Macramé Pattern Book - Designed and published (2011) in Japan by Märchen Art Studio and supervised by The Japan Macramé Association.
English edition published (2013) by St. Martin’s Press, New York. ISBN 978-1-250-03401-4
This how-to manual has an impressive pedigree. Märchen Art Studio is a creative and commercial Tokyo-based craft group specialising in macramé, while The Japan Macramé Association (founded in 1978) promotes the craft through workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and competitions, as well as teacher training and certification.
A brief history of macramé is followed by a thorough introduction to tools and materials,; and this leads to more than 70 basic knots and knot combinations, plus 33 projects. Terms, techniques and tips occur throughout the book’s over-160 pages between soft covers, which together measure 27cm x 19cm x 12cm (approx. 10.6in x 7.5in x 0.5in). Every page is liberally illustrated with step-by-step guidance by way of ‘dot-to-dot diagrams’ (using 44 symbols), augmented by the actual knot drawings and explanatory text. All of which are enlivened with 60 double-page spreads of completed specimens in coloured photographs. From start to finish, nothing is omitted, from adding fresh strands to exhausted ones, and burying ends, to affixing beads, buttons and other accessories. Strand lengths are given in both inches and centimetres.
Personally – just to quibble – I have never in 56 years devoted to macramé felt the need to use a board and T-pins. But the book recommends them, whereas I am self-taught (so maybe I missed something). The publisher’s target readers are, I guess, female, given its belts and bags, chokers and necklaces, brooches and other fashion items. Nevertheless it is a superb, user-friendly starter kit for any newcomer [to knotting] or to macramé, as well as those seeking to become more skilful.
Geoffrey Budworth