In recent years, macrame has made a huge comeback with many of us either wanting to learn a mindful craft or to introduce an element of boho chic into our homes. But where did macrame originate and how old is it?
A craft with roots in ancient China
Research indicates that macrame is a much older technique used by craftspeople in 3rd-century China for making lanterns, wall hangings and other textiles. However, the macrame we know and love today was actually popularised across Europe by Arabic weavers.
The Popularisation of Macrame in Europe
The word macrame is French, however its origins lie in the Arabic words migrama and migramah, which are related to headwear and weaving.
What we now view as modern macrame can be traced back to the 13th century, during which time Arabic weavers finished their intricately hand-woven textiles with decorative knots. Spanish locals were taught macrame by Moors from North Africa. In the 14th century, macrame was popularised in France and then Italy, where it proved especially popular in Liguria and Genoa.
The Royal Connection
It is believed that Queen Mary II brought macrame to England in the 17th century after being introduced to it in the Netherlands.
Hitting the High Seas
Victorian Splendour
The Victorians couldn’t get enough of macrame and it was even part of the education that young girls received. However, it is the 1970s that we now associate macrame with the most. From macrame vests to wall hangings, you couldn’t go far without encountering macrame in the era of flower power.
A New Era of Macrame?
Whether you’ve received a macrame kit from www.woolcouturecompany.com/collections/macrame-kits as a gift or there’s an intricate piece of macrame art hanging on your wall, its laid-back vibe has a sense of timelessness that many can appreciate.
So, while macrame fell out of favour in the 1980s, it has experienced yet another surge in popularity in recent years which we think will continue for many seasons to come.
