Wanting to try a New Hobby? You will love Macramé
Even though craft trends come and go, one craft that pops up every so often over the years is macramé and it is still just as popular in 2023 as it was over a thousand years ago
02/07/2023
Hard to believe that macramé was invented over a thousand years ago, and possibly even older when you consider that the Arabic word for macramé is 'migramar' a word that refers to knot-tying techniques referenced in ancient Babylonian and Assyrian history. Why it remains popular today is probably due to the fact that it is an easy art to master and macramé pieces are sought after as a way to introduce texture and warmth into any home.
Macramé and Hygge
Hygge is a lifestyle that we have taken into our hearts to be more aware of mindfulness and enjoy a quieter more relaxed lifestyle. The Danes believe that hygge is good for both physical and mental health and anything natural or organic helps to improve body and soul. Macramé fits in perfectly with the hygge lifestyle, focusing as it does on using natural materials to create wonderfully artistic textiles. No matter your style of decorating, there will always be a place for at least one piece of macramé art.
Design Trends for 2023
There are plenty of trends that come and go throughout the years but few that remain steadfast in our memories for very long. The art of macramé has endured thousands of years but still provides us with a unique and sustainable way to decorate our homes or make a living crafting macramé creations. If you are looking for a new hobby or craft, below are a few ideas to get you started and some macramé designs to inspire you.
Where to Buy Macramé Supplies
The one main problem for anyone wanting to get further with macramé is the supplies needed to get started. While macramé has resurged as a trend over the past few, we have not had access to much in the way of supplies. That has recently changed and you can now shop online for a variety of macramé supplies. Takealot.com offers several macramé hobby packs that contain useful essentials and embellishments to design and create macramé art. Here are just a few:
This 26-piece macramé kit contains a selection of staples and accessories to help you create macramé art, tapestries or wall hangings. and other decorative pieces. The 226-piece kit retails at R495.
The 426-piece macramé kit offers an even wider selection of accessories that includes beads and rings, bobbles and embellishments that would be perfect as a statt-up kit for those wanting to make money with their macramé creations. This kit retails at R585.
What you will Need for Macramé
You are going to need macramé cord that is usually 3mm to 5mm and is available and neutral and colours, both of which can be found online. You will also need dowels, rings, or hangers or a way of mounting and hanging your creations.
Additional embellishments can include coloured and wooden beads, wooden or steel rings, scissors and a tape measure. Start off with a basic kit and build on this as your skill improves. Expect to pay around R80 for 250g of 3mm or 4mm cord that can be purchased online from various suppliers.
DIY TIP
For macramé cord in custom colours, you can create your own using food colouring. Add 2 tbsp white vinegar to a cup of hot water. Add 20 drops of colouring - more drops will give you a deeper colour - and soak the cord for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Rinse under cold water until the water is clear.
Macramé Techniques
There are hundreds of macramé tutorials on the web and just as many videos that provide instruction for beginners as well as step-by-step macramé projects you can make. For a stunning selection of macramé projects you can create, subscribe to the @LETBE channel on YouTube.