The complete guide to macrame yarn: how to choose the perfect yarn for your next project?
One of the things that makes macramé such a special art form is its simplicity – all you need are threads, a pair of hands, and a little patience. But did you know that the type of yarn you choose can significantly impact the appearance, quality, and durability of your creation?
In this post, we’ll explore the most common types of macramé cords, their advantages, disadvantages, and recommended uses. Whether you're creating delicate jewelry, sturdy plant hangers, or impressive wall hangings, choosing the right cord is the first step to achieving a stunning project.
1. Cotton Cord:
Twisted cord:
Features:
Braided yarn consists of fibers woven together to form a braided rope. It gives a clean, uniform look and has an interesting texture. This cord is very common thanks to its durability and ease of working with it.
Advantages:
- Strong, durable thus suitable for heavy projects that are maintained over time.
- Has an aesthetic, uniform, and professional look for creation.
- It can be easily undone to create the appearance of soft fringes.
- Flexible and thus suitable for a wide variety of knots and macrame techniques.
Disadvantages:
- Requires slightly more working time in unraveling (compared to single twist).
- If you try to work with cheap cord, it may fall apart easily.
Common uses:
Wall decorations , racks for flower pots, placements and key chains .
💡 Tip:
To create beautiful fringes, it is recommended to untangle the cord with a comb or a soft brush and gently brush the fibers until they look uniform.
Single Twist macrame cord:
Single twist macrame cord is made of fibers that are twisted in a delicate way (single twist). The fibers are not interwoven but rather softly twisted, which gives it a natural, soft and flexible appearance.
- The yarn is very soft and comfortable to work with, making it ideal for delicate projects.
- Easily unravels and thus allows the creation of soft fringes.
- Has a natural, organic and flowing look.
- Especially suitable for beginners thanks to its flexibility and ease of work.
- The cord is less strong compared to twisted cords and is not suitable for heavy weights.
- May unravel easily: during work, if you do not keep it well, the cord can lose its shape.
Wall decorations with fringes , macrame doll key holders and delicate projects.
It is recommended to work carefully so that the cord does not unravel during the tying.
2. Braided cord:
Characteristics:
Braided macrame cord consists of fibers woven (or "braided") together into a thick, stable rope. Its strong and uniform structure makes it one of the most durable yarns, and is perfect for projects that require strength and a stable structure.
Advantages:
- The cord is extremely stable and long-lasting.
- Keeps its shape even after hard work and does not unravel, thus suitable for projects without fringes.
- Easy to work with and especially suitable for beginners because it is comfortable to hold and easy to control when tying.
Disadvantages:
- Braided cord does not unravel and is therefore less suitable for creating works containing fringes.
- Sometimes, especially with synthetic cords, it takes on a less natural and somewhat heavy appearance.
Common uses:
Racks for flower pots, coasters, wall racks and outdoor projects.
💡 Tip:
Because the yarn does not unravel easily, it can be used in combination with other macrame yarns (such as single twist or braided yarn) to add softer elements to the creation.
3. Polyester/Nylon Cord:
Characteristics:
Synthetic cords, strong and flexible, that come in a huge variety of colors.
Advantages:
- Water and abrasion resistant.
- Suitable for projects that require a lot of strength.
Disadvantages:
- Do not unravel, therefore not suitable for creating fringes.
- Slightly slippery texture, which may make it difficult to make precise connections.
Common uses:
Bags, coasters, placements, towel rack, bracelets and key chains .
💡 Tip:
To prevent the work from unraveling at the end, gently heat the ends of the cord with a lighter (carefully!) and fasten the cord to the back of the piece. The heat will melt the synthetic fibers, binding them together and preventing the yarn from unraveling.
4. Recycled Cotton Cord:
Features:
Recycled cotton cords, made from recycled fibers in an environmentally friendly process.
Advantages:
- Sustainable and environmentally friendly.
- Gives a natural and raw look.
Disadvantages:
- Sometimes less uniform and smooth compared to new cotton cords.
Common uses:
Wall decorations, pot racks, towel racks and ecological projects.
💡 Tip:
These yarns are made from recycled fibers, which makes them environmentally friendly but sometimes less uniform in texture and strength. To achieve a clean and uniform result, avoid pulling too hard while tying, so as not to damage the texture of the cord. Maintain uniform tension throughout the work, so that the knots come out precise and neat.
5. Waxed cords:
Characteristics:
Thin threads coated with a layer of wax, which gives them durability and strength.
- Water and abrasion resistant.
- allow very precise connections.
- A little stiff and not suitable for fringes.
Common uses:
Jewelry and small fashion accessories.
💡 Tip:
Wax threads are more difficult to unravel, so it is important to measure and plan the item carefully in advance, to avoid unnecessary unraveling and cutting.
How to choose the right cord for your project?
1. Purpose: It is important to define the type of item - is it a wall decoration, a pot rack or a piece of jewelry?
2. Texture: soft yarn for delicate designs, hard yarn for durable items.
3. Thickness: Thicker cords are suitable for large projects, while thin cords provide a delicate and precise look.
4. Color: match the colors to the style of the project or the space where it will be displayed.
Tips for working with cords in macrame
1. Tidy work: Roll the cords and keep them in a neat position to avoid complications.
2. Length adjustment: always cut cords slightly longer than necessary - it's easier to shorten than to add.
3. Experiment and wonder: try different types of yarn to understand what suits you and your creative style.
By choosing the right cords, you can upgrade any macrame project and give it the look, feel and quality you've always dreamed of.
Now that you know the different types of cords for macrame, the choice becomes easier. Try a new yarn, create a project and share the results with me!
Do you have any questions or additional tips? I would love to hear from you in the comments.
