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This work used to be quite extensively used, at one time, in England, under the name of knot work, which designation is most appropriate, as it exactly describes the manner of making this kind of lace. In Italy it was used for trimming priests' vestments in the fifteenth century, and the name for it there, punto a groppo, or groppino, was also taken from the method of working it. Macramé is from an Arabian word which signifies a large cloth with a fringed border.

Most Macramé lace or fringe, now-a-days, is worked with a species of twine or cord, although it can be made of coarse thread or silk. The different knots are used also in knotting the borders for towels, or as finishing edges to drawn work.

Macramé is very rich and effective, and possesses the rare advantage of exerting no strain on the eyes. It is easy and quick of execution, and also affords the worker the pleasure of forming new combinations in different parts of the work. It is well to begin working with quite coarse material. The real Macramé cord, manufactured by Messrs. Barbour and Co. is made of flax and is rather softer to work with than other cord, not being hard twisted. The natural color of this cord is also very pleasant. Seine twine is much used also, and some 191