Fiber Art Macrame Rope Supplies Bulk Natural Cotton String Single Twist

Creating fantastic macrame projects doesn't have much in terms of supplies, but it sure does accept a lot of macrame cord!

This relatively inexpensive crafting fabric comes in a diversity of colors and styles to adjust the chore at hand. You can buy information technology in some retail arts and crafts or hobby stores, merely before yous practice yous should know it's generally cheaper (and ameliorate quality) online.

Read also: Macrame classes: Best resources to learn

To help you find the right macrame supplies for you, I put together a quick guide to all the different types of macrame cord, as well as the best places to buy it. I've besides laid out the difference between macrame cord, rope, yarn, and waxed cord and so you can cull the right option for your project.

If yous just want to pick up some high-quality macrame cord quickly, check out my quick picks beneath for the all-time general-purpose cords. Need some inspiration for your first project? Check out some original interviews with macrame artists around the globe!

Affiliate disclosure: Articles on Tiny Workshops may incorporate affiliate links.

All-time macrame string: Quick picks

XKDOUS 3-ply macrame cord

• Perfect bulk buy for beginners
• three-ply natural cotton wool in iii, iv, 5, or 6mm thickness
• Colors: natural, black, coffee, mustard, yellow, dark greyness, deep light-green, and wine red
• Inexpensive

Crafteza single ply macrame string

• Soft, all natural cotton
• Single ply macrame cord fringes nicely
• May be difficult for beginners
• Inexpensive and available in many colors

UnfetteredCo recycled macrame cord

• Small craft business based in Canada
• Recycled cotton fiber in a diversity of thicknesses, colors, and styles
• Affordable and loftier quality
• Buy iv get 1 free (mix and match colors)

Bobbiny macrame string

• Pocket-sized craft business organization based in Poland
• Fantastic quality products
• Many thicknesses, colors, and styles
• Expect longer shipping times to Due north America

Types of macrame cord

First things start: What exactly is macrame string?

Macrame cord is a catch-all term that covers all types of fibers used for macrame, including rope, yarn, cord, and waxed options.

In nearly macrame patterns you will come across the term cord used, only which fabric yous decide to use is up to you. Even so, you should effort to use the aforementioned thickness, as it will take an effect on the lengths of string you need.

Read likewise: Best macrame kits: Perfect for beginners and gifts

Hither's a quick breakdown of the differences betwixt rope, yarn, cord, and waxed cord for macrame:

Macrame rope

Rope is the most common type of macrame cord, and it'due south probable what you lot picture when you think of macrame projects. It'south always plied, significant several strands are twisted around one another, giving it extra forcefulness and thickness.

The most common rope for macrame is twisted three-ply cotton, which is both stiff and fringes into a lovely wavy blueprint. Some braided six-ply rope is as well available, but I'd recommend sticking to three-ply options unless you need a lot of force.

Read also: Macrame wall hanging tutorials, kits, and patterns

What'south great about macrame rope is that it creates thick, distinctive knots. While cotton fiber rope is soft, it's even so rigid enough to concur knots well. And unlike unmarried strand alternatives, it won't start untwisting while you're in the middle of creating a new piece.

For beginners and intermediate macrame artists, medium-sized cotton rope is a bully material to utilize; you really can't go wrong!

Yarn

Yarn is typically used for knitting or weaving, but information technology tin also be used for macrame. It can exist both plied and unplied (significant several strands twisted together or just ane), and is typically (only non always) made of wool.

Read also: Best chunky yarn for arm knitting

While you can apply thinner knitting yarns for macrame, the stop upshot can more closely resemble a cloth, and your knots won't stand out.

I'd recommend trying a thicker, unplied macrame yarn for softer things similar rugs and baskets, but for wall hangings and plant hangers information technology's not the best choice.

Macrame cord

Cord is very like to rope, with the only difference being that information technology isn't plied. Information technology'southward instead composed of many sparse fibers twisted into a single strand. You may also encounter this type of cord referred to every bit single-strand macrame rope (although it isn't rope at all!).

As a upshot of its composition, it'southward much softer than macrame rope, and creates smaller, tighter knots. It's besides much more prone to expansion and uneven thickness, so don't exist surprised if it'southward 1mm bigger or smaller than advertised.

Read also: Best macrame owl patterns, kits, and complimentary DIY tutorials

That said, it'south very easy to fringe and adds a nice, soft advent to larger projects. Information technology fringes out straight and fine, while iii-ply rope tends to fringe with a wavy effect.

For beginners, 6mm macrame string is great for wall hangings and other not-weight bearing projects. Just be careful that information technology doesn't first untwisting in the heart of your piece!

Waxed string

Photo credit: Gabriel Garcia Marengo

Waxed cord is typically small in bore and is frequently used for macrame jewellery. It can be plied or unplied cord, which is then covered in wax to get in stronger and more than resistant to h2o.

Read also: Best jewelry making classes online

The wax makes the color darker, but there is still a wide diversity of color options available. The process also prevents the cord from fraying, although you should still secure the ends of your piece carefully.

This guide is mostly defended to larger macrame cords for decorative piece of work, rather than jewelery, but waxed string is readily available on Amazon and Etsy. Since it's waxed, you don't need to be as concerned about quality of the fibers underneath.

Natural vs constructed fibers

Another aspect to consider before buying is whether y'all want to craft with natural or synthetic fibers. Macrame cord is bachelor in both forms, and each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Natural fibers similar cotton, wool, linen, jute, and hemp are the most common choices. They're all biodegradable, making them an eco-friendly choice for crafters. However, they won't stand to the elements, and so they're non an ideal choice for outdoor projects.

Read also: ten best macrame dream catcher tutorials, patterns, and kits

Most natural fibers are besides easy to dye. You tin ever buy pre-dyed cord in different colors, but if you desire to dye them yourself, yous should stick to cotton, wool, or linen for the best results.

Synthetic fibers similar nylon, acrylic, paracord, polypropylene, and plastic are excellent choices for projects that will remain outdoors. Many are still relatively soft to the touch, but don't wait the same cozy feel achieved with cotton or wool.

If you're not sure which one to buy, I'd recommend starting with a cotton macrame cord. It'due south a great general-purpose rope, considering it's soft, resistant, and forgiving for knotting-newbies.

All-time macrame cord to purchase

At present that you know a fleck more than about macrame cord types and materials, it's fourth dimension to look at a few specific production recommendations.

At that place are plenty of great brands for string, merely here are but a few of my favorites, followed by an in-depth clarification of each.

• All-time for beginners: XKDOUS three-ply macrame cord
• All-time single strand: Crafteza macrame cord
• Best recycled: UnfetteredCo iii-ply macrame string
• All-time in U.k. and Europe: Bobbiny macrame cord

Best for beginners: XKDOUS three-ply macrame cord

If you're only starting out with macrame and want a fairly cheap and easy-to-utilise string, XKDOUS brand rope is a great choice. It makes twisted three-ply cotton fiber macrame rope in 3, iv, v, and 6mm diameters, sold in lengths from 109-328 yards.

Even better, in that location are eight color options: natural, black, java, mustard, yellowish, dark gray, deep green, and vino red. All of them are virtually ever in stock on Amazon, and they're cheap at around $9-20 depending on size and length.

The company is also very responsive to complaints, which is rare for sellers on the platform. The cord ships from the Us then it should also make it promptly for those in a hurry to get crafting.

Best single strand: Crafteza macrame string

Single-strand macrame cord (or macrame string) tin be slightly more difficult to work with as information technology's decumbent to untwisting, but information technology tin can create some stunning results.

This line from Crafteza is a good pick because it'southward soft, all-natural, and comes in several colors. It'due south also very inexpensive since it's sold in bulk. You can get virtually 400 yards for near $forty, or 200+ yards for most $25, both with free shipping.

Since it's made from high-quality virgin cotton, it also dyes like a dream. The cord is produced in India but all orders ship from the United states of america, so they should arrive in less than a week.

Best recycled: UnfetteredCo 3-ply macrame string

High-quality cotton is great, but recycled cotton can be every bit equally soft — and assist yous do your part in saving the environment.

My favorite recycled cotton macrame string is sold past UnfetteredCo on Etsy, and comes in a wide range of colors and sizes. It'due south also very affordable, and there's a buy-iv-get-ane-complimentary deal and then you tin can mix and match colors while saving money.

This macrame rope ships from Canada, and then wait relatively speedy shipping throughout Due north America. Plus, you're supporting a small macrame business and making someone'south dream come true!

All-time United kingdom and Europe: Bobbiny macrame string

For readers in Europe and the Britain, there'southward a fantastic little mom-and-pop Polish company called Bobbiny that produces incredible macrame cord in all sizes and colors.

Yous can buy it at certain brick and mortar retailers, or direct from the company on Etsy. They're as well sold on Amazon, although pricing and availability volition depend on your local marketplace.

Of course, Bobbiny also ships effectually the world, but it will take 1-iv weeks to receive your order in the Us. If you lot're patient, information technology could very well exist worth information technology, as this is some of the all-time macrame cord you tin can buy.

Where to purchase macrame cord

If yous want to shop effectually a bit more than, macrame string can be purchased both online and at select retail stores. However, your best bet is buying online or at specialty shops. Not only will the cord often come up out cheaper, but higher in quality too.

Plus, it gives you the option to buy from pocket-size businesses instead of huge multinational corporations.

Keep learning: Macrame books for beginners, patterns, and more

Here are the best places to buy macrame cord, starting with one of the most famous craft supply websites out in that location.

Etsy

There are tons of nifty macrame supplies and patterns for sale on Etsy, and macrame cord is no dissimilar. No matter where y'all alive in the world there'southward a pocket-size business that ships cord of any size direct to your house.

Here's a short listing of my favorites and where they ship from:

• UnfetteredCo (Canada)
• Bobbiny (Poland)
• GANXXET (USA)
• MBCordas (Lithuania)
• RockMountainCo (United states of america)

Amazon

Although the company has a dubious reputation, it'south still the world'due south largest market. At that place are tons of vendors selling macrame cord on Amazon (although many of the aforementioned products can exist establish on Etsy).

Here are just a few listings to give you an thought of what's available:

• XKDOUS iii-ply macrame cord
• Crafteza single strand macrame string
• Floravogue 5mm macrame rope (blackness)
• Tenn Well braided jute for outdoor macrame
• Cyrico three-ply 3mm macrame rope (yellow)

Retail stores

Although information technology's generally more expensive and lower quality, macrame string can also be purchased in the post-obit large retail stores in the Usa:

• Blick Art Materials
• Hobby Lobby
• Abode Depot
• Joann
• Lowe'due south
• Michaels
• Walmart

Smaller specialty stores are more likely to take better cord, and then check your local macrame, knitting, and crochet groups for more locations!

Online specialty stores

In addition to large retail stores, there are also many specialty shops that sell macrame supplies online.

These are well-nigh always small businesses, and then yous're supporting creators and entrepreneurs directly. It may take longer for products to ship and restock, merely it's more than worth the peace of mind.

Read as well: Macrame defunction: Best patterns and free DIY tutorials

Products may likewise be a bit more expensive than some of the other options listed, just the quality is ever fantabulous. Plus, the care taken in packaging and shipping truly can't be beaten.

Here are a few of my favorite online macrame cord shops:

• Modern Macrame — Emily Katz is somewhat of a macrame celebrity, with several books and frequent workshops focused on cobweb art. Her shop has tons of macrame cord and other supplies, too as patterns and kits.
• Niroma Studio — Founded past fiber artist Cindy Hwang Bokser, Niroma stocks a rich assortment of supplies, from macrame cord to weaving looms, and more.
• HolmMade Macrame — If you've ever watched YouTube tutorials for macrame, you may have already come beyond the HolmMade Macrame channel. She also sells macrame string and supplies through her website.
• Ganxxet — While they primarily sell through their Etsy shop, Miami-based Ganxxet also sells direct through their website. However, there are some stock issues, and then you may take a better experience on Etsy.
• The Lark's Head — SoCal-based fiber creative person Rachel Breuklander sells a diverseness of fiber supplies, including macrame string of many sizes (with discounts on bulk purchases).

Where to buy macrame cord in bulk

If you're an avid fan of macrame and desire to relieve some money, you can also purchase macrame string in bulk. One place to exercise this is AliExpress, which ships straight from factories in Cathay. You lot tin as well order wholesale macrame rope from companies like XKDOUS in the The states.

Ordering wholesale ways your shipment tin can have a few weeks or more to get in, merely it should leave you with enough cord for months. You could even start your ain small craft supply business organization with a bit of graphic design and marketing knowledge!

One extra tip is to search for cotton rope instead of macrame cord, which is the aforementioned affair merely often retails for less. Certain sports and fishing retailers may sell natural cotton or synthetic rope by the spool for cheap equally a netting material, and it works great for macrame, too.

Other FAQ

Can I use yarn for macrame?

Yes, although it's non platonic. Nearly all types of yarn are suitable for macrame, although you won't go the same knot profile equally you would with rope. Expect a flatter, softer result no matter the yarn thickness you apply.

What is the best macrame string for beginners?

If you lot're new to the art of macrame, start with a medium-size (iv-7mm) cotton rope. It's sturdy, easy to work with, and creates very distinctive knots. Medium rope is perfect for everything from wall hangings and plant hangers to rugs and large curtains. Single-strand macrame string is a bit more than difficult to work with and tin lead to adventitious untwisting while knotting.

How much macrame cord practice I need?

How much macrame cord yous need depends on the size of your project and the thickness of your rope. As a general rule, cut virtually four times the length of the finished piece. Most macrame patterns include a guide to cord lengths and sizes, so follow that when it's available.

What is the best size cord for macrame?

Medium-size (4-7mm) string is the most versatile for mutual projects like wall hangings and constitute hangers. Small cord is best for jewelry or decorative objects, and big cord is great for statement pieces, but they can both be more difficult to work with than medium-sized options.

Can I dye macrame cord at home?

If the cord is made out of cotton or other natural fibers, absolutely! All the same, synthetic fibers typically don't have dye well, although they tin can typically be purchased in a diverseness of colors.

What does single-ply (or single strand) cord mean?

Unmarried-ply means the cord is made from one continuous strand. Information technology may also be referred to every bit unplied or unmarried strand. Three-ply string is fabricated of iii separate strands twisted together. Both are suitable for macrame, and both are available in a wide multifariousness of thicknesses.

Why exercise I see the terms macrame cord, cord, and rope used for the same products?

Although they're technically slightly unlike, yous may see listings on Etsy or Amazon that use all three terms interchangeably. This is purely so that they appear in more search results, and has little begetting on the actual product. Await for other terms like single strand, iii-ply, or braided for more accurate product descriptions.

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Source: https://tinyworkshops.com/macrame-cord-rope-guide/