About Macrame Hammocks
Can you picture yourself swinging in your hammock, feeling the breeze? A macrame hammock is sturdy but decorative, interesting and innovative. Best of all, once you learn the art of decorative knotting, you can macrame your own hammock. But even if you don't want to make your own, you can learn to appreciate the intricacies and benefits of macrame. Does this Spark an idea?
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Why It's a Hammock
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Hammocks have been around for 1000 years, ever since the Mayan Indians invented this comfortable, breezy way to sleep and lounge. But those original hammocks were not made of macrame knotting. They were actually made from the bark of the hamack tree, and the name hammock evolved from that. Hamack bark was replaced by the more abundant sisal plant. It wasn't until later that hammocks began to be knotted instead of woven, using a form of the ancient art of macrame.
Benefits of Macrame Hammocks
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Basically, a macrame hammock is a big fish net made with knots and tied onto poles. It's a sling bed, a "people sack," but since it's not a big sheet of solid fabric, air can circulate around, under and through the macrame netting. It can be moved from tree to tree, hung from stakes, taken on camping trips, or rigged up as extra bedding for guests. It can be temporary and portable or permanently placed. Outside, it keeps you off the dirty ground with all its crawling wild life, and inside, it leaves some extra floor space to stack and store things. .
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What Does It Take?
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All you need for a macrame hammock is a couple of poles about three inches in diameter and some rope. Whether you are buying or making your hammock, decide if you want a really rustic look or something that is purely functional. Poles can be made of wood, metal or even tree branches. Rope needs to be thin and strong and able to hold a firm knot. Nylon knots can slip. For sturdy, reliable knots that stay knotted, you want hemp, jute or cotton twine or rope. Beading, fringe and colorful rope patterns are decorative additions to macrame hammocks that add beauty but not functionality. You can hang your hammock with rope, or use eyebolts.
Art of the Knot
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The original macrame is truly an art form that goes back to ancient China, where only one piece of string is used, folded in halves. The dainty and intricate knotting is a part of Chinese culture and art. In modern day macrame hammocks, two lengths of rope or string are used. Modern knots include the simple half-knot (as if you were tying your shoelace), the square knot which is really just a double knot, one knotted on top of the other. The double half hitch is a square knot where one string makes the knot and the other winds around the knot. Just knowing these basic knots is enough to get going on a macrame hammock. Macrame crafters extrapolate from there and even design original knots as they go.
The Strength of the Knot
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Everyone knows why knots were invented: To fasten things together, to permanently join two or more elements. Thus, marriage is when you "tie the knot." Macrame is when you tie lots of knots to make a hammock out of netting strong enough to hold the weight of a human being, or maybe even two. Knots can be weakened when rope frays, which is why it's important to check hammock knots periodically, and not to leave macrame made of natural materials out in the elements where it will begin to deteriorate.
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