The craft of knotting a variety of geometric designs without employing hooks, needles, or hoops is the art known as macrame.

The skill of macrame goes back to the thirteenth century. The word macrame is Arabic in origin meaning "fringe". It's understood that Arabian weavers began the skill by knotting the additional material at the edges of loamed material. From these origins it eventually made it to Italy and France in the early fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Sailors picked up the skill as it was a favored way to pass some of the long hours out at sea. The basic knots that the sailors used are the same knots of macrame today...the half knot, square knot, and the half hitch knot. The sailors passed on their techniques to the Chinese who harmonized the skill to their own unique customs and culture. The skill became popular with the British during the nineteenth century.

As time passed the skill fell to neglect. It was renewed in the 1960s and '70s, which brought revitalization to the ancient skill. Its popularity fell some in the '80s and '90s, but the start of the 21st century has seen the return of its popularity into full swing, with an unlimited number of creative possibilities for the hobbyist, artist, and appreciator of the numerous diverse macrame products.

Now days the hobby and skill of macrame means different things to different people. For many the skill is good in a number of ways. Tying the various knots can strengthen hands and arms. Creating a macrame project can be quite calming to the mind, body, and spirit! Macrame projects call for few tools and call for supplies without any chemicals or fumes; it is without question an earth-friendly, natural skill.

Macrame projects vary from jewelry, plant hangers, home decorations, wall hangers, purses and belts. The colors and textures of macrame furnish an ample variety to choose from. Materials range from various thickness of jute and hemp, to twine, colored nylon and polyester fibers. These days not only are there wooden beads in projects, but glass and ceramic beads are also being incorporated into projects as well.

Macrame has changed...yes it's all a part of the imaginative process enduring on a multitude of levels. Novice macrame crafters as well as experts, find it therapeutic, fun, creative, and satisfying. There are more and more choices for superior macrame to augment the decor of your home, wardrobe and personal style for those who just want to use and appreciate the completed pieces.