Why Macramé Is Still Popular — And Why It Matters

When someone asks, “Is macrame still in style in 2026?”, the short answer from me is: absolutely. Not only is macramé still having a moment — but its meaning, value, and role in our lives are evolving in profound ways. In a digital-first world, women (and makers of all backgrounds) are turning to this ancient craft of knotting to reconnect with themselves, with others, and with something deeply human.

A Story from Isabella Strambio: Why I Fell Back in Love with Macramé

Let me take you back to where it all began. In 2016, I stumbled upon macramé almost by accident. A friend showed me how to tie a few simple square knots to create a small wall hanging, and I was instantly hooked.

We were sitting in her garden, chatting, laughing, and working with our hands. Something shifted at that moment. I fell in love with a craft that made me feel calm, joyful, and deeply connected — not just to myself, but to other creatives too. The slow, rhythmic motion of knotting grounded me in a way I had never experienced before.

Over the years, macramé has introduced me to incredible women, both in real life and online, all of whom are brought together by a shared passion for this beautiful craft. I know this ancient art form will continue to weave stories, spark creativity, and nurture connection for years to come.

That’s how my macramé journey began.

Why Macramé Is Still Popular in 2026: The Key Drivers

Here are the biggest reasons macramé remains trending and relevant in my opinion, in 2026.

1. A Counterbalance to Digital Overload

In 2026, our days are even more saturated with screens, notifications, and digital tasks. What many of us crave is tangible creativity. Macramé offers that in spades:

• The tactile act of knotting is very different from tapping or swiping: your hands are busy, your mind slows.
• You see real progress: unlike digital work, where your “product” can be a file or an email, macramé leaves you with a physical piece you can hold, hang, or gift. This gives a strong sense of accomplishment, and that feeling of “I made this.”
• This craft fosters presence and mindfulness: tying repeated knots helps calm the mind, much like a meditation, I call macrame ‘Yoga for the mind’.
• For many women, especially those juggling work, family, and digital demands, macramé becomes a way to “unplug” without feeling unproductive.

2. Therapeutic and Mindful Benefits

One of the biggest reasons macramé is still popular is its therapeutic power. I see this every time I teach a workshop or share a tutorial. Here’s how:

• The rhythmic, repetitive knotting activates a flow state — your hands do the work, your mind quiets.
• Completing a project provides a psychological reward: finishing gives a tangible sense of achievement, releasing dopamine, and boosting well-being.
• It’s a way to externalise emotions. The design choices (the colour of the cord, the size, the form) become a non-verbal expression of self.
• Macramé cultivates patience and persistence: complex pieces take time, teaching us to value gradual progress and foster beginner’s mind.
• It physically helps too: knotting improves fine motor skills and hand strength.

Through my own journey and teaching, I’ve witnessed how women (and men) reconnect with themselves through macramé. Some students tell me that 5–10 minutes of knotting per day is enough to reset their mood, calm their thoughts, and feel grounded in their day.

3. Connection and Community Through Craft

In 2026, macramé is as much about community as it is about aesthetics. People are craving real connection, and the craft world has responded beautifully.

• Workshops and retreats: I host in-person and online macramé workshops, weaving and knotting (pun intended) community into the making experience. These aren’t just “craft classes” — they’re safe spaces for creative women to share stories, laugh, and support each other.
• Creative Retreats: Many of my customers tell me that being part of the macrame retreats makes them feel calm, relaxed, and it’s the only way to switch off from the daily routine and focus on themselves. Women come from across the globe, some had never picked up a cord before, others were experienced makers. But by the end, what mattered most wasn’t how many knots they had learned, but the stories they shared: healing after burnout, reconnection after loss, rediscovery of creativity. That retreat reaffirmed for me that macrame is still popular not just as decor, but as a deeply human practice.
• On a smaller scale, in my macrame membership ‘Your Macrame Community’, I share monthly macrame projects to inspire the members to keep creative and to connect with others. During workshops, I’ve seen people arrive stressed or disconnected, and leave smiling, more centred, and full of new ideas. Most of all, they are proud of themselves for having made something by hand on their own! Priceless!
• Peer-made stories: Whether it’s a mother-daughter duo learning their first square knot or a group of friends knotting together on a Sunday afternoon, macramé is continuing to foster meaningful bonds.

This longing for community isn’t surprising. After years when digital interactions felt shallow, crafting circles offer a grounded, hands-on way to connect on a human level.

4. Evolving Design Trends Keep It Fresh

One of the biggest strengths of macramé is its adaptability. The question, “Is macrame still in style in 2026?” is answered by the fact that the craft is evolving. Here are some of the key design trends that keep it fresh:

• Eco-friendly materials: Recycled cotton, organic cords, and natural dyes are at the heart of my designs at Isabella Strambio. This aligns with a growing consumer demand for sustainability.
• Earthy and muted tones + bold accents: While beige and cream remain timeless, 2025–2026 saw more earthy terracotta, olive green, and even jewel tones.
• 3D & sculptural forms: Macramé is no longer flat. Makers are exploring three-dimensional designs like lampshades, sculptures, and textured wall hangings. We do this across the Macrame Bootcamp online courses and inside Your Macrame Community.
• Functional design trending: Think room dividers, plant hangers, hanging shelves, light fixtures. Macramé is moving beyond purely decorative items.
• Wearables: Micro macramé for jewellery, bags, belts, clothing. Fashion designers are incorporating knotting techniques into accessories.
• Mixed media: Cords meet wood, ceramics, metal, and beads. Combining materials gives a nuanced texture and modern feel.
• Minimalist aesthetics: Clean lines, geometry, and sculptural simplicity are gaining traction as a response to boho maximalism.

Check out the Macrame Magazine Trends 2026 for predictions from the top fibre artists.

Why “Macramé Is Still Popular” isn’t Just About Trends: It’s About Meaning

When you search “Is macrame still in style in 2026?”, you’ll find plenty of blogs, magazines, and social media posts making the case for its comeback. But for me, and for many in the macramé community, it’s not just a design revival. Here’s why macrame is still popular in a way that matters deep down:

1. Emotional anchoring: It’s a creative ritual.
2. Community: It brings people together.
3. Mindfulness: It offers a break, a pause, a reset.
4. Sustainability: It’s aligned with conscious living.
5. Adaptability: Designers continue to push their boundaries.

In short, macramé is thriving not because it’s trendy, but because it adds value in a world that often feels too fast, too digital, and too disconnected.

I am a big believer in creating more and consuming less!

Final Thoughts

So, is macrame still in style in 2026? Without a doubt! But only because it’s become more than just a decorative fad. For many, macramé is a practice, a pause button, a place of community, and a way to express inner resilience and creativity.

I see each knot as a little moment of care. For ourselves, for our customers, and for the planet.

If you’re curious to try macramé (or deepen your practice), we’d love to welcome you: check out the beginner’s online course

Become a Confident Macrame Artist here

If you are looking to deepen your macrame knowledge, check out the Macrame Bootcamp 1,2, &3 here

Do you want to Learn Macrame?

All things macrame in one platform!

If you are already passionate about Macrame and want to strengthen your skills, I’ve created the online courses and the Macrame community. I wish I could have taken it in the early days, when I started my Macrame journey.

There’s something for every level, from entry to more advanced. I am sure you will find what’s best for you! Check my Macrame Courses Page here!

On the same page, you can also find the best live macrame classes near you and meet me in person!

Beginner in Macrame: FREE RESOURCES

• Check out my FREE MACRAME FOR BEGINNERS resources page