Here is the recap of the Macramé class we had this summer. The video below will show you how to make a wall hanging and also talk about the history of Macramé as a craft.
Macramé comes from a French word and was first recorded as being used in English in the late 1860s. Its definition is "a lacelike webbing made of hand-knotted cord." The word macramé stems from the same word in Italian but it meant a type of hand towel fringing. This, in turn, stems from makrama defined as "napkin, face towel". Makrama came from the Arabic word miqrama meaning "embroidered coverlet, veil, bedspread".
The act of knotting has been an important part of human history and a technology that led to the success of humans. From knots on arrows and spears to knots making up fishing nets, to knotting together structures, the use of knots including the plain, clove hitch, and sliding knot were already in use by 8,000 B.C. The first fishing net dates back to 9,000 B.C. Once basic needs were being met by knots, they became something that was done for decoration and was used throughout many cultures. Even civilizations that were separate from each other independently developed and used similar knots.
The first known use of knotting for decoration was done around the edge of mats. This was done by the Assyrians and Persians in 2,300 B.C. Mesopotamia. In the 8th century, Arabic and Turkish people became masters of the craft making intricate knotting to decorate towels and tablecloths that had been created on a loom. The process of weaving leaves fringes on the ends was perfect for this artistry.
Then sailors who were already using knots for their shipbuilding and sailing began to take on the craft. Sailors and pirates in the 14th and 15th centuries created items while on long hauls especially while on night watch and then would sell them when they got into port. They greatly used the square knot to make things like hammocks and belts. This led to the expansion of macrame into Europe as they started selling their creations.
From the Middle East, the art of macrame began to spread to Europe via Spain. From Spain, it traveled to 14th-century France where it was called filet-de-Carnassiere at the time. It was often practiced by nuns and monks who already had experience in the fiber arts of lacemaking and needlework. The craft became more expensive at this time since they used materials like silk and was used to decorate royalty and their court's clothing.
Today sailors still practice macrame, often, using nylon rope to create lanyards. This not only provides a hobby but also helps sailors keep their knot-tying skills fresh. Knots are still important and used all over ships, even Naval Ships like the USS George Washington that keep the tradition alive.
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