Macramé, the knotted art form that took over home interiors in the ’70s, is in a roaring renaissance. Whether as wall decoration, hanging planters, or purses, macramé can now be spotted in trendy shops and all over social media. If you’re ready to make your own designs, get equipped with a good-quality cord. Many are cotton but distinct in their texture, thickness, and composition. Some cords consist of multiple strands braided or twisted together; others are made of a single strand. To find the right one, consider your design’s intricacy, whether it will support a lot of weight, and if you prefer neat or frayed finishes. Ultimately, finding your favorite cord might be a matter of experimentation, to allow your hands to learn the feel of what’s best.
1. Ialwiyo Macramé Cord
The undyed four-ply Ialwiyo cord is a reliable everyday material that looks great in all kinds of projects, from wall hangings to plant hangers. Made of 100% cotton, it delivers on strength and forms firm, reliable knots, but it’s also very soft. The four strands are twisted rather than braided, making them quick to unravel for effortless fringing. We also like that this cord comes in different diameters, so you can pick the ideal thickness for your creations.
2. Flora Knit Macramé Cord
Flora Knit’s cord consists of eight tightly braided strands, which results in a super-sturdy and strong rope. It also doesn’t unravel as easily as twisted cord, which allows you to knot quickly and create neat, structured designs. Keep in mind, though, that this also means it is more challenging to create fringes and achieve eye-catching, fluffy tassels.
3. Cyrico Macramé Cord
This is a good budget macramé cord that you can buy in a small assortment of colors—cream, black, blue, yellow, and gray. Made of cotton, it is twisted and unravels quite easily, which is ideal for fraying ends but presents a greater challenge when it comes to securing neat knot ends. The three-ply structure also provides a little less strength than some of our other picks, but it will still serve you well.
4. Flipped Macramé Cotton Cord
If you’re interested in creating works with color but don’t want to bother with dying your own cords, we recommend these cords made of pure cotton. The four-ply cord is available in 22 colors, from vibrant hues to pastel ones, providing a good range for choosing a striking base cord or subtle accents. The string is tightly twisted but easy to unravel to make different effects.
5. MB Cordas Natural Macramé Cord
Single-twist macramé cord, made from one group of fibers twisted around itself, is typically considered a slight upgrade from cords made from multiple groups of fibers twisted around each other. The finish tends to be smoother and softer, making a design look more cohesive. We like this option from MB Cordas because you can really work it while trusting it to hold its structure, but it also frays when you want it to and combs out beautifully.