How to choose macramé cord

Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.

What type of cord is best for macramé?

The short answer is cotton. Soft, pliable, and easy on the hands, 100% natural cotton rope is the go‑to for almost every macramé pattern you’ll find online. It holds knots well, fringes look tidy, and it’s comfortable to work with for long sessions. Jute is cheaper and gives a rustic look, but it’s coarse and sheds fibres into your lap. Polyester or nylon cords are synthetic and often more slippery – they can be good for outdoor use or if you need extra durability, but beginners usually find cotton much more forgiving. For a neat appearance, look for a “three-ply” or “twisted” cotton cord rather than a braided or single-ply version. The twist helps the rope hold its shape inside knots and keeps the strands from fraying prematurely. Cotton blends (cotton with a polyester core) offer a bit more strength while keeping a soft hand – a nice middle ground for heavy plant hangers or outdoor swing nets.

Single-ply, twisted, or braided – which construction do you need?

Twisted cord (also called “three-ply”) is the standard. The individual strands are twisted together, which gives a round profile and excellent knot memory. When you undo a knot, the cord springs back into its original twist. That makes it ideal for repeating patterns like square knots or spiral stitches. Braided cord is flatter and usually softer, but knots can loosen over time. It’s often used for macramé clothing or accessories where you want a smoother surface against the skin. Single-ply (one thick strand) is rare for large macramé because it doesn’t hold knots as securely; it’s more common in micro-macramé jewellery. For 90% of wall hangings and plant hangers, a medium-twist three-ply cotton rope is the easiest to work with and gives the cleanest results.

How to choose the right cord thickness for your project

Cord thickness is measured in millimetres and directly controls the scale of your piece. For a small wall hanging or a wrist cuff, a very thin cord works best – think of the thickness of a shoelace. For a standard plant hanger holding a medium pot, a medium thickness is a common choice: not too chunky but still visible when knotted. For a large wall hanging, a throw rug, or a hammock, you’ll want a thicker cord so the knots read clearly and the project doesn’t feel flimsy. The most versatile range for new makers is medium to slightly thicker. That handles most patterns you’ll find in beginner books and YouTube tutorials. If you go too thin, the knots become tiny and fiddly; too thick and the cord may be stiff on your hands and harder to pull tight. A good rule: match the cord thickness to the size of the item – a delicate necklace needs thin cord, a big statement piece needs thick cord – but for your first few projects, stick with a medium thickness and adjust from there.

Should you pre-wash or wax your macramé cord?

Most macramé cord, especially natural cotton, will shrink slightly when it gets wet. If your final piece might need to be washed (like a doormat or market bag), consider pre-washing the whole skein before you start. Hang it to dry under tension to keep the twist consistent. For indoor wall hangings that rarely get touched, pre-washing isn’t necessary – you can steam or mist the finished piece to remove kinks if needed. Waxing is optional. A light coat of beeswax or a commercial cord wax makes the rope smoother and less likely to fray while you knot. It also gives a subtle sheen and can make the cords easier to slide through tight loops. Wax is particularly helpful with jute or hemp, which are naturally rough. For cotton, many crafters skip it unless they’re making jewellery that needs to stay stiff. If you do wax, test a short piece first to see how it behaves with your favourite knots.

Where to buy macramé cord and what to look for in a brand

You can find macramé cord at most large craft stores, online marketplaces, and specialty knotting supply shops. For a beginner, the easiest route is a ready-made starter pack that includes a few small skeins in different thicknesses so you can try each one. Independent brands often sell by the metre or the pound, which is economical for big projects. Read product descriptions closely. Reputable sellers will list the exact fibre content (e.g., 100% cotton, cotton-polyester blend, recycled jute) and the suggested project type. Look for customer photos of finished items if they’re available – they’ll show you what the cord looks like when knotted and whether it frays badly. Avoid listing only generic terms like “macramé rope” without specifying material or ply, because those cords can vary wildly. A few extra dollars for a known brand with consistent twist quality is almost always worth it, especially if you’re making a gift or a piece you want to keep for years.

Frequently asked questions