History of Macramé
One of the earliest recorded uses of macramé-style knots, are in carvings of the Babylonians and Assyrians adorning the costumes depicted in statuary. The word macramé is derived from the Arabic macramia and Arab weavers knotted excess thread along the edges of shawls, towels and veils into decorative fringes. Additionally, these knotted fringes helped to keep flies off camels and horses.
The craft was taken to Spain and then Italy by the Moors before spreading through Europe. In England, during the late 17th Century, Queen Mary taught it to her ladies-in-waiting.
Macramé was at its most popular during the Victorian era and adorned items such as curtains, bedspreads and tablecloths.
Macramé's had a resurgence in the 1970s where friendship bracelets were made and exchanged among children. Additionally, plant hangers, wall hangings and other furnishings were popular.