Back in the eighties and nineties of the twentieth century it was a popular way of macrame interior design - at least, the residents of the former Soviet Union. The name of the art of macrame obtained through two sources - the Turkish word "macrame" denotes woven scarf Fashion Scarf - stylish accessory   with fringe, and the Arab "migramah" as they called scarf handmade lace. Macrame is reminiscent of the well-known knitting or lace, but differs from them by specific techniques.

At the heart of this craft is knotted netting. It was invented in the ancient world. It is believed that the art of macrame in Europe came from Asia, but this technique was also widespread in ancient Greece, ancient Egypt, China, Peru, Assyria and some other countries. Actually, it all began once with networks that wove for their necessities seamen sailing fleet. Through assemblies are bonded to each other and made ropes braided tires to decorate the steering wheel.

Gordian Knot and Baltic amber

Some researchers believe that the famous Gordian knot once chipped decisively by Alexander the Great, it was tied to the art of macrame. Not casually to solve this node promised power over Asia, not on any other region. In the XIV century macrame it has been quite popular in Spain and in the Cathedral of Madrid is still preserved the samples and drawings of the time. The painting by the Italian artist Sandro Botticelli's "Adoration of the Magi" on the head of one of the characters can be seen cap, in the technique of macrame.

In the XVII century in Europe set the tone knotted fashionable Lace Lace in the modern wardrobe : The ladies of high society adorned them their clothes, the clergy - clothes, which had to perform religious service. Such methods weave began to be used in the manufacture of various interior items - Covers for musical instruments, covers for furniture, curtains and so on.

Interesting Baltic traditions macramé: masters prefer strands of natural shades, and if the product is subjected to color, then choose muted pastel colors How to refresh its image by using pastel . As additional decoration is a frequent speaker accessories made of natural amber - beads, pendants and other decorative elements.

Products made in the technique of macramé, characterized by high strength, so no accident of hemp rope and other material weave belts, flower pots, bags, lampshades for lamps.

Macrame materials and key recommendations

In order to weave turned a neat and beautiful, it is recommended to use materials such as silk cord, silk and cotton thread, wool. In the manufacture of parts and accessories such as clothing filament necklaces or belts in the case allowed linen and synthetic thread, yarn, soutache. And in interior macrame main raw material is often a natural hemp.

Before you start, it is desirable to make a sketch of the future product. Also, it is necessary to create a detailed scheme, which will be listed all components, parts, connected nodes and other important points.

It is important that the material for weaving macram was durable. Strongly twisted strands or cords will not work because they do not differ in pliability. To obtain a clear relief pattern and yarn twist it recommended tighter and tighter to tie knots themselves.

Uzelkov technique of weaving is good because it makes it possible to lengthen the thread in the process as much as it should, binding them to the ends of the new segments. All nodes vary in degree of difficulty, and to remember their memory from the first time is not easy. But sometimes there is no absolutely no need, because the knowledge of even three or four simple knots allows them to come up with many variations and combinations.

Svetlana Usankova

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