Macramé Cord Explained: Types, Sizes & How to Choose the Right One

One of the most common questions I’m asked, especially by people new to macramé, is:

“What cord should I use?”

If you’ve ever searched for macramé cord online and felt overwhelmed by ply, twist, millimetres, and materials, you’re not alone. In this guide, I’ll break down the main types of macramé cord, what the different sizes mean, and how to choose the right one for your project.

Types of Macramé Cord

Single-Twist Cord

Single-twist cord is made from lots of fibres loosely twisted together. It’s soft, flexible, and very easy to brush out.

Best for:

• Fringes
• Feathers
• Leaves
• Decorative wall hangings

Things to know:

• It frays easily (which is great for texture)
• Not ideal for weight-bearing projects like plant hangers

3-Ply Cord

3-ply cord is created by twisting three strands of single cord together. This gives it a rope-like structure that holds knots beautifully.

Best for:

• Plant hangers
• Bags
• Shelves
• Structured wall hangings

Things to know:

• Strong and versatile
• Can be brushed out for fringe, but with a slightly chunkier and wavy finish

This is one of my go-to options for functional pieces.

Braided Cord

Braided cord is woven around a core, making it very strong and resistant to fraying.

Best for:

• Plant hangers
• Keyrings
• Functional items
• Beginners who want clean results

Things to know:

• Doesn’t brush out well
• Holds its shape extremely well

What Does “mm” Mean in Macramé Cord?

The millimetre (mm) measurement refers to the thickness of the cord. This has a big impact on how your finished piece looks and feels.

General guide:

• 3mm → delicate, detailed projects
• 4–5mm → the most versatile and beginner-friendly size
• 7–9mm → chunky, statement pieces

Thicker cord creates bolder knots and works up faster, but uses more material. Thinner cord gives a finer, more detailed finish.

Choosing the Right Cord for Your Project

Here’s a simple way to decide:

• Wall hangings: single-twist or 3-ply (3–5mm)
• Plant hangers: 3-ply or braided (4–6mm)
• Keyrings & bookmarks: braided or 3-ply (3–4mm)
• Fringe-heavy designs: single-twist

If you’re ever unsure, start with a 5mm 3-ply - it’s incredibly forgiving and works for most projects.

A Note on Sustainability

Where possible, I choose recycled cotton cord. It’s made from textile waste, reduces landfill, and avoids the heavy water use associated with growing new cotton.

If you’d like to read more about why I choose recycled cotton and how it’s made, you can find that here →

Why I Choose Recycled Cotton for My Macramé

My Personal Approach

Consistency matters to me. Knowing exactly how a cord behaves - how it knots, brushes out, and holds weight - makes a huge difference to the finished piece.

That’s why I tend to stick with suppliers I trust and materials I know well. It allows me to focus on design, knotting, and creating pieces that are made to last.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you’re choosing a finished piece or thinking about trying macramé yourself, understanding cord types makes the whole process feel much more approachable.

✨ Explore my handmade macramé collection

✨ Follow along on Instagram for knotting tips and behind-the-scenes making

✨ DIY macramé kits coming soon!