What is macrame?

How to start macramé?

What is macramé?

Macramé is the art of creating with knots! In fact, it's a traditionalweavingtechnique involving successive knots.

This braiding technique is very fashionable for both interior decoration and jewelry-making.
Micro-macramé can be distinguished from macramé.
The knots used are the same, but one is used for jewelry and the other for decorations or hammocks, for example. The difference lies in the size of the wires used.

What are the different knots?

• The lark's head knot: this is used to attach your macramé to your support. It's essential if you're just starting out.
• The flat knot or macramé knot: this is the basic knot.
• The half flat knot
• The half-key or festoon knot
• The baguette knot: can be horizontal, oblique or vertical.
• Carrick knot
• The Moor's head knot.

We tell you more in a video to learn the different basic macramé knots. Let us guide you step by step: if you're interested in a particular knot, you can find it at any time.

What materials are needed for macramé?

Macramé isn't a very tool-intensive activity. All you need is..:

1. Micro-macramé wire

You can use all kinds of wire.
The best-known in the world of micro-macramé is linhasita thread, a Brazilian brand offering impressive shades of color and three thread sizes ranging from 0.5 mm to 1 mm.
This thread is made of polyester and has the advantage of already being waxed, so your knots stay in place and don't slip.
You can also use fine threads such as silk thread, cotton thread, wool, cabled thread or scoubidous thread...

Beeswax is recommended when using unwaxed cotton yarn.
It makes the work easier and prevents the thread from fraying, so consider beeswax for thread with dispenser.

2. Macramé yarns

What fi for macramé? The thread for your macramé creations is more like rope: it will be thicker than for micro-macramé.
Think spools of cotton cord or jute twine.
See our selection of special macramé decorating cords .

3. a pair of scissors

Your scissors need to be very sharp to avoid breaking the thread fibers.

4. a micro-macramé tray

The micro-macramé trayis ideal for large-area macramé projects, as it can be used with macramé pins to hold your work in place as your project progresses.

5. Macramé pins:

Pins make your work easier by holding your threads in place.

6. Decorative elements

The macramé technique lets you set off gemstone cabochons or insert beads into your knots.
Large wooden beads are very popular for wall decorations.
You can incorporate all kinds of things into your braided creations. Think driftwood, dried flowers, ribbons... Let your imagination run wild!

What to do with macramé

Now that you know all about macramé, here are a few creative ideas to get you started:

Micro-macramé projects:

• To get started with macramé, you could make this marcamé key-ring
• A philodendron spacer bracelet.
• Macramé no longer holds any secrets for you? Then try your hand at creating a mandala pendant.
• This magnificent necklace in micro macramé and its torque spacer.
• Choose feather creole earrings.

Macramé projects :

• Fall in love with this rope plant hanging.
• In these zero-waste times, make your own macramé shopping net.
• Warm up your home with this superb wall weaving.
• Customize your bassinet basket with macramé weaving.

Ready to knot and weave? Let's get started! Your turn for original decorative objects and handmade jewelry!