The return of an age-old hobby

The 70s have been busy making a comeback for some time now and it looks as if they will be sticking around for a while. From interior design trends to fashion: everywhere you look you can find hints of this pre-digital era. Natural materials, fringes, round shapes and warm colours such as ochre yellow, brown and orange are the perfect inspiration for that typical 70's look. 

The seventies are also making a comeback in the hobby world: macramé (and the new macraweave) are here to stay and are continuing to gain in popularity. This has to do with the growing interest in craftwork and the ever-increasing trend in handmade products. Macramé is the perfect fit here. On top of that, this hobby only requires a few supplies to achieve great results. This old-fashioned knotting technique, newly adapted to the 21st century, is back in business.

What is macramé?

Macramé is a craft technique that uses cord and a variety of different knots to make interior items such as plant hangers, tapestries, lampshades, cushions, baskets and other home deco products. You can also use it to create fashion accessories such as bags and jewellery. In addition, you can give objects a brand new look by 'wrapping' them using the macramé technique. Ideas include bottles, flower pots and ornaments such as Christmas baubles. Applying different knotting techniques helps you create a variety of designs.

Which macramé cord should you choose?

Cord is the most important element in this craft hobby. You can macramé with all sorts of cords, but 100% cotton is the most common choice. For beginners in macramé, using a cotton cord is highly recommended. Cotton cord produces the nicest results and is easier to work with because it does not stretch. Interested in using a different material? Knitting yarn or t-shirt yarn (home-made yarn made of old t-shirts) is also suitable for macramé projects. Cotton macramé cord is available in different thicknesses, ranging from 1 to 10 millimetres. Each thickness produces a different result. Combine different thicknesses to create exciting effects. Do you make small items such as bracelets or earrings? Then using a thin cord is best — this is called micro macramé.

In addition to cord, you will also need a pair of scissors and, depending on what you want to make, a rod, wooden rings or beads as decorations. Alternatively, you can find a nice fallen branch in the woods and use it to make a wall hanging. Another idea is to use textile paint to first dye your basic cotton cord or to give your project a dip dye effect.

Macramé 2.0: macraweave

In 2020, making macramé tapestries took on a whole new dimension. You can produce stunning results with different textures by merging weaving and macramé techniques. Create your own style by combining materials, knotting techniques, directions, colours and thicknesses, or create different textures by adding fringes to parts of your macramé project. You can use scraps of string for this, so there is no need to throw out any materials.

DIY macramé projects

Did reading this blog inspire you to get started with this trend? Then try out this project:

Macramé dreamcatcher