In
connection with the sailing ships used for exploration we are learning the art
of needle hitching, more commonly known as square-knots or macramé. It is the
same knots used to create friendship bracelets and fish nets. Needle hitching was used to make covers for
needle cases, knife holders, and tool handles.
Oarlocks were covered with hitching on whaling ships so they wouldn’t
make noise on a whale hunt.
Macrame, the
modern art of decorating with knots, is believed to have originated with
13th-century Arabian weavers. They knotted the excess thread and yarn along the
edges of hand-loomed fabrics into decorative fringes on bath towels, shawls,
and veils. The original meaning of the Arabic Migramah, from which the word macrame
is derived, is variously rendered as "striped towel,"
"ornamental fringe," and "embroidered veil." As a result of
the Moorish conquest the art of macrame was taken to Spain, and from there it
spread throughout Europe. It was first introduced into England at the court of
Queen Mary, the wife of William of Orange, in the late 17th century.
Sailors
played an important part in keeping alive and spreading this exported Arab art.
From China to the New World they sold or bartered their own novel macrame objects
made during the long months at sea. Macrame remained a popular pastime with
19th- century British and American seamen, who called it square knotting after
the knot they most preferred in making their hammocks, bell fringes, and belts.
Here are some images of needle hitching. Click here for the link
In class we
began needle hitching around a jar. Some
incorporated beads into their design. We
will be working on these again next week, hoping to finish. If your kids want to learn how to macramé a
bracelet here is a good website with photo instructions. There are a variety of knots to choose from.
Click here for the link.
