I’ve finally finished scrolling through all the comments on the Instagram post (974 comments in total!) and would like to say a huge thank you all for your engagement and suggestions!
I have to admit that the reason behind this blog post was that I’m a bit behind with the macramé trend – there are so many fantastic macramé artists out there that when I try to find someone to feature I become overwhelmed by the choice and don’t know where to start! Your suggestions have helped me discover tons of fantastic artists; the already well-known ones and those who are just starting out, so thank you.
While scrolling through the comments I especially enjoyed reading your kind and supportive words for one another. I started with the intention of discovering new artists but what I really discovered was the sense of kinship present in the macramé community. Clearly, the macramé world is one that encourages kindness, engagement, and inclusion.
On that note, a few of you commented on the admittedly awful choice of the words ‘best’ and ‘voted’ in the initial title: ‘Best Macramé Artists on Instagram, as Voted for by You’, pointing out that it should be about community, not competition. I have to say I completely agree with you and I cringe to re-type that sentence! Competition was not the intention here, I just wanted to spread the macramé love!
Having said that, the following post is organised into a ‘top 10’ of sorts, as that was the initial intention and I feel that it would be unfair to change it at this point. I have not, however, organised the 10 artists in order of ‘votes’, but randomly. I also suggest that the next time you’re looking for macramé inspiration, head to the Instagram post and scroll through the comments – there are loads of lesser known makers that are every bit as fantastic as these guys!
So, without further ado, here are just 10 of the many talented macramé makers on Instagram, enjoy!
1 – @stellablueboho
Katie from Stella Blue Boho uses locally sourced and natural materials to make her macramé pieces. She gathers crystals from local shops, driftwood from local beaches, and string from local Etsy shops. The bohemian triptych above is one of our favourite in her collection.
2 – @marymakerstudio
Years of sourcing the best materials have gone into the creation of these complex and texturally rich pieces. Mary emphasizes the tactility of macramé – encouraging people to connect with her work through touch to evoke a full sensory experience. We particularly love some of her rope and string colours – the grey in the piece pictured above and the ‘oatmeal’ cotton string are our favourites – all ethically produced of course.
3 – @windychien
Windy Chien embarked upon a year of knot exploration after feeling constrained by the repetition of traditional macramé. Each day Chien would explore a new knot – learning its name, history, and utility, and sharing her research on Instagram. Head over to her website to take a look at each individual knot, plus her other modern macramé works such as knotted chandeliers and her ‘circuit board’ wall hangings.
4 – @Mikeygabes
The above-pictured piece by Michael Gabrielle is a 25×30 ft. monster macramé! The work took over 150 hours to complete over the course of three weeks. It encompasses around 16 thousand feet of rope (just over three miles) and 25 feet of copper pipe. As well as macramé, Michael also works in illustration and stitched wood sculptures.
Emily is known as the original trendsetter for the antler and fiber movement. Each of her macramé works depends on the uniqueness of its antler anchor – the individual arcs and twists of the form seem to influence the pattern of the macramé. Where some macramé anchors can contrast with the natural feel of the medium, Emily’s antler anchors become one with the macramé and give the works an earthy, almost feral feel.
6 – @Shianellen
Shian Ellen started up her small handcrafted business from home after she was faced with some health issues that made her unable to work. She uses her creativity to get through the hardest days, staying motivated and inspired by macramé. Her work is complex, layered, and rich in texture. We especially love these ornamental tassels available in her shop.
7 – @reformfibers
Elsie Goodwin’s macramé wall hangings have a balanced, geometrical quality to them. She speaks about the therapeutic repetition of knotting, which is clearly visible in these calming works. With a background in fashion, Elsie also has expertise in crochet, knitting, and weaving. She currently leads macramé workshops and ‘house parties’ and works to encourage growth in the fiber art community.
8 – @macramama
Lara’s macramé and wood creations are beautiful and innovative. We particularly love the macramé wedding stand pictured above, featured in The Knot magazine. From her sunny workshop in California Lara creates wall hangings, plant hangers, candle hangers, tassels, shelves, tables… the list goes on. A one-stop shop for all your macramé needs!
9 – @familythreds
Gabrielle Diamantis of Family Threds creates unique knotted wall hangings with elements of micro macramé and delicate floral hand embroidery. She also sells ethically sourced hand-dyed yarns, weaving supplies, and handmade ceramic crosses. Head to the Family Threds Instagram for works in progress and beautiful shots of family life in her nature filled home.
10 – @middleaisle
It’s no wonder so many of you love Maggie May of The Middle Aisle; all of her unique pieces are breathtakingly beautiful! She only uses 100% cotton rope grown in Australia and manufactured locally, plus she loves cats which is always a sure sign of a great person! Through Maggie’s website, I learned of the healing capacities of macramé, and have been inspired (not only by Maggie but by all of you talented makers) to have a go at this wonderful craft myself.
As always, The Fiber Studio is keen to hear from you if you have any suggestions for blog posts or fiber artists you’d like to see featured, so please get in touch via our contact page.
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