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You might be interested to know that the traditional craft of macrame originated with ancient Arab weavers of hand-loomed fabrics. In the 13th century these weavers used to tie knots on the excess thread or yarn along the edges of the fabric to make decorative fringes on things like veils, shawls and bath towels. This technique of using knotted yarn rather than weaving or knitting for textile-making is called macrame.

This art spread to Europe through Spain. It was introduced into England in the late 17th century. Macram was popular in Victorian society. Macram was used for fancy trimmings on costumes and considered very fashionable by high society. The fashion waned in later years.

Sailors were away from home for days and sometimes months at a stretch. They would macrame to decorate articles while killing time. They used to cover anything from handles of knives to parts of the ship on which they sailed.

To make extra money decorative macrame objects made by the sailors could be sold or bartered at the ports-of-call. In this way this ancient Arabic craft spread to far and away places like China. The Chinese refined this craft by adding their twist to the art. Consequently, in many places it is known as “Chinese knotting.” British and American sailors in the 19th century used to make hammocks, belts, and other things as well with macrame. It is commonly known that macrame was a popular pastime.

Having gone out of fashion in the mid-twentieth century, macrame is gaining popularity once again. Many items such as wall hangings, bedspreads, draperies and many other furnishing are made of macrame and are very popular. Tablecloths, plant hangers, and small macramed jean shorts also very much in vogue.

Macrame jewelry often uses glass or wooden beads, pendants, articles of bones or shells, etc in combination with macrame knots. Occasionally gemstones or rings are used as decorative inserts, secured by wire-wrapping or held in net-like intertwined knots. Earrings and bracelets in macrame are quite fashionable. In fact almost anything in macrame is mod and fashionable. In Brazil swimming costumes made in macrame are hot.

Now that macram gaining in popularity, there are many sites on the internet specifically devoted to giving instructions and explaining step by step how to macram. There are a bunch of e-tutorials on “How to Macram” available giving illustrated macram instructions. There are even a lot of websites where you can find information on macram patterns and macram knots illustrated with photographs for easy understanding.

Macrame is now quite popular as a hobby. In schools it has found an enthusiastic following in the arts and crafts courses. Macrame materials like beads, cording and work boards are offered by many crafts stores. Vendors selling macrame articles like jewelry, and decorations can be found at malls, and flea markets.

It is obvious that due to popularity of macrame, the world’s largest internet market place, EBay, has also started selling macrame patterns, materials, and other supplies. Large department stores like Target and Wal-mart also will start stocking macrame materials in the course of time.

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