If you’re looking for a fun new craft idea to try or want to give your home a stylish update for summer, trying your hand at macramé is a great place to start.
The ancient craft is back with a modern flare, taking over the home sections of our favourite interior websites and popping up all over our social media feeds.
Here we run through the history of the chic craft and share with you a simple and easy way to make your very own macramé plant hanger at home.
What is macramé?
Macramé is the craft of making beautiful patterns by knotting string or cord. The art can be traced back to the 13th century, but became hugely popular in the 1970s, where everything from handbags to plant holders were created through macramé.
Macramé artist Isabella (@_twome), says the art has changed since the style of the 70s and it’s revival has taken a modern approach.
“Macramé has come a long way since the 70s jute owls”, she said, “Modern macramé is all about soft and natural cotton strings and rope to create home decor, accessories and fashion statements.”
What can you make in macramé?
A plant holder is a good place to start if you’re new to the craft, however Isabella also suggests trying a simple wall hanger or creating tableware like coasters and placemats.
What do you need for macramé?
“You don’t need much equipment as a beginner,” Isabella said. All you need is string, sharp scissors, measuring tape and masking tape to get started.
Isabella encourages her students to buy sustainable materials from an approved list of suppliers on her website, or to reuse what they have at home.
What is the benefit of macramé?
As well as creating a beautiful original piece for your home or your wardrobe, macramé is a great way to take some time to yourself as you really have to concentrate on what you’re doing.
Isabella added: “You also see results quickly so it’s very satisfying.”
The beauty of macramé is that even if you mess up, you can just start again by simply untying the knots – you really can’t go wrong.
How do you make a macramé plant hanger?
- To make a hanging plant holder, you need eight pieces.
- If using fabric, cut into strips of about an inch wide.
- Tie them together in a knot at the top.
- Separate them into four pairs.
- Knot each pair together a couple of inches below the top knot.
- Then separate these pairs and make new pairs with one of the adjacent strands. Knot these together a couple of inches below the previous knot.
- Continue this method until you have four or five knots, then knot all the pieces together at the bottom.
- As you put a pot inside, the knotted area will expand to hold it.
If you can’t get enough of this modern take on the iconic craft, Isabella has lots of free tutorials on her website where you can learn to make everything from wreaths to earrings. The artist also has a book out now that will show you how to create stunning macramé pieces for your home.
