How to Choose the BEST Macrame Cord for Your Next Project

Are you diving into the world of macrame but feeling overwhelmed by the choices of cord available?

Want Better Macrame Results? It All Starts with Choosing the Right Cord

Today, we're delving deeper into the world of macrame cords because, as I am sure you have realized, the options are slowly becoming truly endless.

Natural or recycled cotton cords are the most common choices for modern macrame, but I want to introduce you to the other cord options you have that will enhance your macrame projects.

This guide will give you the information you need to make wise choices as you progress from beginner to intermediate or master knotter in macrame.

It does not matter if you want to make wall hangings, plant hangers, or stylish accessories; this blog is here to help you.

So, get your creative juices flowing, and let's explore the world of macrame cords.

Types of Macrame Cord

Macrame cords come in three primary types: 3-ply, single-strand, and braided.

 3-ply cords are three individual strands twisted together, offering a balanced thickness and structure for various macrame projects.

Single-strand cords are made from a single continuous thread, providing a smooth and sleek appearance ideal for delicate and intricate knotwork.

Braided cords involve multiple strands braided or woven together, offering a textured, thicker, and more robust option for more significant macrame pieces.

The choice between these cord types depends on the macrame project's specific design, knot style, and desired aesthetic.

I know you’re familiar with recycled and natural cotton cords, which we use most here at Bochiknot. We love how eco-friendly and easy to knot these cords are.

However, there are other options, and we want to make sure you know what they are.

Types of Macrame Cord Materials

Typically, macrame knotters use recycled or natural cotton cords, but other options exist.

Cotton macrame cords come in natural and recycled cotton and are easily sourced.

Natural organic cotton will come at a slight price premium due to its stringent certification process, resulting in higher-quality cords.

You also get Giza (often referred to as Egyptian cotton) and bamboo, which are considered premium macrame cords because they are incredibly soft and feel more luxurious than normal cotton cords.

You will also encounter metallic macrame cords, which are not as popular as cotton because they are harder to work with, but when combined with cotton threads, they are more user-friendly.

Each material has unique characteristics, which influence the appearance, feel, and suitability for different macrame projects.

Recycled Cotton Vs. Egyptian Giza Vs. Bamboo

Recycled Cotton Macrame Cord

• Material: Cotton macrame cord comes in natural cotton and recycled cotton. Natural cotton is made from natural cotton fibers, and recycled cotton is typically from unused textiles.  
• Texture: Cotton cords are smooth and soft, making them comfortable to work with and gentle against the skin.
• Appearance: Cotton cords have a matte finish and come in various colors and thicknesses. Natural cotton cords absorb dyes well, allowing for custom color options. 
• Suitability: Recycled cotton has become popular among macrame artists due to its affordability and versatility in color options. Cotton cords suit various macrame projects, including wall hangings, plant hangers, and jewelry. They are ideal for projects where a soft and natural look is desired.  

Giza (Egyptian Cotton) Macrame Cord

 

 

• Material: Giza macrame cord is made from Egyptian cotton, known for its premium quality and extra-long staple fibers.
• Texture: Giza cotton cords are soft and luxurious, offering a silky-smooth texture that feels smooth to the touch.
• Appearance: These cords have an appealing sheen and can be dyed to achieve various shades.
• Suitability: Giza cords are typically used for high-end or special projects where a premium look and feel are desired. They are suitable for intricate and delicate macrame designs.

Bamboo Macrame Cord

 

• Material: Bamboo macrame cord is made from natural bamboo fibers. It's a premium, eco-friendly alternative to cotton and synthetic cords.
• Texture: Like Giza, Bamboo cords are exceptionally soft and luxurious, offering a silky-smooth texture that feels smooth. Due to their fine texture, Bamboo fibers exhibit remarkable flexibility, making them highly versatile. Bamboo cords are known for their strength and durability, making them suitable for various macrame projects.
• Appearance:  Bamboo cords have a luxurious silky sheen that elevates every project.
• Suitability: Bamboo cords are suitable for high-end, premium projects due to their higher price point. They work well for handbags, wall hangings, or other macrame projects, opting for a luxurious look.

Metallic Macrame Cord

 

• Material: Metallic macrame cord combines materials, such as cotton or polyester, with metallic threads or fibers. This results in a cord with a metallic appearance and sheen.
• Texture: Metallic cords have a relatively coarse texture due to their thicker fibers, similar to polyester cords, but with the added sparkle and shine of the metallic component.
• Appearance: These cords are known for their glittering, metallic finish and come in various colors, including gold, silver, bronze, and more.
• Suitability: Metallic cords are perfect for adding a touch of glamour and shine to your macrame projects. They are often used for creating jewelry, festive decor, or any design where you want to introduce a touch of elegance and sparkle.

Wax Cord 

 

• Material: Wax cord is typically crafted from natural fibers like cotton or polyester threads coated with a layer of wax. This wax coating enhances its sturdiness and weather-resistant properties, making it an ideal choice for macrame projects where durability is paramount.
• Texture: Wax cord possesses a unique blend of flexibility and rigidity. While it maintains a certain softness, the waxed surface adds a subtle rigidity, which can lend a degree of structure to your knots and overall macrame design.
• Appearance: Due to their waxed surface, wax cords often sport a subtle sheen, giving your projects a polished and refined appearance. They come in various colors, allowing you to select the shades that best complement your designs.
• Suitability: Wax cord is particularly well-suited for macrame projects that require resilience, such as plant hangers, outdoor decor, or pieces that may be exposed to the elements. Its weather-resistant properties make it a practical choice for outdoor macrame creations, ensuring that your designs remain intact and beautiful over time.

Hemp Cord

 

 

• Material: Hemp cord is crafted from natural hemp fibers. This eco-friendly material is renowned for its durability, sustainability, and natural appearance.
• Texture: Hemp cord has a slightly coarse texture that adds a rustic and organic feel to your macrame projects. It provides a unique tactile experience, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more natural look and feel in their creations.
• Appearance: The natural, earthy tones of hemp cord and its minimal sheen offer a warm and inviting aesthetic. It beautifully complements bohemian, beachy, and nature-inspired designs.
• Suitability: Hemp cord is ideal for macrame projects that embrace an eco-friendly and organic theme. It's commonly used to create plant hangers, wall hangings, and other decor pieces celebrating nature's beauty. Hemp's strength and resistance to fraying also make it suitable for functional macrame items like belts and straps.

Satin Cord 

 

 

• Material: Chinese knotting cord or satin cord is traditionally crafted from silk, although modern versions may use synthetic materials. This cord is known for its smooth, sleek texture, making it an elegant choice for intricate designs.
• Texture: Satin cord offers a silky-smooth texture that glides effortlessly through your fingers as you create complex knots. Its supple yet durable nature allows for intricate and detailed macramework.
• Appearance: This cord is admired for its high-quality sheen and rich, vibrant colors. Satin cord lends a touch of luxury to your macrame creations, making it an excellent choice for jewelry and ornamental pieces.
• Suitability: Satin cord is often used for macrame projects that require precision and sophistication. It's a popular choice for crafting jewelry, tassels, and decorative knots, as its sleek appearance and versatility allow you to achieve intricate, artistic designs that pay homage to the ancient tradition of Chinese knotting.

Choosing the suitable macrame cord material depends on your project's specific requirements and personal preferences.

Cotton and Giza cords are excellent for most macrame projects due to their softness and versatility, while bamboo offers a distinctly premium quality and natural charm to your designs!

These are perfect for wall hangings and other big designs that will be displayed!

Metallic cords are an excellent addition to your macrame supply cupboard; their difficulty to use shouldn’t discourage you from experimenting with them!

Experimenting with different cord materials can help you achieve the desired look and feel for your macrame creations and discover which cord you’re most comfortable with.

Look at our "3 Ways to Begin and End a Macrame Friendship Bracelet" video, where we’ll show you examples of using different micro macrame cords for bracelets knotted in different cords.

Macrame Friendship Bracelets

Knotting friendship bracelets are a beloved craft cherished by people of all ages for generations.

In this creative and heartwarming art form, individuals come together to handcraft unique and intricate bracelets, often exchanging them as tokens of friendship.

There is no better craft to use as an example of a micro macrame!

So, let's look at 3 bracelets made with different types of 2mm cords.

On the other hand, the hemp macrame cord brings a natural and earthy texture to your creations, appealing to those who prefer a rustic and eco-friendly aesthetic.

Its soft and pliable feel makes it perfect for intricate patterns and knot designs.

Turn to Satin cords for a touch of elegance and sophistication.

This cord boasts a silky, shiny texture that lends itself to sophisticated, eye-catching designs.

Its smooth finish makes it ideal for achieving polished and refined bracelet patterns.

Whether you're crafting jewelry for special occasions or seeking to add a touch of luxury to your macrame creations, Satin cord is the perfect option to elevate your bracelet-making projects.

As you can see, your choice of cord material impacts the look and feel of the artwork you’re making, in addition to the size of your cord.

If you want to learn more about adding beads to your artwork, be sure to check out our blog on Macrame Embellishments.

Macrame Cord Sizing Options

We’ve looked at cord material options in depth in the Beginners Materials and Supply guide and above, but now we need to discuss cord size. 

The size of your cord affects your whole project. 3mm and 4mm are the most commonly used cord sizes for projects like wall hangings and plant hangers.

However, you will come across projects that call for bigger or smaller cord sizes—or you may want to use a different cord size for a pattern.

Bigger cords (9mm +) are great additions to your stock kit for projects like textured wall hangings and outdoor swings, with 1.5mm—2mm smaller cord sizes being used for projects like jewelry where the weight of your project is an important consideration.

1.5mm-2mm Macrame Cord

A  1mm—2 mm thin macrame cord is typically used for micro or small projects.

Micromacrame is a delicate form that creates intricate patterns and designs using tiny cords and fine knots.

Unlike traditional macrame, which often uses thicker cords and larger knots, micro macrame employs very thin string, often as fine as embroidery floss or beading thread.

This precision and attention to detail make micro macrame a favored technique for crafting delicate jewelry, such as bracelets, necklaces, and earrings - which means you can wear your art everywhere!

One of our favorite aspects of micro macrame is its ability to create intricate patterns and decorative elements within a small space while still using all your favorite knots, including Square knots, Half Hitch knots, and Lark's Head knots, to craft stunning jewelry pieces with a bohemian or intricate design aesthetic.

Micromacrame also offers the perfect opportunity to incorporate other embellishments, like beads, sequins, and feathers, to enhance the jewelry's elegance and uniqueness.

9mm+ Macrame Cord

9mm macrame cords and larger are not as commonly used as regular 3mm—4 mm cords due to the space they take up, but they are lovely cords for big projects such as plant hangers and wall hangings.

What makes these cords especially great is the ease and speed with which they can be knotted—their size makes them easy to work with, as their size means the knots are bigger, and therefore, a project knotted in 3 mm, for example, would need fewer knots to reach the same size as a project knotted in 3mm. 

Remember, sizing can be different across brands and even products of the same brand, so always check the size of your cord carefully!

When you’ve chosen the perfect cord size for your project, check out our Golden Ratio Blog, where we walk you through sizing and how to measure cord lengths.

Once you’ve chosen your cord, you can add anything (other than knots, of course).

Embellishments are a great addition to macrame projects.

While beginners may find them difficult to incorporate, they’re an absolute gem to experienced artists, so visit our Macrame Embellishments Blog.

It’s Time to Get Knotty… 

Macrame is a versatile and captivating art form that offers endless possibilities for creative expression.

Whether you're drawn to the natural allure of Giza cotton cords, the shine and charm of Chinese knotting cords, or the organic beauty of bamboo and hemp, your macrame journey is full of possibilities.

Your creativity is limited only by your imagination—and potentially the size of your cord.

The delicate 1.5mm to 2mm cords offer intricate details and are perfect for those who enjoy micro-macrame art. In contrast, the chunky 9mm+ cords create bold, eye-catching designs that can be as versatile as your imagination allows.

Whether you choose the refined elegance of the smaller cords or the dramatic impact of the thicker ones, the magic of macrame is yours.

So, choose the cord type and size that resonates with your vision, and let your creativity weave a story that's uniquely yours, one knot at a time.

I hope this blog post provided valuable insights to enhance your macrame projects.

As you continue your creative journey, experiment with different cord types, colors, and textures to discover what works best for your unique style.

Don’t be afraid to try new techniques or push the boundaries of your imagination—macrame is all about creativity and personal expression.

Keep practicing, stay patient, and, most importantly, have fun with the process! Happy crafting!

P.S.

Psst!

We’ve created a dedicated series of blogs to help guide you through every stage of your macrame journey!

You have just completed the "How to Choose the BEST Macrame Cord for Your Next Project" of your Bochiknot macrame journey.

To catch up on the other blogs in this series, check them out here:

• START HERE: The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Macrame
• 12 Fun & Easy Macrame Projects to HELP YOU Get Started
• Macrame ESSENTIALS: Everything You Need—Cord, Tools, & Materials
• 9 SECRET Macrame Tips You’ve Likely Never Heard Of
• Turn Ordinary into EXTRAORDINARY: Adding Embellishments to Macrame
• Knots & Knot-Tying Techniques for STUNNING Patterns
• Macrame's GOLDEN Ratio: How to PRECISELY Measure Cord for Projects

Up Next: 

• Introduction to Intricate Macrame Knot Patterns (MADE-EASY)
• INSPIRATION to CREATION: Your Macrame Design Guide
• Transform Your Macrame with EYE-CATCHING Design Elements

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