What is the history of macramé wall hangings?

What is macramé?

Macramé is the art of creating decorative pieces using string and knots. Wool, hemp, jute, cotton threads are often used as well as more modern fibers. They can be practical items such as mirror or shelf hangings or plant potholders - even earrings! They can also be magnificent works of art - a large macramé wallhanging, or bed covers add beauty, style, interest and texture to a room.

Macramé can incorporate beads and rings to shape the fibers and to add color. The hanger at the top of a wall-hanging can be a simple rod of metal or wood or it can be something quirkier such as driftwood.

The basic knots used in macramé are the reef knot (square knot) and a variety of hitch derivatives. The patterns that flow from these simple knots are anything but simple.

Where does macramé originate?

There are two theories about where Macramé originated. Some believe that 13th Century Arab weavers started the practice. They used a pattern of knots to finish off the excess yarns and threads on their shawls and blankets. Others think that sailors made belts, lampshade fringes and even hammocks from macramé. These would have been for their own use and to sell at the next port.

The word 'macramé' comes from the Arabic word 'migramah' which tends to suggest that the Arab weavers should take the credit for inventing it. The sailors then spread the art and associated skills around the World. Macramé wall hanging Australia probably came into the country in the first part of the 19th Century via sailors on those early ships.

In Victorian times, the art of macramé became very popular. It was a diverting hobby and fashion magazines offered patterns for people to make their own trimmings, bags, table linen etc.

The 1970's - the golden era for macramé

In the 1970's macramé had another blaze of popularity. Hippy culture demanded macramé Wall hangings, dreamcatchers, jean trimmings. Everything had macramé on it for a while. But the craze soon died, and macramé took on a very naff image. It looked as though knotted string had had its day.

BOHO chic - macramé reinvents itself

The resurrection of Hippie culture brought up to date in the Boho trend breathed life into many things from the '70's. Modern day macramé uses a lot more natural material. Jewelry, especially anklets and bracelets incorporate leather, wood, stone and semi-precious stones for example.

DIY macramé

Macramé needs no expensive equipment, and it is relatively simple to learn (although it can be devilishly complicated if you want to make it so). It is also relaxing - almost a form of meditation. There is great pleasure to be had in creating a large macrame wall hanging to your own design. Like a patchwork quilt passed down through generations, you can see DIY macramé wall art being handed down or given as wedding presents.

With the trend for gifting activities and DIY kits, there are lots of projects to work on (see the 'Wool and the Gang' website). Alternatively, you can go out and buy the raw materials and go freestyle.

Conclusion - whither now for macramé?

Fashion is difficult to predict but there is a trend towards natural and home-made and macramé fits those criteria. Boho has also brought clothing and decor away from the clinical simplicity of minimalistic Skandi design. We can have color and texture and a bit of kitsch around the place again. A look at the wonderful examples of the craft on the 'Love Australian Handmade' website suggests that it is here to stay. Large macramé wall hanging Australia lives to fight another day!