What Is Macrame

Macrame is not a definitive pattern or material. It’s simply the act of crafting using knots to create textile art. For a project to “be macrame,” it must include at least one macrame knot.

As a practice, the macrame technique has been around for thousands of years.

Some date the art back to the 13th century, others back as far as the ancient Babylonians and Assyrians.

Either way, the history of macrame involves a migration to the West from ancient Arabic countries through colonialism and globalization.

Upon arriving in Europe, macrame became a popular pastime. In the Victorian era of Western Europe, you could find macrame art and textiles throughout most homes.

From ladies in waiting to sailors, many different groups of people from different time periods worldwide have practiced macrame for different purposes.

For sailors, macrame was created and used as a protective barrier for personal items and effects at sea.

Today, due to its ease and accessibility, macrame is widely practiced as a textile art.

Happy Making

We hope this super educational tutorial will spark some ideas in you so you can design some of your own elements and wall hangings now.

Make sure to subscribe to Fibers of Mine on Youtube and don’t forget to leave some nice comments on her amazing videos!

If you have more questions about making this pattern, please don’t hesitate to join our Macrame for Beginners Group and we will do our best to address them there.

Sasha & Marloes

Meet our talented Macrame Teachers

Meet our amazing Featured Macrame Teachers and discover their best beginner-friendly step-by-step free video tutorials.

What You Need to Get Started

You’ll need a few things on hand to get started on a simple DIY macrame wall hanging.

First, you’ll need some kind of cord! For the most part, what you choose to use is up to your preference.

Some examples of cord materials include jute, cotton, yarn, twine, hemp, and even leather.

You’ll need a stick or dowel to mount your macrame wall hanging and cast your cord onto.

Additionally, you’ll need scissors and measuring tape. And that’s it! You can dress your macrame wall hanging up and decorate it, but those four things will cover your basics.

If you do choose to add some glitz and glamor to your macrame wall hanging, wooden beads, fabric paint, or different colored yarn are all great options to have on hand.

If you’re working from a template or pattern, you’ll need that too, of course.