Craft Corner

by: Amanda Topper

"Macrame is a crafting technique that involves weaving and knotting cord to form a pattern."

"It sometimes referred to as "Chinese knotting", the history of macrame dates back long before it was discovered in China. It is believed to have had originated in Arabia during the 13th century. When the Moors conquered Spain in 711 AD, they brought this art form with them along the Silk Road. From Spain, it spread to other European countries" (Craft Site Directory).

Travelers picked up on these techniques and kept it alive over the years. While sailors of travelers go over sea, they would knot thick loop into decorated pieces which was sold or traded with items as they traveled to places. By the surprise of the traveler, the technique was originally founded by Chinese cultural.

There are many types of macrame; however, the most uses today are the friendship bracelets. Friendship bracelets are another branch of macrame. "It is a special bracelet given from one friend to another as a symbol of friendship. They are handmade and usually made out of embroidery floss or thread. There are various styles and patterns, but most are based on the same, simple knot." (Macrame, From Wikipedia).

The knot-craft and hand-weaving were used in the native tribes to create basket, clothes, shoes, and items from branches, plants, and animal fur. The handmade items used traditional patterns from Native American, which was founded in the United States in the mid- to late 1970s.

According to the rules of friendship bracelet, the receiver of a friendship bracelet must wear it until the cords wear out and fall off naturally. The inspiration is that the friend paid for it with the hard work and love that made it.

The recipient repays the friend by honoring accepting the gift. Removing the bracelet before it naturally falls off is a sign that his or her friendship will end in unforgiving friendship. "According to the native tribes' principle, the receiver of a bracelet is permitted to make one wish. Once a bracelet wears out and falls off naturally, the wish will come true," (Macrame, From Wikipedia).

Here are simple steps below to show him or her how to make a macrame bracelet. Follow each step carefully, then after the fourth step he or she can repeat the step or add beads. These steps are easy, fun, and simple.

It is popular among kids of all ages, both boys and girls, as still is today!

8 Reasons Doing a Macrame:

1. Make an agreement bracelet to send out an important message.

2. Make pretty, stylish bracelets. (Memory wire makes it easy)

3. Great teen project! Macrame key chains also make great gifts.

4. Pick the beads you want for the power you need (knot them into a macrame ankle or neck bracelet)

5. This simple knot can be done with any kind of cord or embroidery floss of any colors!

6. You can knot any style and beads in your spiral bracelet that your own personality!!

7. Make promises to your peers or family(s)!

8. Fashionable!!