection technique. The threads that wear knots are called carrier threads . The threads that form nodes are called work threads .
One basic rule is: carrier threads never make loops. The difference in a flower traffic light is clearly visible, in which the flower bowls are kept through the wage threads and decorated by the work threads.
In the macramé technique, these two types of cords are also called active (working threads) and passive (support threads). The active cords are used to tie the knots, while the passive cords dictate the direction of the knots and thus serve as a guide.
In some projects there can also be a change between the functions. If there is no change, the passive cords are significantly shorter than the active.
You can also see the basics of the link technology in the following video:
The anchor knot
The beginning of every macrame project begins with this knot. He is often called anchor stitch . The anchor node serves to attach the knotting yarn to a guideline, wrestling or wooden bars.
This is how it works: Place the yarn in the shape of a loop and guide it around a wooden rod from the front, so that the closed side points downwards. Then lead the loose ends over the rod through this loop and then pull everything down well.
You can also use this node backwards. Depending on the project, either the forward or backward version is more suitable.
In the following video, Dilara from Westwing a simple step-by-step macramé tutorial that will help any beginner quickly understand the basic knotting principles and become a pro in no time:
Half knot and double half hitch
Essentially, there are only two basic knots in macramé, building on the anchor knot. The first is the half knot.
Half knot (left) Source: here4u on German Wikipedia [Cc-by-Sa-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Half knot (right) by Filmrob [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
And on the other hand, half a blow
Half blow left by Jomegat [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Half blow, laid on the right by Jomegat [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
These knots are a variation of the anchor node presented beforehand. They consist of two half strokes around the guiding lift, which are formed one after the other. The double half blow is well suited for making longer horizontal or vertical routes.
This is how the left -wing knot is made:
Start by leading the left part (working cord) over the right cord (leader cord) to the right. Then, from right to left, go back under the leader cord so that the working cord forms a loop or half-hitch. Then, lead the working cord under the leader cord to the right and then over it again to the left. Finally, pull everything tight! Of course, this also works well starting from the right side.
In the following video, YouTuber Larissa from"Gemischte Tüte" show you in detail how to tie the knot called the "double half hitch" both horizontally and diagonally in a descending direction. This special knot is often used in the creation of macramé dreamcatchers or wall hangings.
Cross nodes, shaft nodes and ribs
Building on these two basic nodes, more complicated knots are then linked. For example, the cross node (also weaver, flat or salomone nodes), the wave nodes (including old women) or the ribnotes :
Locked cross nodes
Old women (started on the left over right)
Cross knot
The cross node is an essential knot in the area of the macrame, which is considered the standard node. This knot enables you to design an area with a variety of cords.
So he is done:
To make a left -wing cross knot, take the outermost left cord and take you to the right via the two resting middle cords. Then take the outermost right cord and lead it to the left under the middle cords.
Next, reverse the skewer: Pass the left cord under the middle cords to the right, and the right cord over them to the left. Then, as always, pull everything tight.
From these few knots, such as reef knots and loop knots/rib knots, you can make many cool macramé works, such as wall hangings , decorative elements and other accessories such as hanging flower baskets, pacifier chains or yoga mat straps (see video).
Ribnot
The rib notes offers a great way to highlight certain node areas and optically differentiate. However, it is suitable for different forms, but requires concentration and practice to achieve an even result.
Ribnotes (forward knot) by Jomegat [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Ribnotes (backward knot) of Jomegat [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
This is how it works:
Start by looping the leftmost leader line over the other lines. Then take the nearest line and form the first loop by first bringing it up over the leader line and then bringing it down behind it.
Use the same cord in a similar way to form a second loop. Then pull both loops tight and hold the guide well.
Repeat this process with the third cord to create two more loops. Go on this way until you have reached the end of the series. If you want to build an additional series underneath, put the guideline from right to left parallel to the first row and then continue to combine neighboring cords according to the same principle.
Wave knot
The fascination of the shaft node is that a helix or spiral automatically forms by consistently adhering to a link rhythm.
Macrame wave node: single nodes with loop to the right
Macrame wave node: right-wing spiral node
This is how it works:
To get an left -wing cord, lead the outermost left cord over the middle cords to the right and the outermost right cord under the middle strands to the left. You then repeat this rhythm continuously. The cord turns by itself.
Of course, you can also do the opposite to create a right-handed cord. With this knot, it's crucial to tighten it tightly to create a smooth spiral.
The following video summarizes the elementary knots for you in a clear way:
Macrame styles
In the following infographic you can see a few popular and frequently used styles and techniques.
There are also so -called decorative nodes that are used somewhat less frequently.
The Trossenstek is a connection, but also ornamental nodes with which two ends can be connected. Image source: Chris 73 / Wikimedia Commons
These include the Trossenstek ( Josefinenknoten or Brezel node ), which primarily serves as a decorative node, as well as berries , rose nodes , cross and cross node , pipa nodes and exchange nodes (in the following illustration from left to right).
Five decorative macrame nodes next to each other on one branch image source: Arabella Oberstedt, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Video instructions and tutorials
Regardless of whether you are reading about this linkage technique for the first time and just have become curious, or whether you are already an old hare in this field: The following videos will certainly have one or the other exciting suggestion that you have not yet met.
Hobby artists show the most important tricks and demonstrate their favorite techniques and work.
Knot techniques
Creative macrame projects-the best video tutorials
How about if you share some of your hand -made creations to give other people happy? Handmade gifts have a special charm. The joy you feel when creating appears through every knot, and this positive energy becomes alive when you give it away.
And who knows, maybe your projects also stimulate creativity for others. Here we have compiled some of the most beautiful online video tutorials that support you step by step in bringing your macrame ideas to life.
DIY macrame-boho wind light
Even more boho-chic ideas
Curtains and wall hangings
Key trailer with a small loop
DIY macrame bag without fringes
Dream catcher
Colorful life tree as a dream catcher
Pennant chain
Haneway / flower light
Easter decoration-small, sweet macrame rabbits
Christmas decorations-small DIY fir tree as a wall hanging
A wonderful starting point for those wanting to delve into the DIY world of oriental knotting techniques is Frau Friemel's craft blog. There, Liesa shares her passion for DIY projects and shows how to make all sorts of attractive things yourself.
Her repertoire encompasses everything from home decor to handmade jewelry . In recent years, the crafting fairy has developed a particular passion for macramé, which has become her most outstanding expertise.
Arabella Mandarella also looking for instructions, tips and project inspiration. Free step-by-step instructions for flower lights, dream catchers, macrame springs and keychains are presented in the blog of favorite yarn . Mrs. Greenhouse also shares her favorite instructions with her readers.
Macrame instructions for flower lights and bracelets are also available from the DIY portal and Magazin Handmade Culture .
Even more work, instructions and inspiration ...
You haven't had enough so far? Then it continues with a real abundance of wonderful and creative application examples to look at, admire and build up ...
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Owner and Managing Director of Kunstplaza. Publicist, editor, and passionate blogger in the field of art, design, and creativity since 2011. Successful completion of a degree in web design as part of a university program (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expressive painting, and theater/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.
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