What Is the Origin of Macrame?

Knotting the edges of blankets and scarves is a form of macramé.

Macramé is used to make jewelry, plant hangers, wall hangings and other decorative items, according to TargetWoman.com. The art of creating geometric patterns with knots dates back to the 1200s.

Word Origin

Macramé comes from the word "migramah," which means "fringe" in Arabic, according to Olga'sMacramé.com. As early as the 13th century, Arabian weavers would knot the loose ends of loomed material. The practice of knotting these fringes became known as macramé, according to Macraménia.com.

History and Growing Popularity

Macramé has been widely used in China for thousands of years, according to TargetWoman.com. It gained popularity in France and Italy during the 14th and 15th centuries. Macramé was often used in garments and decorations for churches in these parts of Europe. By the 19th century, macramé was popular in England as well.

Spreading the Practice

It is believed that sailors, who practiced macramé to pass time while at sea, spread the craft to other parts of the world, according to Macraménia.com.

Macramé Revival

Although the popularity of macramé temporarily faded in some parts of the world, the craft regained popularity in the 1960s thanks to the hippie movement, according to TargetWoman.com.

References

• Target Woman: Macrame
• Olga's Macrame Hobby Site: The History of Macrame
• Macramenia: History of Macrame

Resources

• Free Macrame Patterns
• Stitch n' Save: History of Macrame