When you think of macrame, you probably think of boho-styled accessories for the home, such as wall hangings, cushion covers and plant holders. But this popular and highly accessible craft is also becoming a hot choice for the fashion world.
The 70s Era of Macrame
Many of us still associate macrame with 70s style when it was used to create boho-themed interiors with plenty of natural texture and a homespun vibe.
Today, macrame kit retailers like https://www.woolcouturecompany.com/collections/macrame-kits are offering people the chance to get to grips with creating their own macrame pieces using macrame kits that provide everything you need to make easy starter projects such as wall tapestries and table runners. For more experienced macrame enthusiasts, there are more complex projects that incorporate different knots and 3D elements.
How macrame is appearing in fashion
We might also think about macrame in the context of macrame waistcoats or jackets where the knotting style creates very loose-weave layers for a hippy-era look. The craft involves knotting string into intricate patterns and it’s now being used in a more contemporary way to create new directions and exciting trends
Fashion and macrame is nothing new
Macrame actually began in the 13th century when it was practised by Arabic weavers. Over time, it wove a path through Europe where it peaked in the Victorian age, before then having a resurgence in fashion in the 1970s.
Today, designers are using the art in haute couture pieces and accessories. Mirroring the trend towards more sustainable fashions and artisanal pieces, they are using hemp, bamboo and other natural fibres.
Macrame is also incredibly versatile, making it ideal for fashion. It can be developed in a myriad of ways, with elaborate patterns, subtle textures, different yarns and even different colours. For example, some designers are designing macrame pieces in neon shades.
Fashion fans are using macrame bags and belts for a subtle nod to the trend, while bolder fans are choosing macrame tops and dresses as overlay pieces.
It certainly looks as though this ancient craft is here to stay!