Author(s): Bharti Rani, Saroj Yadav and Neelam M Rose

Abstract:
Macramé is a type of textile-making using knots and hitching. Macramé uses all types of cords and threads depending on the type of object, including yarn, floss, hemp, linen, wire, and polypropylene. Macramé is fun, creative, and perfect for keeping restless hands occupied. It is a wonderful way of expressing creativity, personal style and individuality by creating designs through combinations of knots. Macramé can be used to make all sorts of household items, not to mention ornaments, decorations, and accessories. This study is an attempt to develop innovative knot combination designs through Macramé technique and create a new line of designs for the designers’ inspiration. Samples of ten selected Macramé knots i.e. overhand knot, half hitch knot, double half hitch knot/cording, alternative half hitch knot, half knot, flat knot, popcorn knot, reverse cording, double chain knot with four ends and Josephine knot were prepared using selected cord. Preferences of experts were sought for prepared knots using self-structured preferential choice index. On the basis of weighted mean score, top preferred five Macramé knots i.e. double half hitch knot, half knot, flat knot, popcorn knot and reverse cording knot were selected for development of knot combination designs. Total twenty designs were developed using the selected knots in different combinations. Results of preferences of experts for knot combination designs inferred that most preferred knot combination designs were Design No. 14 (WMS 2.93), 7 (WMS 2.86), 10 (WMS 2.73), 16 (WMS 2.67) and 18 (WMS 2.63).