Macrame Cord Guide: Types, Sizes & How to Choose
START HERE · CORD & MATERIALS · BY NICOLE WOO · UPDATED OCTOBER 2026
Hi, I’m Nicole. The question I get most from new knotters isn’t about knots. It’s “which cord should I buy?” Single strand, 3-ply, braided, 3mm, 5mm, cotton, bamboo… it’s a lot.
This guide is the one I wish I had when I started. It explains how each cord behaves, which size suits which project, and exactly what to buy for your first piece.
For most beginners, buy single strand cotton cord in 3mm or 4mm. It is soft, forgiving and brushes into fringe. Choose 3-ply or braided cotton cord in 4mm–5mm for plant hangers and bags that carry weight, 1.5mm–2mm string for jewelry, and 5mm or thicker for large wall hangings.
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Macrame Cord at a Glance
Macrame cord (also called macrame rope or macrame string) is the cotton or natural-fibre cord used to tie the knots in wall hangings, plant hangers, bags and keychains. Three choices decide which one you need: construction, size and fibre.
How to Choose Macrame Cord in 4 Steps
1. Choose the construction
Single strand for fringe and wall hangings, 3-ply for structure, braided for strength and no fraying. See the comparison below.
2. Choose the size
Match the size to the project scale. Patterns list a size, and changing it changes the finished dimensions.
3. Choose the fibre
Cotton suits most projects. Recycled cotton performs the same with a lower footprint; bamboo and Giza cotton give a silkier finish.
4. Buy enough
Add up the cutting list and buy a roll that covers it with spare. Use our cord measuring guide if a pattern has no list.
Macrame Cord Types: Single Strand vs 3-Ply vs Braided
| Type | How it’s made | Fringe | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single strand | One bundle of fibres twisted together | Soft, brushes out | Wall hangings, beginner projects, anything with fringe |
| 3-ply (triple twist) | Three strands twisted together | Wavy, unravels in sections | Plant hangers, bags, defined knots |
| Braided | Fibres woven around a core | Doesn’t brush out | Bags, handles, keychains, weight-bearing pieces |
Curious about cords beyond cotton? See 17 alternative macrame cord options.
Macrame Cord Sizes: Which Thickness to Choose
| Size | Feel | Best projects |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5mm–2mm | Fine, detailed | Earrings, bracelets, mini ornaments |
| 3mm | Light, versatile | Keychains, coasters, ornaments, small wall hangings |
| 4mm | The all-rounder | Plant hangers, medium wall hangings, bags |
| 5mm | Bold, quick to fill | Large wall hangings, shelves |
| 6mm+ | Chunky, statement | Oversized wall art, rainbows |
Cord Materials: Cotton, Recycled, Bamboo & More
Cotton is the standard: soft on the hands and holds a knot. Recycled cotton performs the same with less waste. Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides. Bamboo has a silky sheen and drape. Egyptian Giza cotton is ultra-smooth for crisp knots. Jute and hemp are rustic and rougher on hands. Synthetic cords suit outdoor pieces.
Macrame cord vs yarn: yarn stretches and frays, so knots lose shape. Use cord for anything that should hold its form.
Shop Bochiknot Macrame Cord
These are the cords I use in my tutorials, listed by type, size, then colour so you can match a pattern exactly.
Single Strand Cotton Cord, 3mm or 4mm, Natural (Petite 100m)
The beginner favourite. Also in Biscuit, Cappuccino, Milk, Sea Green and Buttercream.
Shop Single Strand Cord →
Single Strand Cotton Cord, 3mm–5mm, Natural (Regular Rolls)
Bigger rolls for wall hangings. Also in Army Green, Sand, Buttermilk, Terracotta and Milk.
Shop Regular Rolls →
3-Ply Cotton Cord, 3mm–5mm, Natural (Regular Rolls)
Structure for plant hangers and bags. Also in Buttermilk, Sage, Steel Blue, Space Gray and Coffee.
Shop 3-Ply Cord →
Braided Cotton Cord, 3mm or 4mm, Natural (Petite 100m)
Strong, no-fray cord for bags and keychains. Also in Buttercream, Milk, Army Green and Terracotta.
Shop Braided Cord →
Organic Cotton Cord, 3mm or 4mm (Petite 100m)
Organic cotton for eco-conscious makers.
Shop Organic Cord →
Bamboo Single Strand Cord, 3mm, Natural (140m)
Silky sheen and drape. Also in Sand, Mauve, Pistachio and Merlot.
Shop Bamboo Cord →
Macrame String, 1.5mm, Natural (100m)
For jewelry, ornaments and hanging loops. Also in Milk, Black and Natural Gold Metallic.
Shop Macrame String →
Discovery Macrame Cord Box Set, 3mm or 4mm (50m)
Try several colours before you commit to a full roll.
Shop The Discovery Box →Essential Tools to Go With Your Cord
Also On Amazon & Etsy
Prefer to shop on Amazon? Bochiknot cord and tools are also on our Amazon US storefront and Amazon Canada storefront. Printable pattern ebooks (and some cord bundles) are in the Bochiknot Etsy shop.
For outdoor projects: we don’t make synthetic cord, so try polypropylene macrame cord (Amazon US) / polypropylene macrame cord (Amazon Canada).
Some links to outside products are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Bochiknot earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. We always recommend our own Bochiknot cord and tools first.
Watch Nicole Explain It
Watch the full lesson first, then come back to the written steps below.
Common Cord Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
Buying the wrong size for the pattern
A thicker cord makes a bigger piece and uses more length. Match the pattern’s size, or recalculate with the measuring guide.
Using braided cord for fringe
Braided cord won’t brush out. Use single strand where the design has fringe.
Running out of one dye lot
Buy enough of one colour for the whole project so the shade matches.
Macrame Cord FAQs
What is the best macrame cord for beginners?
Single strand cotton cord in 3mm or 4mm. It is soft, knots smoothly, unties cleanly and brushes into fringe, which makes it the most forgiving cord to learn on.
What is the difference between macrame cord, rope and string?
Brands use the terms loosely. Generally, single strand (or “string”) is one twisted bundle of fibres, 3-ply “rope” is three strands twisted together, and braided cord is woven around a core. Construction affects fringe, strength and knot look.
What size macrame cord should I use?
Use 1.5mm–2mm for jewelry and fine details, 3mm for keychains and small wall hangings, 4mm for plant hangers and medium pieces, and 5mm or thicker for large wall hangings.
Can I use yarn or string from the craft store?
Yarn stretches and frays and will not hold knot shape like cotton macrame cord. Kitchen string is often too thin and stiff. For results that match the pattern, use cotton macrame cord in the stated size.
Which macrame cord is best for plant hangers?
3-ply or braided cotton cord in 4mm–5mm. Both are strong and hold their shape under the weight of a pot.
Is cotton macrame cord okay outdoors?
Cotton absorbs water and can mildew outdoors. For outdoor projects, use a synthetic cord such as polypropylene, or keep cotton pieces under cover.
Where can I buy macrame cord?
Bochiknot cord is sold at bochiknot.com, with selected cord also on our Amazon US and Canada storefronts and in our Etsy shop.
Your Next Step in the Macrame Journey
Macrame for Beginners: How to Start
Supplies, the 4 basic knots and a first project.
Explore The Tutorial →
See the full path on the Macrame Journey page.
FREE FOR BEGINNERS
Know Which Knot Each Cord Loves
Get the free 50 Macrame Knots & Sennits guide, a printable reference to keep beside your cord while you practise. It’s free when you join the Bochiknot email list.
Can’t see the form? Get the free knot guide here.
A LITTLE SUPPORT FOR YOUR NEXT PROJECT
Keep Learning With The Bochiknot Patreon Community
If you would like a regular reason to pick up your cord, explore the Bochiknot community on Patreon. Choose the level of guidance that fits the projects you want to make.
TIER 1
Mini-Macrame Creations
Explore smaller projects with patterns and video guidance.
TIER 2
Mastering Macrame Skills
Build your technique through guided projects, lessons, and creative challenges.
TIER 3
Macrame Masterpiece
Explore a learning and materials-kit option. Compare the kit schedule and shipping details on Patreon.
Tier 3 also has Macrame Masterpiece Lite (S2) and Macrame Masterpiece Bundle (S1) options. See Patreon for the current inclusions, availability, and pricing.
Prefer to learn on YouTube? You can also join the Bochiknot YouTube channel membership for members-only perks.
NICOLE WOO · BOCHIKNOT
Start with one roll of 3mm or 4mm single strand cotton. Once you feel how it knots, every other cord will make sense.
A Little Inspiration Between Projects
Follow Bochiknot for tutorials, new ideas, and more ways to keep knotting.
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