Rethinking Macramé Instruction: A Mathematical Approach to Sustainable Cord Usage in Textile Education

Fatimatu Hajia Ibrahim; Boakye Antwi; Karim Azumah; Issah Mohammed Seini

doi:10.35738/ftr.v6.2024.19

Authors

Fatimatu Hajia Ibrahim Author https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1105-6900 (unauthenticated)
Boakye Antwi Author https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6931-9195 (unauthenticated)
Karim Azumah Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3266-5536 (unauthenticated)
Issah Mohammed Seini Author https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3439-9904 (unauthenticated)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35738/ftr.v6.2024.19

Keywords:

Knot, craft, teaching and learning, textile education, cord, macramé

Abstract

Purpose: This study proposes reframing Macramé instruction within Textile education to enhance both the practical and theoretical dimensions of the curriculum, with a particular focus on sustainability.

Methodology/Design: Research suggests that traditional Macramé teaching methods have remained largely unchanged, often relying on estimation and trial-and-error techniques for determining cord lengths. This lack of standardisation contributes to inefficiencies in material use and instructional delivery. To address these challenges, this study introduces a mathematically precise formula for calculating cord lengths, replacing traditional guesswork with a structured and reproducible approach. By enhancing measurement accuracy, the proposed method minimises material waste, optimises resource utilisation, and supports sustainable design practices. A combination of descriptive and inferential statistical analyses was employed to evaluate quantitative data collected from participants.

Findings: The results revealed statistically significant improvements in student engagement, motivation, and overall learning outcomes post-intervention. The findings underscore the need for improved instructional resources and methodologies to enhance teaching effectiveness and sustainability in Textile education. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that integrating mathematical precision into Macramé instruction can foster innovation and efficiency in craft-based learning. The overall results (p < .001) indicate significant improvements in engagement and motivation following the intervention, reinforcing the effectiveness of a structured instructional approach in Macramé education.

Practical and Social Implications: The study offers practical implications for tertiary institutions considering Macramé as a formal course of study. By providing a standardised approach to cord length calculation, it equips both instructors and students with essential skills applicable to textile and fibre arts courses. This aligns with the broader emphasis on sustainability and innovation in Ghana’s Textile education sector.

Originality: This study presents a novel, mathematically grounded approach to Macramé instruction that simultaneously enhances precision, reduces material waste, and supports sustainability. It is the first of its kind to rigorously quantify the instructional outcomes of such an intervention within a textile education context in Ghana, offering scalable, data-driven strategies for integrating sustainability into craft education curricula.

Author Biographies

Fatimatu Hajia Ibrahim

Fatimatu Hajia Ibrahim is a lecturer at the Tamale Technical University with over six years of experience teaching textile techniques, including macramé, needlework, crochet, beading, and embroidery. Her research interests focus on evaluating and enhancing pedagogical approaches to teaching these traditional crafts. She holds a PhD in Art Education at KNUST. My PhD thesis explored the integration of scientific methods into the instruction of macramé, forming the foundation of my ongoing research. Beyond academia, I actively contribute to the sustainability of these handicraft techniques by sourcing raw materials, teaching the skill, and supplying materials to artisans.
Boakye Antwi

Boakye Antwi is a textile and jewelry educator with a Bachelor’s degree in Integrated Rural Art and Industry from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he specialised in textiles and jewelry. He currently teaches at the secondary education level, with a strong focus on curriculum delivery and conceptual clarity. His academic interests lie in textile education, pedagogy, and the development of instructional materials that demystify technical processes. His contribution to this article on yarn calculation for macramé knotting is a testament to his broader commitment to enhancing textile literacy through structured, accessible learning resources tailored to student needs.
Karim Azumah

Karim Azumah (PhD) is a Ghanaian statistician and lecturer at Tamale Technical University, Ghana, in the Department of Statistical Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics (Statistics Option) from the Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUISTI), Kenya. His academic journey includes an MPhil in Mathematical Statistics, a Diploma in Education, and a BSc in Statistics. With a strong passion for teaching, research, and data analysis, Dr. Azumah combines academic excellence with entrepreneurial and analytical skills. He is dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation in statistics and higher education.
Issah Mohammed Seini

Issah Mohammed Seini is a committed academic and creative scholar currently engaged in doctoral studies at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). He also serves as a lecturer in the Department of Art and Design Innovation at Tamale Technical University. His research investigates the convergence of indigenous art practices and contemporary design methodologies, emphasising sustainable and culturally informed innovation. Seini is dedicated to empowering the forthcoming generation of designers through practical, community-oriented education. His work integrates tradition with innovation, aspiring to enhance the visibility of Ghanaian art and design on both national and international stages.

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