The Story of Macramé: From Ancient Craft to Modern Boho Style

When people think of macramé today, they often picture plant hangers, wall art, or keychain charms that bring warmth and texture into a home. But macramé’s story stretches far beyond modern décor. It is an ancient art form that has traveled through cultures and centuries, carrying with it the thread of creativity, craftsmanship, and individuality. At NoCo Boho, macramé became part of our journey not only because of its timeless beauty, but also because it reflects the eclectic and meaningful way we decorate our own home.

Ancient Origins of Macramé

The earliest roots of macramé are often traced back to 13th-century Arabic weavers who used decorative knots to finish the edges of fabrics. These fringed patterns were both functional and ornamental, preventing fabric from unraveling while adding a sense of artistry. The word itself comes from the Arabic “migramah,” meaning fringe.

Over time, the practice spread through trade and travel, reaching Spain and then across Europe. Sailors in particular helped carry the craft around the world. While at sea, they would knot rope into intricate patterns that could later be sold or traded when they reached shore. These sailor’s knots became a universal language of creativity, adapting to new regions and cultures.

Macramé Through the Ages

Macramé flourished during the Victorian era, when it was used to decorate clothing, curtains, and household items. Its intricate patterns matched the ornate tastes of the time, showing up in everything from lace-like tablecloths to decorative accessories.

In the 1970s, macramé experienced another revival, this time becoming a hallmark of the bohemian lifestyle. Plant hangers, wall art, and jewelry made with cotton cord became symbols of natural, carefree living. Macramé aligned perfectly with the decade’s embrace of handcrafted goods, natural textures, and artistic freedom.

A Modern Revival

Today, macramé has found new life once again. The modern boho style, which blends eclectic, vintage, and handmade elements, has put macramé back in the spotlight. Its adaptability makes it at home in nearly any space: neutral and minimalist when left in natural cotton, bold and playful when made in dyed colors, and deeply personal when combined with beads or charms.

At NoCo Boho, we discovered macramé because of the way we already decorated our home. Over the years, we had collected pieces that told a story: a vintage chair from a road trip, pottery from a local artisan, treasures found at yard sales and thrift stores, and eclectic items from places we traveled. These objects were unique, meaningful, and handmade, the very essence of bohemian living.

When we added macramé to that mix, it felt like a natural extension of what we already loved. The knots and patterns reminded us of the stories behind each piece in our home. Eventually, what began as a few wall hangings turned into keychains, charms, and plant hangers. Each creation reflects the same philosophy: our homes should tell a story, and handmade items keep that story alive.

Why Macramé Speaks to Bohemian Style

Macramé has always carried qualities that make it a perfect fit for boho living:

• Natural materials: Most macramé is crafted with cotton cord, jute, or hemp, which pair beautifully with wood, plants, and other organic textures.

• Individuality: No two handmade pieces are exactly alike. Each knot and fringe carries the maker’s touch, making every item personal.

• Eclectic adaptability: Macramé looks just as at home in a minimalist apartment as it does in a vintage-inspired house. It can be bold or subtle, colorful or neutral.

• Handmade artistry: At its core, bohemian style values craftsmanship and creativity. Macramé embodies both.

These qualities are why macramé has remained timeless, even as styles shift. It is not a passing trend, it is a craft that adapts, evolves, and continues to inspire.

The NoCo Boho Touch

For us, macramé is more than a product line. It represents a way of life that values creativity, family, and intention. When we create a keychain, wall hanging, or charm, we are contributing to a tradition that has been shared for centuries, while also adding our own story to it.

Our keychains and charms are small, portable reminders of this philosophy. Our wall hangings bring texture and warmth to homes. Even our beard oils carry the same handmade ethos, crafted carefully with natural ingredients and attention to detail. Every product tells a story, and we hope it becomes part of yours.

Closing Thought

The story of macramé is one of creativity passed down through time. From ancient artisans to sailors, from Victorian homes to 1970s apartments, and now into modern boho spaces, macramé has never stopped evolving. It connects us to the past while allowing us to create something personal in the present.

At NoCo Boho, we are honored to be part of that story. Through every knot tied and every design made, we celebrate not just the craft, but the spirit of handmade living.