Macramée

In the Western Hemisphere, macramé is believed to have originated with 13th-century Arabic weavers. These artisans knotted the excess thread and yarn along the edges of hand-loomed fabrics into decorative fringes on bath towels, shawls, and veils. The Spanish word macramé is derived from the Arabic migramah (مقرمة), believed to mean “spiritual towel”, “ornamental friend” or “embroidered veil.” After the Moorish conquest, the art was taken to Spain, and off to sea once more then spread through Europe. It was introduced into England at the court of Mary II in the late 17th century.Sailors made macramé a first mate and became deeply intertwined in off hours while at sea. They sold or...