The Beginner’s Guide: What is Macrame and How to Get Started

Macramé has become a popular craft again, adorning walls, hanging from ceilings, and accenting home decor. But what exactly is macramé?

Macramé is a form of textile art that uses knotting techniques to create decorative patterns. The word comes from the Arabic “migramah” meaning fringe or tassel.

Macramé dates back centuries and has been used to make all kinds of items like wall hangings, plant holders, jewelry, and more. Though historically created with fabrics like linen or hemp, modern macramé uses cotton ropes, yarn, or even upcycled t-shirts.

Getting Started with Macramé

For beginners, macramé requires just a few supplies:

  • Cotton rope or yarn
  • Scissors
  • Small wooden hoops for plant hangers
  • Dowels or sticks for wall hangings

There are a variety of basic knots used in macramé, like the square knot, spiral knot, and half hitch. The knots are repeated in patterns to create the desired shapes and textures. YouTube tutorials can teach you how to tie the basic macramé knots. A beautiful intermediate knot that I love using in my work is the lovers knot. There’s an easy to follow guide on my website.

Once you’ve mastered a few knots, you can begin making simple macramé projects like coasters, wall hangings, or plant hangers. More complex patterns can create hammock chairs, headboards, necklaces, and more.

The great thing about macramé is you can let your creativity run wild. Experiment with different color combinations, textures, knot patterns, and materials to make one-of-a-kind macramé designs.

Macramé is the perfect DIY craft that allows you to create stunning decor and gifts out of simple knots. Learn a new skill and relax as you let the repetition of knot-tying soothe your mind.

Get started with this meditative craft today and you’ll beautify your home and find a new hobby you’ll knot want to put down.

Getting Artsy Fartsy Starting a Handmade Business

I’ve been doing macramé for my own personal pleasure for at least 4 years. I’ve had lots of fun with it and have even made things for friends and family. My artist friends have been telling me for years that I should sell macramé. I’ve been hesitant because even though I’m proud of the things I’ve created, I’ve created them for me. I knew once I started making things for other people I would then be opening myself up to judgement and critique. Two things no one is ever interested in. I was ultimately worried it would take all the fun out of it.

But here I am…. plotting my move to Syracuse and thinking about how I’m going to adjust my lifestyle with just one income (my fiancé’s). I realized now was the best time to test out selling macramé because I finally have some free time. I signed-up to work the Guilderland Farmer’s market on Sunday mornings and I have to say it’s been going… “not bad.”

As with any business there’s start-up cost and up-front expenses that put you in a deficit. I wont get into the specifics but after working 2 farmers markets and Art on Lark, I have finally made a profit. I have to say, it feels good. I’m excited! It’s opened my eyes up to new possibilities for sure. I’ve also learned so much. One of the perks of selling macramé has been meeting other artist. There’s so many talented people in the capital district. Everyone has been so willing to share their tips. It’s really quite lovely.

I’ve also realized this is not something I can do while I’m in school. It’s incredibly too demanding and I would not have the time for my studies. That is all fine and dandy though because I’ve got other ideas.

You can purchase macramé in my store starting Monday. They are made to order and ship FREE.

Love and light everyone,

Tati 🙂

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