Starting out making macrame is really simple as you don’t need lots of tools or materials to begin. The main thing you will need is some macrame cord. Or should that be string? Er…rope? Let me guide you through the differences between macrame cord, string and rope, and which one you should use for your macrame projects!
*Some of the cord used in the photographs was kindly gifted by ReTwisst! All opinions are my own.
Do I need cord, string or rope for macrame?
Firstly, I want to say that you can start making macrame with any material you like! You can get started with some household string, shoelaces or washing line rope! But if you want to buy cords specifically for macrame it can seem a little confusing. Traditionally, macrame cord is made using cotton, as this has a good grip and will hold knots well, and most cords made for macrame are quite firm, meaning it doesn’t squash down when you tighten the knots. Lets look at the different types of macrame cords available and why you might want to use them.
What is Macrame Cord?
Macrame cord is a bit of a catch-all term for any material used to create macrame, for example, I use cord as a general word to describe the materials I work with and provide in my kits and tutorials. Technically, cord is a thread based material that has been twisted or braided together. But in general, macrame cord refers to something braided or knitted.
Because of the construction of cord, it is either impossible or incredibly hard to brush out the ends to create a fringe. But it can be a great option if you want loose ends that won’t fray. Wider diameters of cord can sometimes have a filler inside the braided or knitted part to help make a sturdier shape. This can either be a cotton string or a wadding.
Cord, like most macrame materials, is made from cotton. But it can also be constructed from man-made materials. One of the most popular types of cord is nylon paracord. Also known as parachute cord, paracord was originally designed to be the suspension line for parachutes and is now also used as an all-purpose utility and climbing cord. It comes in lots of great colours, holds knots really well, but also un-knots easily, making it great for practising new knots.
What is Macrame String?
Macrame string is similar to basic household string, only made with softer and better quality cotton. Macrame string is made up of individual threads of cotton that have been loosely bunched together and lightly twisted. You will often see macrame string called “single twist”.
Probably the most popular type of macrame cord, it’s lovely to work with, knots look smooth and defined and it is really easy to brush out a fringe. The only downside of string, is that you can accidentally pull out single threads from the bunch as you are knotting, which spoils the smooth look that string is known for. So it can be quite unforgiving if you make a mistake and have to undo a knot!
What is Macrame Rope?
Macrame rope is when 2 or 3 macrame strings are twisted together to make a stronger construction. Often macrame ropes will be referred to as twisted or 2ply/3ply, depending on how many bunches of strings have been twisted together.
Rope feels firmer and holds itself more stiffly than string. Using rope adds texture, but it can make it harder to see the individual knots. I use a soft macrame rope in many of my kits, because I think it’s a great material for beginners. It’s perfect for starting out in macrame, as you can easily undo a knot without pulling out single threads, it’s generally easy to handle and you can still untwist the rope to brush out a fringe.
Macrame rope is often available in thicker sizes and is often used as a base to knot around with thinner cords or strings.
Comparing macrame cord, string and rope
To show you how these different types of macrame cord can look, I have made examples of 5 square knots using 5/6mm cord, string and rope. The yellow example on the left is made from a knitted cord (*6mm ReTwisst Braided). You can see each knot, and the knitted construction adds texture. Then in the middle in pink, we have the string, (made from *5mm ReTwisst String). It is beautifully smooth, and the knots sit close together. Then on the right in the purple, we have rope (5mm Rico Creative Cotton Cord) which has all the texture
Deciding to use a braided macrame cord, a single twist macrame string or a macrame rope really comes down to personal preference. There isn’t a right or wrong choice. One type might suit a particular project more than another, as will whether you want to be able to brush out a fringe.
And you can even incorporate other materials into macrame projects. While most wool and acrylic yarns used for knitting and crochet are too light and soft for macrame by themselves, you can knot them around a firmer rope or cord. Ribbons can also look amazing knotted around a thicker rope and even upholstery and haberdashery cording can be used in macrame.
If you have any questions, pop them into a comment below. Why not take a look at my macrame craft kits to get you started in macrame? And make sure to sign up for my monthly email The Loop, for exclusive content, special offers and top tips!