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Episode 4: Macramé Beginnings – History, Tools, Cords & Knots
- giselanarten
- Jun 25
- 2 min read
Whether you’ve been admiring dreamy macramé wall hangings or curious about picking up a new fiber art, this episode is for you! In this week's podcast, we’re diving into the beautiful, tactile world of macramé — an accessible, meditative craft that’s been around for centuries and is perfect for beginners.
A Little History of Macramé
Macramé has roots that span the globe, with a rich history dating back to 13th-century Arabic weavers who used decorative knots to finish the edges of textiles. From there, it spread to Europe, became popular with sailors, and eventually blossomed again in the 1970s as a boho craft staple — and now it's made a beautiful modern comeback.
I loved sharing some of this background in the episode, because understanding where a craft comes from can really deepen our connection to it.
Tools to Get You Started
You don’t need a lot to begin your macramé journey — in fact, that’s one of the reasons I love it.
Here are the basics I talked about in the episode:
Cord (we’ll get to types in a sec!)
Scissors
A dowel or ring to anchor your piece
Choosing the Right Cord
In this episode, I also go over the different types of cord you can use, depending on your project and style:
Single twist: soft, great for fringing
multi-ply: strong and structured, ideal for knots that really stand out
Braided: less common but very durable — not great for fraying
You’ll also hear tips on cord thickness.
Foundational Knots
We round out the episode with a little chat about the basic macramé knots — the building blocks of all those gorgeous wall hangings, plant hangers, and accessories. The five main knots I mention are:
Lark’s Head Knot
Half Square Knot
Square Knot
Gathering Knot
Double Half Hitch
Once you get the feel of those, you’ll be amazed how much you can create with just a few variations.
Listen to the Episode
If you haven’t already, tune in here to hear the full conversation:👉
Join the Conversation
Are you just starting with macramé? Have you tried your first knot yet? I’d love to know what you’re making or hoping to make — leave a comment or tag me on social media!
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