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Macramé is a craft that consists of tying knots into rope, cord, or string in order to create decorative items. You don’t need needles, hooks, or a sewing machine, which makes it great for beginners.
What is Macramé?
Macramé is a textile craft that is based on making knots. It uses cord, rope, string, or yarn to make patterns out of different types of knots. Whilst macramé often produces decorative goods, it is also possible to make items for practical use with this technique.
What Can You Make With Macramé?
There is a big variety of items that can be made with macramé, including:
- Wall hangings
- Plant hangers
- Keyrings
- Coasters
- Bags
- Curtain tiebacks
- Table runners
- Jewellery
- Decorative garlands
For beginners, it’s a good idea to start with smaller items, such as keyrings and coasters, rather than more complex projects like garlands and plant hangers!
Is Macramé Good For Beginners?
Yes, macramé is good for beginners, if you start small and don’t try to be too ambitious right off the bat. The good news is that you only need a few basic knots to get you started, and mistakes can be untied and re-done. It also doesn’t need much equipment, unlike other hobbies.
Be aware that big projects in particular can be very repetitive and slow to complete. Start small with a project such as a coaster, and see if this craft is for you before you commit to more ambitious endeavours.
What Do You Need to Start Macramé?
You only need a few basic supplies to get started:
- Macramé cord
- Scissors
- A tape measure
- A dowel, ring, branch, or keyring blank
- Somewhere to hang the project if needed
There are also some optional extras, although you likely don’t need these as a beginner:
- Comb or brush for fringe
- Beads
- Fabric glue
- S-hooks
- Clipboard
How Much Space Does Macramé Need?
Small macramé projects do not need very much space at all. You can work from a desk, table, or hobby corner. Supplies are also very easy to store and it’s a less messy craft than things that require glue or other liquids and chemicals.
However, once you progress to bigger projects, such as wall hangings, more space is required. Not only do projects need more space when being made, they also need to have a place to hang once completed and it’s time to display them!
Is Macramé Expensive?
For a beginner, it’s not an expensive hobby. The main cost at the beginning is cord, so smaller projects are very affordable. However, as large projects need a lot more cord, this is where the costs can start to add up.
If you are buying many colours of cord, as well as accessories such as beads, this can also boost the cost of macramé. If you are concerned about the costs, you can purchase a beginner kit, although this is not essential.
Who Might Enjoy Macramé?
Macramé can be a great hobby for people who enjoy:
- Calm, repetitive crafts
- Home decor
- Natural textures
- Making gifts
- Working with their hands
It may not be ideal for those who:
- Don’t like repetition
- Want fast results
- Like more messy, free-form crafts
- Dislike measuring
Is It the Same as Weaving or Crochet?
No, these are not the same. Whilst macramé uses knots, crochet uses a hook to make loops, whilst weaving interlaces threads over and under each other. Macramé doesn’t need much equipment, such as a loom, needles, or hooks.
Final Thoughts
Macramé is a simple hobby that doesn’t need a lot of specialist equipment and is good for beginners. Start off with a smaller project, such as a keyring, rather than a complex wall hanging or plant hanger.
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