Buying Macramé cord/rope/twine/yarn can be confusing and overwhelming with all the different names, types, thicknesses etc. Here is a quick run down of the various options and their uses.

 

The main three different types of macramé cord are single ply, 3 ply and braided.

 

Single ply cord

I feel single ply is the best type of cord to use if you will be doing a lot of macramé and even turning your hobby into a business venture. This cord is made by twisting many fibers together once to form a rope. Most of these cords have a beautiful soft feel to them so are lovely to look at, and also great to work with, being easy on the hands. This type of cord lends itself to more modern macramé pieces. The cord combs out very easily for gorgeous smooth fringes. Single ply can tangle when knotting so some experience with 3 ply cord might be valuable, however, a fantastic tip to avoid this is to tape each end before knotting.

 

Woven offers very high quality cotton cord from 2 different manufacturers. The first is located in the United Kingdom and produces 100% natural cotton cord. My second manufacturer is within the EU and produces simply gorgeous recycled cotton cord – which really resonates with me and falls into my ethos of helping our amazing planet.

 

 

3 Ply cord

3-ply is sometimes referred to as 3-strands and consists of 3 smaller strands being twisted together into a larger rope. Completed pieces have more of a traditional or classic macramé look and feel when this cord is used. 3 Ply is a very popular cord for beginners because it holds it shape well and there is less of a tendancy to tangle. When unravelled, it creates a wavy fringe. Knots tend to look cleaner than knots made with the single ply cord.

 

Although many different colours are available, Woven only stocks natural cord at this stage. Should you want to purchase 3 ply coloured cord I would be happy to assist you and order with my next order on your behalf. Any colours of the recycled cotton cord in my shop can be ordered in 3 Ply.

 

 

Braided Cord

Braided cord is great to play around with when you are getting started. It does not unravel at all so you cannot get a fringe. It is not a bad cord for plant hangers, however, I would not recommend it for wall hangings.  Knots have a clean finish compared to those done in a single ply.

 

Woven does not stock braided cord, however, should you wish to order some I can assist you by ordering with my next order. Any colours of the recycled cotton cord in my shop can be ordered in braided cord.

 

 

Cord material

One must also pick the correct cord material when deciding which cord to use for a project. Natural materials like cotton, wool and hemp work well for indoor projects, however, when making items that will be subjected to the natural outdoor elements, it would be best to choose a more synthetic cord.

 

Woven only stock high quality cotton cords.

 

 

Cord Thickness.

Again there are so many options here.  I would use the thinner cords for some plant hangers but mostly for projects like key chains, Christmas decorations or angels, jewellery, belts and bags. This would be cord with diameters of up to 3mm depending on the project. Medium thickness cord is most popular and projects include mini wall hangings, feathers, plant hangers, table runners, lampshades and cushions. This would be 3 to 5mm cord. The very thick chunky cord 6mm and up is ideal for large wall hangings and hanging curtains or wedding arches, in fact any large projects.