Macrame can be a fun hobby in your spare time or even a way to make extra cash! Many people turn to online shops like Etsy for handmade items, especially macrame! Because macrame can be time-consuming, people usually opt to buy the things they are looking for instead of making them themselves and are willing to pay a higher price for a quality macrame piece that’s handmade. However, getting started with macrame can seem like a daunting task, especially if you don’t know where to start! In this article, we talk about the best macrame cord, supplies, and kits to buy online so you can take some of the hassle out of the process!
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How to Choose The Best Cords For Macrame
Macrame cord is somewhat of a blanket term to refer to the string, cord, or rope used to create macrame projects, but they are not all created equal. Macrameforbeginners suggests using cord made from high-quality cotton. However, you can use materials like hemp if you are creating macrame art for something like a wall hanging. Aside from this, there are usually 3 types of macrame cord: 3-ply macrame rope, braided cord, and single-twist cord! Most of the time, the type of cord you need is a personal choice, but there are some key elements to keep in mind, such as what your project is, the look you are going for, and the sturdiness you need! Here is a breakdown of the different cord types and what they work best for.
3-Ply Macrame Rope: 3-ply macrame rope is the thickest of the 3 types of cord and is quite sturdy! It consists of a few macrame strings tightly twisted together. This type of cord is the most forgiving and is a great choice for beginners! It can also be used for many different projects, including big, heavy projects that the other types are too fragile for. However, the 3-ply macrame cord is a lot bulkier than the others, so keep this in mind! It would be best not to use this cord with delicate projects.
Braided Cord: Braided macrame cord is just what it sounds like! It consists of threads that have been braided together. This type of thread is perfect for wearable macrame projects due to its soft nature and small plant hangers! The downside to a braided macrame cord is that it is not suitable for fringed ends, so if that is the look you are going for, you may want to choose another cord type. Macramelovers suggests starting with a nylon braided cord because it comes undone easily, so it is perfect for beginners practicing their knots!
Single Twist Cord: Single twist macrame cord consists of a bunch of single cotton threads that are loosely bunched together and twisted. Projects made using single-twist cord usually have a more elegant aesthetic. However, you may want to use a different type of cord if you are a beginner, as this cord type is not as forgiving as others and doesn’t allow room for mistakes. Another thing to keep in mind is that single-twist cord is more on the fragile side, so you should consider a different cord type if you are creating a heavy wall hanging or planter.
What Size Macrame Cord Should I Use?
Another thing to consider when it comes to choosing the right macrame cord is the size! Macrame cords come in mm sizes ranging from .5 mm to 12 mm, sometimes higher! For jewelry, you should choose a cord size of around 1-2mm, no higher! Any higher than around 4mm, and you will need larger decorations. If you are looking to make wall hangings, small wall hangings will require a 3-5 mm cord size, while large wall hangings should use around 4-9 mm. Plant hangers do best using a 2-5 mm cord but may require a thicker size if you are making a large plant hanger.
If you are using a pattern, always follow the requirements listed for the pattern! The pattern will tell you the exact type of cord needed as well as the length you will need for your project. Choosing a different cord type or length than your pattern calls for can result in botched projects and headaches unless you are an expert and know what you are doing. Once you have some experience in macrame, you can use your own judgment when it comes to changing up the type of cord needed, but we still recommend always sticking to the length the project requires.
The Best Places to Buy Macrame Supplies and Kits
The internet has tons of places to purchase all of your macrame supplies, such as macrame cords, dowels, kits, and other items needed to make the absolute best macrame art! The first thing you need to consider is what you will need for the project you want to make. If you aren’t sure you are ready to commit to buying a bunch of supplies, a kit may be your best option. Here is a great starter kit on Etsy if you want to get a feel for macrame before going out and buying all of the supplies! The kit has a 5-star rating and is under $30!
You can find macrame cord and supplies at widely known craft stores such as Hobby Lobby and Joanne, which both have options to purchase online! However, if you are looking for a higher-quality cord than what you can get at a craft store, you may want to check out Gantexx. Gantexx is female-owned and is known for its eco-friendly, sustainable materials. They have 5-star reviews and are decently priced. You can expect to pay between $8 and $40, depending on the type, size, and length of the cord!
Etsy also has other highly-rated shops you can purchase from, especially if you are looking to support small business owners. Some shops on Etsy also have different specialty yarns you may not be able to find anywhere else.
If you are looking for yarn that is less expensive, you can check out FLIPPED on Amazon. They have a 4.5-star rating, and you can find smaller spools of cord starting around $11.
Macrame String, Rope, and Cord – What’s the Difference?
- Macrame String – Single strand twisted string.
- Macrame Rope / Macrame Cord Three or more strand twisted ropes – Make sure to check whether it can be brushed or not (if you want to create fringe).
Popular Macrame Supplies to Buy Online
Cotton Macrame Rope 3mm (can be brushed)
Cotton Macrame Rope 2mm (can be brushed)
Cotton Macrame Cord 4mm (can’t be brushed)
Macrame Dream Catcher Metal Rings
Wooden Rings
Natural Unfinished Wood Spacer Beads Large Hole 20mm (0.8 Inch)
Macrame Wooden Dowel Rods
Natural Bamboo Rods
Easy Macrame Projects For Beginners
Here are some of the best easy macrame projects for beginners! We recommend trying as many of these projects as you can so you can get in the rhythm of tying the knots each project requires. Check out this video for a quick tutorial on how to macrame using basic beginner knots!
Easy Macrame Wall Hanging
This macrame wall hanging is so adorable and perfect for beginners! This is just a kit, so it doesn’t come with all of the things you need to make it. However, it comes with a shopping list and step-by-step instructions for how to do it!
Macrame Plant Hanger
Macrame plant hangers are another super easy project for beginners! You only need to learn a few knots, and you will be a macrame plant hanger expert in no time! Plant hangers look super stylish and sell like crazy in artisan shops or on sites like Etsy!
Macrame Pouch Mini
These little macrame pouches are just darling! They are easy to sell and make fabulous gifts for your friends and family!
Macrame Towel Holder
We think these macrame towel holders are super cute and totally unique! They are small, making them the perfect starting project for beginners!
Macrame Keychains
Macrame keychains are super trendy right now, so they would be a great item to start off with! They are super easy to get the hang of and only involve a couple knots. Your friends and family would love these as gifts, so you may want to get enough material to make a bunch of them!
Macrame Coasters
Here is another easy project to start with! We like these coasters for beginner projects because they get you used to going in a circular pattern!
Macrame Market Bag
We think these macrame market bags are darling! You can use them to put your fruits and vegetables in at the supermarket so you don’t have to waste plastic produce bags! They are also great for beginners because the pattern is very basic.
Check out this fantastic macramé bag featuring wooden rings that we adore:
Macrame Door Curtain
These macrame door curtains are a little bit past beginner level, but if you are up for a challenge, we totally have faith in you!
Macrame Wall Hanging YouTube Tutorials
Final Thoughts
Macrame is super fun to get into, whether you just want it to be a hobby or you plan on making goods to sell! Remember, all things have a learning curve. If you don’t get the hang of it at first, keep trying! You may also want to reach out to any local artisans if you are having trouble, as they may be able to see where you are going wrong and help get you back on the right path.
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