Boho Art Lab

Macrame pumpkin: It's very lovely and easy to make 😍 $15/each

The History of Macramé.

Macramé’s roots are actually quite interesting, with a history dating back thousands of years. Some believe that the term comes from the 13th-century Arabic word migramah, which means “fringe.” Others believe its origins lie in the Turkish word makrama, which refers to “napkin” or “towel,” and was a way to secure pieces of weaving by using excess threads along the top or bottom of woven fabrics.

Either way, decorative first appears in carvings by the Babylonians and Assyrians that depict fringed braiding used to adorn costumes. In the 13th century, Arab weavers used decorative knots to finish the excess thread on shawls, veils, and towels. It then spread to Europe via North Africa, when the Moors brought macramé to Spain.

While most think of macramé as a craze of the 1970s, the craft reached peak popularity in Victorian England. First introduced to England in the late 17th century, Queen Mary herself taught classes to her ladies-in-waiting. Most Victorian homes had some type of macramé decoration, as it was used not only to decorate clothing, but also as curtains, tablecloths, and bedspreads.

Given their skill at making knots, it should come as no surprise that sailors are largely responsible for spreading macramé around the world. It was a great way to pass the time and could then be bartered or sold when they docked, thus bringing it to areas like China and the New World. Hammocks, belts, and bell fringes were some of the popular items made by British and American sailors in the 19th century.

After fading in popularity, macramé saw a resurgence in the 1970s. It came to symbolize the Bohemian style and was used to make wall hangings, plant hangers, accessories, and clothing. The craft eventually waned in popularity, but trends tend to be quite cyclical. Now, macramé is back, making waves again as creative crafters come up with contemporary patterns that have revitalized the historic knotting techniques.