You’ve just bought an elegant macramé item, or you’ve made one with your own hands…now what do you do with it? How do you hang it or mount it? How do you care for it? Can it get wet? Is it able to be outside? You’ll find the answers to all of your questions regarding macramé care instructions (and more) below!
What is a macramé item?
A macramé item is basically anything that is made using the knotting technique of macramé. Most macramé items are made using only a few basic knots. Items can range from small things like earrings or friendship bracelets, home décor items like plant hangers and tablecloths, right up to large items like wall hangings.
Some macramé items may also consist of other materials, such as fabric, wood, or metal. Purses and cushion covers will generally have a layer of material attached to the inside of the macramé layer to stop coins falling through and to create a more uniform look. Plant hangers often have a wooden ring as the hanging point. Many wall hangings are mounted on a piece of dowel or driftwood. Macramé pieces that are expected to hold more weight, such as fruit hangers and double or triple plant hangers, may have a metal ring as the hanging point instead of wood. Finally, artistic pieces such as mandalas and dreamcatchers might incorporate a metal or acrylic ring.
How to hang your macramé
I love all things building, renovation, and woodwork. I feel at home using a power drill and I’m the first to jump up and offer creative solutions when something needs fixing or attaching. In fact, in a previous life (wayyy before I had kids) I actually worked in construction! However, this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea…so I thought I’d offer up a few alternative options for hanging or mounting your new piece of art or home décor.
Temporary/moveable options for the renter or non-builder
- “S” hooks are great for hanging plant hangers from exposed beams (make sure you position your macramé out of direct sunlight and weather)
- Command adhesive hooks work well on smooth surfaces (painted Gyprock, finished wood, tile, metal, and glass) provided you follow the instructions on the packet. This means not skipping the step where you prepare the area with alcohol surface cleaner prior to sticking! Also make sure the hook is able to hold the weight of your macramé piece – so if your macramé is quite heavy be sure to get a hook with a weight rating that matches.
- Brick clips are a good option for exposed brick walls. They clip onto a single brick and have picture hooks protruding.
Permanent/fixed options for those handy with a hammer or drill
- Screws are suitable for use in most types of walls. If your walls are brick, just be sure to get a masonry drill bit for your drill as you’ll struggle to penetrate the brickwork otherwise. Also remember you’ll need a plastic wall plug to insert into the hole that matches the size of your screw.
- Nails can be used to secure macramé wall art if your walls are timber or Gyprock (dry-wall).
- Picture hooks look neat and are an easy way to hang wall-hangings. They’re available in a range of different types; concrete wall hooks for brick walls, or picture hangers with nails for timber or Gyprock walls.
- Ceiling hooks are another way you can hang plant hangers from the ceiling. Just be mindful that they need to be secured into ceiling battens or roof rafters if they are to hold any weight. This may require hiring a professional or use of a stud finder to avoid accidentally hitting an electrical cable or missing the batten.
Why is important to care for your macramé?
You’ve just spent your hard-earned money purchasing a macramé product or cord, and/or spent valuable time creating a macramé item…so of course you want it to last! But, as the old saying goes, “you don’t know what you don’t know.” So without the correct instructions to care for your macramé, you might unknowingly cause damage to it or let it deteriorate sooner than it should.
Perhaps you spilt coffee on your macramé coasters? Maybe you’re at a loss about where is the best position to hang your macramé plant hanger? Aunty Margaret spilled gravy on your good macramé table runner at Christmas dinner and you’re wondering if you’re able to put it in the washing machine? That wall-hanging you were in love with when you first purchased it and that looked so sleek and elegant is now looking a bit disheveled and dusty…
Make the wrong decision and it could be the end of your beloved macramé item. I’ve compiled care instructions for all of these scenarios to help you keep your macramé item looking pristine and lasting a long macramé life.
General macramé care instructions
It’s important when determining how to care for your macramé to consider what materials your macramé item consists of. Accessories such as wooden or metal rings, beads, driftwood or dowel are all commonly found on macramé items. Different types of glue may be used to secure some knots to ensure the ends don’t come undone. The macramé cord itself can also vary from natural to synthetic fibres.
Hanging your macramé
- Natural fibre pieces last longer if you place them indoors.
- Position macramé wall hangings so that the centre of the art is approximately eye-level.
- Keep your macramé away from flames and cooking fumes. Some natural fibres are more combustible than others (e.g. cotton burns more readily than wool).
- If you plan on hanging your macramé outdoors, keep it out of direct sunlight and away from weather. There are some macramé cords specifically made for outdoor use that are more resistant to sunlight and weather exposure (e.g. polypropylene cord).
- Refer to the section above How to hang your macramé for tips on how to hang.
Cleaning and maintaining your macramé
Some simple items that can be used to clean and maintain your macramé products are a soft bristled brush, a pet brush with metal bristles, and a soft, white cloth.
Generally it isn’t recommended to submerge macramé items in water or to put them through the washing machine. Any pieces that include wood or metal rings, beads, driftwood, dowel, or other similar materials should be kept out of water, except for spot cleaning. Depending on the type of glue used, some macramé items may be safe to wash if you follow the instructions below.
Dust and dirt accumulation
- Take your macramé piece outside and give it a gentle shake to dislodge any dirt or dust.
- Give the item a gentle brush over areas where dust and dirt is still visible with a soft-bristled brush.
- Use a soft, white cloth dampened with a small amount of mild detergent and cold water to spot clean any troublesome areas.
Stains such as coffee and wine
- Avoid submerging the macramé item in water if it’s attached to any wood, metal, beads, or other similar materials.
- Ideally, gather only the stained area and run it under cold water until the stain dissipates.
- If there is still some stain remaining, use a white cloth with a small amount of mild detergent to gently wipe the remaining stain away.
Machine washing
- It’s generally not recommended to machine wash macramé, but for some items like table runners and placemats they may need more than a dust and a spot clean.
- Do not place any macramé items attached to wood, metal, beads, or other similar materials in the wash.
- Do not place any macramé items with long fringes or patterns that you’re worried may warp or dislodge in the wash.
- Do not use warm or hot water as this may cause shrinkage or distort the pattern. Warm or hot water will also effect the adhesion of hot glue and some fabric glue if this has been used to secure the knots.
- For items that consist of macramé cord only, place inside a bra bag (or a pillow case with the end secured shut with a hair lacky) and run a short, cold wash on a delicate cycle. *Use this advice with caution!!
- To dry, hang the item in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or place on a clean, flat surface that won’t get damaged with moisture.
- Make sure your macramé items are completely dry before storing because any residual moisture will cause the item to become smelly and promote mould growth.
Animals and pests
- Keep your macramé away from any pets you have.
- Regularly check for signs of pests as natural fibres can attract them.
- Take action early to remove any pests if necessary and prevent any irreparable damage to your macramé.
How to maintain the fringe
- If the fringe on your macramé item is a little tangled or bent when it arrives, hang the item and gravity will help straighten out the fringe.
- For long fringes that haven’t been combed out entirely, simply run your fingers downwards through the fringe to tame the fringe and settle everything into place.
- For short fringes, brush the fringe with a pet brush or comb to neaten it up again.
- If necessary, you can iron or steam the fringe to straighten out any kinks. If using an iron, place a tea towel over the macramé fringe and iron the tea towel to protect the fibre from direct heat. Be sure to avoid any areas with glue as the heat may weaken the bond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the perfect location for your macramé is vital to extend it’s life by minimising any damage from sunlight, weather, moisture, and grime. Combine this with a little care and maintenance and there’s no reason why you won’t be able to continue enjoying your macramé for years to come.
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