Macramé?
We’ve had macrame workshops at the Brea Gallery and have featured macrame items in our Gift Shop. We so often get questions about this newly-popular-again art form, we decided to do little research!
What is Macramé?
Some macrame wall hangings alongside some weaving in the Brea Gallery Gift Shop. Contact us if you’d like purchase info!
Macramé the art of tying knots to create patterned textiles, as opposed to weaving or knitting.
Materials used in macramé include cords made of cotton twine, linen, hemp, jute, leather or yarn. Cords are identified by construction, such as a 3-ply cord, made of three lengths of fibre twisted together. Jewelry is often made in combination of both the knots and various beads (of glass, wood, and so on), pendants or shells. Sometimes 'found' focal points are used for necklaces, such as rings or gemstones, either wire-wrapped to allow for securing or captured in a net-like array of intertwining overhand knots. The knots are square and form full-hitch and double half-hitches.
Where did Macramé come from?
Loosely the word macramé comes from the Arabic word ‘migramah’, which translates to ‘fringe.’ Back in the 13th century, Arabic weavers used macramé to create decorative fringes on shawls and veils. However, others claim that knot-tying extends back even further, all the way to third-century China! Items such as lanterns, hangings, and ceremonial garments from this era consist of elaborate knots. Some folks believe the famous pan chang knot (a series of loops that weave into infinity symbols to represent longevity.) is considered an ancient form of macramé. if you take a look at how it’s created, it does indeed look related!
Sailors (naturally!) are also a major part of the craft’s beginnings in the Great Age of Sail, or the 1700s to about 1830, when they used the knots to dazzle-up their knives, bottles, and parts of the ship, while their knowledge of different types of knots were used to barter intel!
What is Macramé used for?
You can make almost anything using macramé! Much like in the 13th century, it is still used today for fringes and added decoration as well as decor. The 1970s took the craft mainstream and suddenly the accessibility of the hobby created tassels, wall hangings, placemats, plant slings, picture frames, hammocks, art and even bikinis. Those in apartment, often looking to bring a little nature from the outside, find macramé particularly great for its ability to transform the many hanging house plants throughout the small space as an answer to the lack of a yard.
For larger decorative pieces, such as wall hangings or window coverings, a work of macramé might be started out on a wooden or metal dowel, allowing for a spread of dozens of cords that are easy to manipulate. For smaller projects, push-pin boards are available specifically for macramé, although a simple corkboard works adequately.
How can you learn Macramé?
Where can you learn to make your own macramé? We have had classes at the Brea Gallery, centered on walking through the steps of tying knots and creating patterns. Our next workshop, Macramé Plant Hangers will specifically focus on making hanging plant hangers and is presented in conjunction with a plant care workshop, Plant Parenthood 101. You can take one or both, back to back, in the same day on December 5th, 2020! No experience, expertise or know-how is required, these workshops are for everyone.
More about our upcoming macramé class:
Join Brea Gallery Director Heather Bowling in this beginners workshop for anyone who wants to learn the art of macramé. This introductory class is perfect for those who have been curious about learning this fun, creative skill but just need an extra hand to learn all the techniques for designing and making your own unique plant hangers. No experience necessary – this workshop is created specifically with beginners in mind and all materials will be provided.
In this workshop you will learn how to design, plan out, and make your very own macramé plant hangers, all while getting comfortable with the basic macramé knots. Heather will make an example piece alongside students, providing step-by-step instruction and one-on-one assistance as students make their own . Everyone will leave with at least one plant hanger and the knowledge and experience to create many more!
*Please note that all participants are required to wear masks and follow social distancing standards. The gallery is ensuring a safe and clean space for this workshop. The workshop will be held outside but space is limited! Register here
Hopefully you learned a bit about this super cool, very versatile craft and know more about it when you see it everywhere. And that your interest will lead you to joining us at our workshops on December 5th!
Questions?
Email: breagallery@cityofbrea.net
Call: (714) 990-7731
