Knots To You—An Ancient Handicraft Revived

By Jean H. Zobell

That did it! Thirty-five dollars for a belt of knotted rope! Not for me! I don’t know if they sold any belts, but I was not going to pay that much for a piece of rope. I would make my own.

Macrame is an ancient handicraft that is enjoying a modern revival. A few simple knots produce varied and interesting patterns.

First I made a belt using clove hitches, with a monkey’s fist for a fastener. That was easy.

Then I proceeded to start a belt of Josephine knots. I was carried away and ended up with a most interesting length of patterned rope. I think I shall hang it on the wall by the fireplace.

A more ambitious project was forming in my thoughts. Would I dare tackle a room divider? It would need to be eight feet wide to hang above a planter. I assembled the materials: a rod from which to suspend the macrame, nylon rope, and a bunch of rubber bands (to hold the bundles of rope ends). At first I spent more time pulling knots out than tying them. But with practice I learned, and gradually the hanging macrame took form. I experimented with varied patterns in the panels.

Such fun! I may make my daughter a fringed vest … and my drapes are looking a little tired.