Cavandoli Macrame: History, Technique, and Modern Jewelry
🧵 A Little History: From an Orphanage in Turin
Cavandoli macramé has a touching origin story. In the early 1900s, Valentina Cavandoli, a teacher in Turin, worked at Casa del Sole, an institute that cared for orphans and children whose families were affected by tuberculosis.
She taught the children macramé, turning knotting into both a creative outlet and a practical skill. The kids made bookmarks, bags, and small decorative objects, which were sold at charity markets. The earnings went into their savings books, giving them pride and a sense of security.
What started as an educational project became the foundation of the Cavandoli style we admire today.
🎨 What Makes the Technique Special
Unlike other styles, Cavandoli macramé relies almost entirely on one knot: the double half-hitch. With this knot, makers create flat, tapestry-like designs that look structured, neat, and highly detailed.
Warp threads: These are the vertical foundation threads that stay in place.
Working thread: This wraps around the warp to form lines, shapes, and patterns.
Designs: By switching directions and colors, you can create diamonds, zigzags, hearts, or even pictures.
👉 The beauty of Cavandoli lies in its rhythm and precision. It’s knotting turned into “drawing with thread.”
🌟 Where You’ll See Cavandoli
🎁 Friendship bracelets with geometric or pictorial designs
💍 Jewelry such as earrings, chokers, and pendants
🖼️ Wall hangings & décor pieces
🎒 Accessories like belts, keychains, and coasters
Because it resembles woven tapestry, it’s perfect for bold, graphic, and colorful designs.
✨ My Project: Earrings with a Twist
Recently, I experimented by combining Cavandoli macramé with micro macramé. Using polyester floss in multiple colors, I created a strong Cavandoli base and added delicate micro macramé details.
The result? 🎉 A pair of lightweight, modern earrings full of texture—mixing Cavandoli’s bold graphic lines with the elegant flow of micro macramé.
👉 If you’d like to try them yourself, I’ve shared a step-by-step video tutorial for members on my YouTube channel.
Want to Learn More?
I first discovered Cavandoli macramé through Marion Hunziker-Larsen’s work, where she uses S-lon nylon threads and beads in a contemporary way. Her blog and tutorials remain one of the most detailed resources in English.
Here are some excellent places to dive deeper:
📝 Cavandoli Blogspot: cavandoli.blogspot.com — dedicated to the history and teaching of Cavandoli macramé.
💎 Jewels in Fiber by Marion Hunziker-Larsen: jewelsinfiber.com — packed with tutorials, inspiration, and resources.
📖 Books in Italy: Manuals focused on Cavandoli macramé are still available. A must-read is Brico e Cavandoli: Due favole in punta d’ago by Gisella Tamagno Gazzola ➡️ View Book.
💡 Final Thoughts
Cavandoli macramé isn’t just a craft—it’s the inspiring story of a teacher who, even in challenging times, found a way to guide children and help shape their future. Today, that legacy continues, connecting makers and creatives across the world.
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