Types of Macrame cord

Macrame is one of the simplest crafts, not only because it’s reasonably easy to learn but also because you need very few materials or tools to do it. Many projects can be created with cord and perhaps a few beads, as well as a couple of basic tools like a pair of scissors and a lighter.

Let’s take a look at the different types of Macrame cords and the pros and cons of each.

Macrame rope

The most common type of Macrame cord, rope is a plied fiber that is available in a range of materials, plies, and thicknesses. The plies, or strands woven around one another, give rope extra strength.

The more plies the rope has, the stronger it will be. For most projects, 3-ply rope is ideal, as this is strong enough and easy to work with, though you can opt for a 6-ply rope if you need extra strength.

You can also comb out the multiple plies in rope to create a fringe, which can be a stunning effect in many different types of Macrame projects, from feather motifs to fringe edging on jewelry, bags, and decorations.

You’ll often find Macrame rope made from cotton, though it’s also available in other materials, such as hemp, jute, and synthetic fibers. Cotton and hemp are both good choices, as these materials are soft, malleable, and strong.

Yarn

A big advantage of yarn is that it comes in a diverse range of colors made from a variety of materials. You can also find both plied and unplied yarn, giving you more opportunities to create different effects depending on the desired characteristics for your project.

However, it can be trickier to work with, and virtually impossible to use to make small knots.

Macrame string

At first glance, Macrame string may look like rope, and they are very similar. However, there’s one key difference: string is not plied but rather is made of lots of thin fibers twisted into one strand.

Because it’s not plied, string is not nearly as strong as rope, and can also be uneven or inconsistent in its thickness. On the upside, being unplied, string is softer, so you can use it to make smaller, tighter knots.

Waxed Cotton Thread

If Cotton Waxed Cords is what you are looking for, here it is, also sold by length, these cords have a bit more wax to them, cotton is a natural fiber, so to protect them from moisture a bit more wax will go a long way, great for more sculptural pieces

Attention: We are offering FREE SHIPPING to everyone who purchase more than 50€ in our Macrame Supply Store

Macrame Waxed Cords

With your own two hands and any kind of cord you can start knotting. There are endless choices of cord materials and sizes and thicknesses. For each specific situation one aims to find the thread that will work better and look better.

My own micro macrame experience started with waxed cords, since it was easier to hold the knotts as a beginner and since then I have tried lots of threads in different materials and brands which I bring to you now!

1) Linhasita - waxed polyester cord: This is a well known brand in the world of Macrame. I have made my first creations using this waxed cord and I loved to discover all the colors they have available. It is a high quality cord from Brazil and waxed evenly , with the right amount of wax. This waxed cord is round and twisted, giving it a certain pattern and the possibility to split the cord.

2) CT Point - waxed polyester cord: After working with Linhasita and submerging in the Macrame world a friend introduced me to this polyester waxed cord from Italy. Also a really high quality cord, waxed carefully. This is a stupendous cord to work with and I loved the fact that it gave a different final look to my pieces, different from Linhasita. Also unlike Linhasita, this waxed cord is flat and braid, it won't split easily and leaves almost no pattern, it is smooth. The only problem was. I couldn't find anywhere. But now that I did, I bring it to you and if you love to knott and try different cords, I am sure you will love it!

3) CT Point - semi waxed polyester cord: With the discovery of a supplier for the waxed polyester cord come a new type of cord, the semi waxed. So, it is polyester but with less and almost no wax. To describe it, I would place it between Linhasita and CT Point waxed polyester cord to talk about the shape. It is flat braided but not as flat as the waxed one and not so round as Linhasita. And the braided aspect is more noticeable than the waxed cord. It is really smooth and it will give a more silky aspect to your creations. That being said, it won't be as easy to work with as the others due to the lack of wax, although you will still be able to burn the ends to finish it off. This is also an italian and high quality product and we have different sizes available, such as 1 mm, 0,8 mm, 0,6 mm and 0,4 mm.

4) Cotton waxed cord: I was really happy to find this cord, since they had lots of bright colors available and a spectrum of tones and it was a different material. It is a good quality waxed cord from Spain. The only problem is the uneven wax, which varies depending on the color spool. I usually scratch it off with my fingers while I am working with it. Apart from that it is a great cord in a great material and very resistant and manageable. This type of cord is also flat braided, although not as tight as the CT Point polyester waxed cord. It has no pattern.

Other FAQ

Can I use yarn for macrame?

Yes, although it’s not ideal. Nearly all types of yarn are suitable for macrame, although you won’t get the same knot profile as you would with rope. Expect a flatter, softer result no matter the yarn thickness you use.

What is the best macrame cord for beginners?

If you’re new to the art of macrame, start with a medium-size (4-6mm) cotton rope. It’s sturdy, easy to work with, and creates very distinctive knots. Medium rope is perfect for everything from wall hangings and plant hangers to rugs and large macrame curtains. Braided macrame cord is also a great choice, but it’s significantly more expensive.

How much macrame cord do I need?

How much macrame cord you need depends on the size of your project and the thickness of your rope. As a general rule, cut about four times the length of the finished piece. Most macrame patterns include a guide to cord lengths and sizes, so follow that when it’s available.

What is the best size cord for macrame?

Medium-size (4-7mm) cord is the most versatile for common projects like wall hangings and plant hangers. Small cord is best for bracelets or decorative objects, and large cord is great for statement pieces, but they can both be more difficult to work with than medium-sized options.

Can I dye macrame cord at home?

What does single-ply (or single-strand) macrame cord mean?

Single-ply means the cord is made from one continuous strand. It may also be referred to as unplied or single strand. Three-ply macrame cord is made of three separate strands twisted together. Both are suitable for macrame, and both are available in a wide variety of thicknesses.

Why do I see the terms macrame cord, string, and rope used for the same products?

That’s it for this comprehensive guide to the best macrame cord! If you have any other questions feel free to drop them in the comments below, and we’ll address them as soon as possible.