Cord Tube 'Metal' 9 x 7 mm
EUR 0.30
Macramé Cord
Macramé is a knotting technique used to create decorative and functional pieces, no needle or hook required. Just cord, your hands and a pattern. It's used for plant hangers, wall hangings, bags and jewellery.
New to macramé? Start with 3mm Single Strand cotton cord: it's soft, easy to knot, and the most forgiving option while you learn the basics.
New to macramé? Start here
If you're just starting out, 3mm Single Strand cotton cord is the easiest option to learn with. It's soft, knots cleanly, and brushes out into a neat fluffy fringe once you're ready for that look.
Which thickness and type do you need?
| Cord | Best for |
|---|---|
| 3mm Single Strand | Beginners, keychains, small wall hangings, fluffy fringe |
| 5mm Twisted Cotton Rope | Bags, medium wall hangings, dog leads |
| 14mm Twisted Cotton Rope | Plant hangers, larger wall hangings |
| 16mm Twisted Cotton Rope | Large, chunky statement pieces |
How much macramé cord do you need?
A common rule of thumb: allow 3 to 4 times your finished length for thinner cord, and 4 to 5 times for thicker cord or a dense knotting pattern. The more knots you tie, the more cord it uses up.
Working with separate strands instead of one continuous cord? Calculate the length per strand and add them up. When in doubt, order a bit more rather than too little, especially for a pattern that's hard to extend later.
Single Strand or Twisted Cotton Rope?
A cord is made from a group of yarns or strands twisted or braided together into a larger, stronger form. Our Twisted Cotton Rope consists of 3 strands twisted together; our Single Strand cord is, as the name suggests, a single strand.
Single Strand cord doesn't need to be unravelled and brushes out into fringe easily. Twisted Cotton Rope holds its shape well and gives a fuller, sturdier look. Both are widely used in macramé, the right one depends on your project.
Macramé accessories
Some projects need rings or beads alongside cord. Check out our macramé accessories to find everything for your project in one place.
Frequently asked questions
I want to try macramé, what kind of cord do I need?
Start with 3mm Single Strand cotton cord. It's soft, forgiving to knot, and works for most beginner patterns like keychains and small wall hangings. Once you're comfortable, Twisted Cotton Rope in 5mm to 16mm opens up bags, plant hangers and larger pieces.
How much macramé cord do I need for my project?
Allow 3 to 4 times your finished length for thinner cord, and 4 to 5 times for thicker cord or a dense pattern. Working with separate strands? Calculate per strand and add them up. When in doubt, order a bit extra rather than too little.
What's the difference between macramé cord and macramé rope?
There's no fixed cutoff, but generally "cord" refers to thinner variants and "rope" to thicker ones. Functionally they work the same way.
What knots do you use for macramé?
The square knot and the spiral knot form the basis of most macramé patterns. You'll also often come across the lark's head knot, used to attach cord to a ring or dowel. Check out our macramé keychain tutorial for a step-by-step example using 4 basic knots.
Can macramé cord be used for anything other than plant hangers?
Definitely. Macramé cord is also used for wall hangings, bags, jewellery, keychains and curtains. Which thickness works best depends on the scale of your project.