Different Types of Macrame Cord

If you’re just coming to macrame, you’ll find yourself doing quite a lot of research on the subject of macrame cord. I found it difficult to differentiate between all the various forms of macrame string out there and which of these I should use.

In this article, we’re going to go through the subject of macrame string in explicit detail, and by the end of this article, you should have a good knowledge of the various types of macrame string and its function. Let’s start by defining the macrame cord.

Macrame string is a collection of strands/fibres twisted or woven around and is then used to connect or tie together just to create a fabric art identified as macrame.

Most of you who are starting will always hear or read the macrame cord being referred to as either macrame string, cord, or yarn. Macrame string is often used synonymously with these words

Let’s just break that down. There are 3 different forms of Macrame string:

  • Braided,
  • Strand 3-Ply/3
  • Single strand

Most of the macrame designs you see anywhere will always fall into one of these groups.

Macrame Braided Cord

Most macrame rookies will start by buying a knotted cord because it is the most inexpensive and simple way to start macrame. Usually, woven cord is available in most craft shops and large box retailers. Most people are rushing to their nearest store to buy whatever string they can find because they want to start immediately.

After finishing a few macrame designs, they will soon realize that braided string is not the most appropriate form of string for producing macrame. The explanation for this is that the braided cord is simply a single rope or a mixture of nylon, cotton, polypropylene, polyester or other strong fibres. It’s nice to bind things together and give it a firm grip, but it’s hard to unknot and fringe.

Macrame 3-Ply / 3-Stands Cord

3-ply is often referred to as 3-string thread. It’s made up of three smaller fibres into a wide, twisted cord. You may sometimes hear macrame artists talk about using 3-ply or 4-ply macrame rope, but that just indicates the number of threads mangled together just to form a single strand of rope.

When you start moving into macrame strings that are more than Three strands, that’s what is known as a multi-ply, where you’ll have four, five or six-strands all woven together just to create a single strand. 

You can also find a wide range of XXL thick rope which have thicker strands woven together to make ropes.

Macrame Single Strand Cord

Single strand cotton string is perhaps the best form of macrame string out there if you plan to get into macrame as a daily activity or full – time basis. Single strand string is normally more costly and thus, if you don’t want to spend that kind of money on an expensive cord right away, find a cheaper cotton stringĀ onlineĀ and start with it. As long as it’s easy on your hands, it’ll be nice to learn from it. It’s going to make it even easier to cut a string, tie knots, undo knots, and fringe a cord.

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