Macramé for Mindfulness

Our fast paced world doesn’t leave too much time for relaxation and calm, so we must create it where we can.

Crafting is a great way to decorate on a budget while adding more quiet moments to our lives.

Curious about the art of macramé and how it can help improve your wellbeing? Read our article and learn all about:

What is Macramé?
What is Mindfulness?
How Macramé helps Mental Health
DIY Macramé Kits

Flowers Make-Rame Kit Solid Oak
Make-ramé™ Kit - Flowers

What is Macramé?

Macramé is a knotting craft used to create many types of decor and textiles. Common items made with this technique include jewellery, art, decorative pillows, hanging plant holders and even hanging chairs. Because of the repetitive nature of the craft and the satisfying finished product, macramé is a great way torelax while creating beautiful art pieces for your home.

It’s believed that Macramé originated in the 13th century by Arabic weavers. The Spanish word Macramé is derived from the Arabic word, migramah, believed to mean “ornamental fringe” or “striped towel”. It was later popularized by sailors who not only used this technique for practical purposes on board but also as a pastime on long journeys. When sailors docked in new ports they would sell and barter their pieces which helped spread the art form across Europe and China.

You can make Macramé with a variety of materials including cotton, hemp, linen, leather or wool. While you can use yarn it is not recommended as it tends to be too thin and does not produce the desired knot.

There are many different types of Macramé knots. The most common knots are the half knot and square knot. Once you’ve mastered these try your hand at the Lark’s head knot, half knot spiral, overhand knot and gathering knot. These six basic knots will allow you to create a variety of your own patterns. The more knots you master, the more elaborate pieces you can design.

What is Mindfulness and Why is it Important?

Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment while also acknowledging your feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations.

So many of us rush through life on auto-pilot. Have you ever parked the car and thought to yourself, how did I get here? You drive down the same roads, pass the same shops; you know exactly where to turn without even thinking about it. Operating like this you may find yourself losing your connection with the present moment. Maybe you missed the new flowers that bloomed or didn’t take time to appreciate how well rested you felt. Being mindful brings care and awareness to everything we do. Mindfulness is not an exercise; it’s a lifestyle.

Being mindful has so many physical and emotional health benefits. It's known to decrease stress and sadness while increasing focus and happiness. Mindfulness does not eliminate stress or difficulties but helps us handle them in the present moment. It provides a greater capacity to deal with adverse events and situations.

Aside from feeling great, practising mindfulness is associated with changes in the structure and function of the brain. It aids in changing our physiological response to stress. Mindfulness simultaneously helps lower blood pressure, reduces chronic pain, improves sleep and concentration.

In What Ways is Macramé Good for Mental Health?

Macramé has a calming effect on the mind. The repetitive motions involved create a meditative atmosphere where it’s just you and your artwork. Concentrating on a singular task, your senses become engaged and your heart rate beats at a steady pace. It gently helps you focus and relax.

If you find meditating difficult, try Macramé. It allows you to enter the flow state without getting overwhelmed. Being in flow state helps with self-confidence, satisfaction, boost in creativity, and better emotional regulation.

Crafting has been shown to be a natural antidepressant. Research studies show that people suffering from anxiety, depression, insomnia and even PTSD, have achieved a reduction in symptoms by incorporating crafts into their everyday lives.

When you’re able to decrease your stress levels, your body is better able to carry out its natural functions. When you learn a new skill, you create new neurons and strengthen bonds between brain cells and receptors. Studies have shown that engaging in arts and crafts can help reduce symptoms and behaviours associated with cognitive decline.

DIY Macramé Kits

The great thing about Macramé is it does not require many supplies. Often all you need is your cord and frame or base rod…and we have it all covered here at Solid Oak.

Here are some of our favourite projects: