Everything You Need to Know Before Buying Your First Macramé Cord

Starting your macramé journey is exciting, but choosing the right cord can feel overwhelming. With so many options available—single twist, braided, 3-ply, cotton, jute, different thicknesses, and hundreds of colours—it’s easy to wonder which one is best.

At Crafty Knots Studio, one of the most common questions we hear from beginners during our macramé workshops in Goa is:

Which macramé cord should I buy?
What cord thickness is best?
Which cotton cord is easiest for beginners?
Is expensive cord really worth it?

This guide answers all these questions and helps you choose the perfect macramé cord with confidence.

Why Choosing the Right Macramé Cord Matters

Your cord determines:

How easy your project will be
The appearance of your knots
The softness of the finished piece
The durability of your design
How professional your project looks

Even simple knots look beautiful when made with good-quality cord.

Types of Macramé Cord

There are several types of macramé cord available in the market.

1. Single Twist Cotton Cord ⭐ (Best for Beginners)

Single twist cord is made from one twisted strand of cotton.

Best For

Wall hangings
Feathers
Leaves
Beginner projects
Decorative home décor

Advantages

Easy to knot
Soft texture
Beautiful fringe
Easy to comb
Natural appearance

Disadvantages

Frays easily (which is actually useful for feather designs)

Our Recommendation

This is the cord we recommend for beginners in our workshops.

🛒 Recommended Product

4mm Single Twist Cotton Cord

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2. Braided Cotton Cord

Braided cord has tightly woven strands.

Best For

Bags
Plant hangers
Coasters
Functional products

Advantages

Strong
Durable
Doesn’t fray easily

Disadvantages

Cannot create fluffy fringes

🛒 Recommended Product

Premium Braided Cotton Cord

👉 Buy on Amazon: (Insert Affiliate Link)

3. Three-Ply Twisted Cord

This cord consists of three twisted strands.

Best For

Large wall hangings
Boho décor
Decorative pieces

Advantages

Strong
Attractive texture
Can be untwisted for fringe

Disadvantages

Slightly more difficult for beginners.

What Cord Thickness Should Beginners Choose?

Choosing the right thickness is just as important as choosing the type.

Thickness	Best For
2 mm	Jewellery, earrings
3 mm	Small projects
4 mm	⭐ Best for beginners
5 mm	Large wall hangings
6–8 mm	Chunky décor

Our Recommendation

We recommend 4mm cotton cord because it’s easy to handle and works for most beginner projects.

Natural Cotton vs Coloured Cotton Cord

Natural cotton is ideal because:

Easy to match with interiors
Timeless look
Easy to dye
Beginner friendly

Coloured cords are perfect when you want:

Bright décor
Children’s rooms
Festivals
Personalised gifts

What Makes Good Quality Cotton Cord?

Always check:

✅ Softness

✅ Even thickness

✅ Strong fibres

✅ Minimal shedding

✅ Natural cotton composition

Good quality cord creates smoother knots and lasts longer.

Common Beginner Mistakes While Buying Cord

❌ Buying the Cheapest Option

Cheap cord often:

Breaks easily
Creates uneven knots
Sheds excessively

❌ Buying the Wrong Thickness

Very thin cords make learning difficult.

Very thick cords waste material.

❌ Choosing Synthetic Rope

Synthetic ropes are:

Slippery
Hard to knot
Less attractive
Difficult to comb

Cotton cord is almost always the better choice for beginners.

How Much Cord Do You Need?

Approximate guide:

Mini Wall Hanging
→ 20–30 metres

Plant Hanger
→ 30–40 metres

Medium Wall Hanging
→ 60–100 metres

Large Wall Hanging
→ 150 metres or more

Always buy slightly more than your calculations.

Where Can You Buy Macramé Cord?

You can purchase quality macramé cord from:

Craft supply stores
Online craft websites
Amazon India
Local handmade suppliers

🛒 Our Favourite Beginner Supplies

These are the basic supplies we recommend for every beginner.