The A to Z of Macrame - B is for…
- Gemma Gilbert
- Jun 29
- 4 min read
Here it is, the long awaited second instalment of my blog series, The A to Z of Macrame! We’ve finally made it to B 😂 it’s only been two and a half years since A!!
Well good things come to those who wait, and I promise to bring you a blog post packed to the brim, with more macrame facts beginning with B. From beads, to berry knots, there’s a lot to cover so get comfy and let’s get back to our A-Z.
B is for…
Beads
I have to start with beads! I feel that they are an integral component to any macrame design and with so many variations out there to choose from it’s like being a kid in a sweet shop.
Beads are often used in macrame projects to add decoration and texture. They add a traditional look to a macrame piece when using wooden or glass beads, but can also give a modern feel when using more modern materials like metal, ceramic or resin.
I love how beads can come in all shapes and sizes and materials, and I really enjoy using them in my plant hangers and wall hangings. They are also fantastic for adding a pop of colour into your design.
Boho Style
Boho Style is a common aesthetic associated with macrame often used in home decor.
Boho style—short for bohemian style—is a free-spirited, eclectic aesthetic that draws inspiration from the unconventional lifestyles of artists, writers, and travellers, particularly from the 1960s and 1970s. It’s a mix of vintage, ethnic, and natural influences, celebrating individuality and creative expression.
One key element of boho style is fashion.
Boho fashion is relaxed, layered, and expressive.
Common elements include:
•Flowy fabrics: Maxi skirts, peasant blouses, kaftans
•Earthy tones & vibrant patterns: Think burnt orange, mustard, turquoise, tribal prints, and florals
•Textures & layering: Lace, fringe, crochet, suede, denim
•Accessories: Stacked jewellery, headbands, oversized sunglasses, wide-brim hats, scarves
Another key element of boho style is interior design.
Boho interiors are cozy, artistic, and full of personality. Key traits of this include:
•Natural materials: Rattan, wood, leather, jute
•Layered textiles: Rugs, throws, pillows in mixed prints and colours
•Plants: A must-have for that earthy, lived-in feel
•Vintage & global finds: Moroccan poufs, macramé, Indian tapestries, handmade ceramics
•Colour palette: Rich and earthy—terracotta, olive, mustard, deep reds—with pops of jewel tones
The is also bobo style lifestyle influence. Boho style also reflects a philosophy—a love for:
• Freedom and travel
• Art and music
• Nature and sustainability
• Nonconformity and self-expression
Boho style is about mixing and mismatching with purpose; blending old and new, ethnic and modern, colourful and neutral. It’s for those who want their clothes and homes to tell a story, often one rooted in creativity, culture, and a little bit of wanderlust.
Braided Cord
Braided cord is commonly used in macrame, and is a type of cord or rope where multiple strands of material are intertwined in a specific pattern to create a strong flexible and often aesthetically pleasing structure. It is usually made into a braided tube structure and then filled with a material like polyester to help the cord keep its shape.
Braided cord is much stronger than other common cords such as single twist cord, and it is more unlikely to unravel or fray. This means it lends itself well to projects where you might need more strength such as plant hangers are larger wall hangings.
For a long time, I wouldn’t use braided cord because I love the effect of brushing out single twist cords for fluffy fringes. Since using it, it has now actually become my favourite to work with because it’s so strong and durable and has a really pleasing texture. Plus you can use more than one type of cord in one project to give different textures.
I really love using braided cord for my plant hangers and hanging baskets and the strength of the cord lends itself well to items that need to hold things.
Check out the range of braided cords I have in stock to purchase!
The Berry Knot
One of my favourite macrame knots, this knot always receives gasps when I demonstrate it at workshops. It looks so intricate and effective but is actually so simple to make!
Believe it or not, you make this knot using a sinnet of three square knots then just fold round to make the berry, and secure with a forth square knot. Brilliant for adding dimension to your work as well as texture.
See the demonstration of this knot on the video below from my Instagram Reels!
That’s it for our B instalment of The A to Z of Macrame. Have I missed anything?
I feel like I could definitely write about a lot more so trying to keep it to four items per blog proves to be tricky!
I hope you enjoy this instalment, I promise not to leave it another couple of years for the next one 🤣
If you have any ideas for the C instalment, please comment below to let me know.
Gemma 💛
Comments