Although sometimes referred to as 'Chinese knotting', the history of macramé dates back
long before it was discovered in China. It is believed to have had originated in Arabia
during the 13th century. When the Moors conquered Spain in 711 AD, they brought
this artform with them. From Spain, it spread to other European countries. Sailors
then picked up on the technique and kept it alive over the years. While out to sea,
these sailors would knot thick twine into decorated pieces that could be sold or
traded went they went ashore. The technique was first discovered in China
through these sailors.