Macramé - why knot? -
Macramé, the art of creating decorative objects by knotting and tying cord, gets its name from the Arabic word migramah, meaning fringe or a fringed shawl or towel. It was a popular craft for sailors, a way for them to show off their knotting skills while making goods to trade on shore.

Still, those sailors probably never dreamed of the popularity the craft would have with us land lubbers in the 1970s. Macramé plant holders, decorations, window coverings and clothing was everywhere!

In my older sister’s first apartment circa 1972 every window was obscured by hanging macramé plant holders brimming with spider plants and their dangling offspring. On one wall, too, was a large brown macramé owl, one like so many of our friends had.

Now that the return of knitting and crocheting is in full swing, macramé is also making a come back. We are starting to see more books and websites devoted to the craft. If, like I do, you have a couple of old tangled macramé plant holders in a box somewhere, now may be a good time to bring them out. Better yet, why not craft a new one!

There are a number of websites devoted to macramé and many have free instructions for projects from the traditional plant hanger and wall hangings to macramé jewelry and belts. See our list of popular sites.

Getting started
Macramé is done with a series of knots in cord. It’s best to select cord for your project that does not stretch (no yarn, elastic or leather). Cotton cord, jute and especially hemp works well. The thickness of the cord or number of plies (fibers that twist together to make the cord such as three-ply cord) depends on the project.

Synthetic cord made from polyester or acrylic works well for projects to be hung outdoors but they are sometimes a bit slippery for a beginner to get the knots right. Other than cord, all that is needed is a flat board that you can put pins in such as fiberboard to hold your project down while you’re knotting, along with good scissors, possibly a dowel and clamps to hold things steady.

Basic Knots
The basic knots for macramé are the square knot and the hitch (especially the double half hitch). When starting out, it’s a good idea to work with different colors of cords so it’s easy to see your work.

Square knot
Start with two cords. Line them up together, fold them in half and knot the folded end overhand. Now you have a knot with four pieces of cord. Spread out your four cords so you can see them.

Take the farthest left cord and pass it over the two center cords and under the farthest right cord.

Then take the farthest right cord and pass it under the two center cords, bringing it up through the loop you just made with the left cord. This part is called a half knot.

Now, take what is now the farthest right cord and pass it over the two center cords and under what is now the farthest left cord.

Bring the farthest left cord under the two center cords and up through the loop you just made with your right cord. Pull gently to complete the knot.

Double half hitch (aka the clove hitch)
Start with two cords. One cord is held taught horizontally (and sometimes vertically). It’s call the holding cord. Place the other cord, called the knotting cord, behind the first running vertically. Bring the lower end of the second knotting cord up and over the holding cord and bring the end down through the loop you just formed. This is known as a half hitch.

Now, do the process again. Bring the end of the knotting cord behind the holding cord and up and over the holding cord, bringing the end down through the loop. Pull to secure.

Now you have the basics, although there are many more fancy knots. You can add beads or other items to the work as well. Happy crafting!

—Betty