Having a trend for mid-century furniture mixed with natural materials like rattan and wicker then throwing in plants means the macrame influence was something that was going to naturally weave its way into our lives too. Some people will remember the 70’s and the trend that macrame had then and some people will have their mums talking about how they made their own hanging basket and never thought this look would ever come back!

Photo via @ensuus

What has changed since over 40 years ago is it has a gentle approach this time and you are not expected to have everything in your house macrame, more a gentle touch here and there. If you are loving the natural texture theme then you probably have already seen a few nice pieces that can finish off the look. The scandi-boho style the Scandinavians are reaching for is making this whole style more desirable in our homes.

I am loving the macrame handmade cushions and throws around in the shops and mixed with great plants gives an ease to a room without being too stark or trying too hard. There is a relaxed vibe in the air and at the moment, there seems to be an artisan revival of the crafts, a renewed appreciation of hand-made wares with lots of artisan pop up events happening. Workshops are very popular showing how to make lots of things out of macrame, especially the plant hangers as I guess over a period of an afternoon you could have something to take home!

My favourite thing is the gentle approach of not adding too much so if a macrame wall hanging is too big a focus then you can add accessories like cushions, have a natural textured rug or as in my previous post create a visual plant display which does have a wow factor. For the summer I do love the macrame runner and looks fab on an outside table.

The history of macrame is believed to have started in the 13th century with artisan weavers knotting thread and yarn along the edges of hand-loomed fabrics into decorative fringes on bath towels, shawls, and veils. The Spanish word macramé is believed to mean “striped towel”, “ornamental fringe” or “embroidered veil.”

Photo via Cheetah is the new Black

The saying goes that sailors made macrame objects while at sea in their downtime as a way to pass time and being so good at knots they created pieces and objects to sell all across the world in places like China and the Caribbean. American and British sailors in the 19th century were good at making hammocks and belts, creating a process called “square knotting” and sold their pieces on shore wherever they went.

I imagine the appeal of macrame making is that it has a relaxing calming effect on the soul and so like knitting and other crafts makes the creator enjoy this past time. Thinking of all the workshops around based on this knotting craft I think I might like to have a go and see if I can create something worth displaying, we will have to see 🙂

Looking around at shops there are some great cushions not too expensive. Next have some lovely macrame style cushions priced around £19.99. Sainsbury’s at home have some lovely pieces in too which are in store. Anthropologie has some amazing rugs, throws and cushions. If you shop around the high street you are sure to find something that catches your eye.

Featured Image – Sainsbury’s Home