8 Best Macrame Cord for Beginners

So, you’re diving into the world of macrame, huh? That’s awesome! Macrame is one of those crafts that’s incredibly satisfying. You get to create stunning pieces while experimenting with knots, colors, and textures.

But before you go crazy with those beautiful patterns, there’s something you need to consider: the right cord. Choosing the best macrame cord for beginners can make or break your creative journey.

Trust me, I’ve been there. In my early days, I grabbed just any cord I could find, and it was a mess! Not only did it make my knots look sloppy, but it also felt like I was fighting the cord instead of enjoying the process.

But no worries, I’ve got your back! Let’s talk about what makes the best macrame cord for beginners and how to choose the right one for your projects.

Product Name	Features	Price
NOANTA Pink Gray Macrame Cord	Made from carefully sourced cotton for softness, durability, and strength. Smooth and super soft to the touch, protecting hands during long crafting sessions. Perfect for macrame wall hangings, plant hangers, dreamcatchers, jewelry, and more. Smooth handling makes knotting, weaving, and braiding effortless.	Check Price
FLIPPED 100% Natural Cotton Macrame Cord	Made from 100% high-quality cotton fiber, soft, durable, biodegradable, and odor-free. 5mm thickness with 4 twisted strands ensures sturdiness for all craft projects. 110 yards per roll provides plenty of material for large or multiple projects. Ideal for beginners and advanced artisans to create gorgeous, personalized projects.	Check Price
MAOQIAN Baby Blue Macrame Cord 3mm x 109Yards	Made from pure, high-quality cotton with uniform color, safe, eco-friendly, and odor-free. 3mm (1/8 inch) diameter and approx. 109 yards (100m / 328ft) length, ideal for multiple projects. Strong yet gentle on hands, easy to knot, weave, and braid for smooth crafting. Suitable for dreamcatchers, gardening, gift wrapping, jewelry-making, pet toys, and more.	Check Price
LECZIVOEN Macrame Kit	100% natural cotton cord, non-toxic wooden rings and beads (no oil or wax), safe and sustainable. Perfect for plant hangers, wall hangings, tapestries, bohemian lace crafts, and home décor. Strong yet gentle cotton rope, easy to knot, weave, and braid for smooth crafting. Suitable for knitting, DIY décor, and creative projects for adults and beginners alike.	Check Price
Likeecords Braided Macrame Cotton Cord	Gentle on hands, easy to knot, and strong enough for detailed macrame projects. Braided design ensures knots hold their shape beautifully in wall hangings and planters. Easy to work with, making it ideal for artisans of all skill levels.	Check Price
Makromecity, Premium Polyester Macrame Cord	3mm diameter cord, ideal for detailed knotwork and versatile crafting. Made from 100% polypropylene, soft yet strong, with a natural look and pleasant texture. Designed for long-lasting use; easy to clean and maintain without losing quality. Polyester cord is environmentally friendly and safe for crafting.	Check Price
GANXXET Mink Color Macrame Cotton Cord	Made from recycled cotton sourced from the garment industry, supporting sustainable crafting. Strong, soft, and easy to work with, ideal for macrame and other fiber crafts. Provides a clean, modern aesthetic that enhances handmade projects.	Check Price
JeogYong Braided Macrame Cord	Made from eco-friendly, biodegradable cotton that is soft, odor-free, and safe to use. 295ft (90m) roll provides plenty of rope for multiple projects; can be cut to any desired length. 5mm thickness braided with 8 strands, durable enough to hold heavy plant pots and large décor pieces. Knots stay neat and uniform throughout projects; easy to untie if mistakes are made.	Check Price

Table of Contents

Why Does the Right Cord Matter?

Okay, first things first. Why should you care about the type of cord you use? Can’t you just grab any string, tie some knots, and call it a day? Technically, yes but let’s be real, it won’t be fun, and your final piece will probably look a bit… well, sad.

Different types of cords have unique textures, strengths, and finishes that can totally change how your project turns out. You want a cord that’s easy to work with, doesn’t fray too much, and holds its shape, right? Well, that’s exactly what we’re going to focus on.

Let’s break it down!

What to Look for in Macrame Cord

When you’re just starting out, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

Thickness: Beginner-friendly cords are usually between 3mm to 5mm thick. This is perfect for making your knots look clean without overwhelming you.
Texture: The texture of the cord can affect the knots and your comfort level. Some cords are smooth and easy to handle, while others might feel a bit rough.
Material: Macrame cords come in a variety of materials like cotton, jute, and synthetic fibers. Cotton is a popular choice because it’s soft, versatile, and easy to work with.
Durability: You want your work to last, right? Choose cords that are strong enough to hold up under tension but still soft enough to knot without too much effort.

Okay, now that we know what to look for, let’s dive into the different types of cords that are best for beginners.

Best Macrame Cords for Beginners

1. Cotton Macrame Cord: The All-Rounder

If you ask any macrame enthusiast (or just someone who’s ever done a DIY project), cotton cord is hands down one of the best options for beginners. It’s soft, forgiving, and holds its shape well. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors, so you can let your creativity run wild!

Why Cotton?

Soft & Easy to Handle: Cotton is smooth to the touch, which means your hands won’t get sore from handling it for hours.
Great for Knots: It’s not too stiff, so you can easily create beautiful knots without any frustration.
Flexible & Durable: Cotton holds its shape really well, and you can get long-lasting results from your projects.

For your first few macrame projects, cotton cord is your best friend. Whether you’re making wall hangings or plant hangers, this is a solid choice that won’t break the bank. Plus, it comes in a range of thicknesses, so you can pick the one that feels best for you.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking to make a more intricate piece (like a detailed wall hanging), go for a 3mm or 4mm cotton cord. It gives you that perfect balance of being easy to work with, while still looking impressive.

2. Jute Cord: Natural & Rustic

Now, if you’re going for that rustic vibe, jute is where it’s at. Jute is a bit coarser than cotton, and it has this natural, earthy look that adds character to any piece.

Why Jute?

Textured Finish: Jute gives your projects that rustic, organic feel. If you’re creating boho-style macrame pieces, this cord is perfect.
Eco-Friendly: Jute is biodegradable and made from natural fibers, so if you’re into eco-conscious crafting, this is a solid choice.
Sturdy: It’s a strong cord that holds its shape well, making it great for heavier projects.

However, it’s worth mentioning that jute can be a little rough on the hands. So, if you’re just starting out, you might want to try it on a smaller project first to see how it feels.

3. Polyester Macrame Cord: Smooth & Strong

If you’re looking for something a bit more durable and low-maintenance, polyester is a great option. It’s a synthetic cord that can hold its shape really well and won’t stretch or shrink as much as cotton or jute.

Why Polyester?

Low Maintenance: Unlike cotton, polyester doesn’t fray as much, so it’s easier to maintain neat edges in your knots.
Strong & Durable: This material is resistant to wear and tear, making it great for outdoor projects or pieces that will get a lot of use.
Smooth Texture: The smooth texture makes it easy to work with, and it glides through your fingers effortlessly.

Polyester macrame cord is ideal if you’re planning to make a long-lasting piece that will be exposed to the elements (think outdoor planters or wall hangings in high-traffic areas).

4. Hemp Cord: Eco-Friendly & Textured

Hemp cord has a more textured feel than cotton, giving your macrame projects a bit of a natural, earthy vibe. It’s perfect for creating a more rustic or boho look, just like jute.

Why Hemp?

Eco-Friendly: Hemp is a super sustainable material, which makes it a great choice for the environmentally conscious crafter.
Strong & Durable: Like jute, hemp is very strong, which is perfect for macrame pieces that will have weight to them (think large plant hangers or wall hangings).
Unique Look: It’s a bit rougher than cotton, but it adds a beautiful texture to your work.

The one thing you should know is that hemp can be a little hard on your fingers, especially if you’re making a lot of tight knots. But once you get the hang of it, it’s a fantastic material to work with.

5. Silk Cord: Luxurious & Sleek

Silk cord isn’t as common for beginners, but if you’re feeling adventurous, it’s definitely a unique option. It’s smooth, shiny, and adds a luxurious touch to your projects.

Why Silk?

Soft & Smooth: The smooth texture makes silk easy to knot, and it gives your project an elegant, sophisticated look.
Luxurious Feel: If you’re creating something special—like a gift or a statement piece—silk is a great way to go.
Durable: Silk is surprisingly strong for its soft texture, making it a good choice for intricate designs.

However, keep in mind that silk cord can be a bit tricky to handle because it’s slippery. You’ll need to be extra careful with your knots and work slowly to ensure everything stays in place.

How to Choose the Best Cord for Your Project

Alright, now that we’ve covered the types of cords, let’s talk about how to actually choose the best one for your project.

1. Consider the Project Type

Are you making a small, simple plant hanger or a large, detailed wall hanging? The type of project will influence your cord choice. For beginners, start with something like cotton for smaller items. Once you get more comfortable, you can move on to jute or hemp for more textured pieces.

2. Think About the Aesthetic

Are you aiming for a more modern or rustic feel? If you’re all about the boho vibe, jute or hemp are your go-to options. For something more sleek and polished, cotton or polyester are perfect.

3. Test Out Different Materials

Here’s a little secret: The best way to figure out what works for you is by testing different cords. Get a few small samples of different types (hello, craft store!), and see which one feels the most comfortable to work with. You might just find that you fall in love with a material you never expected to like!

Wrapping Up

So there you have it, my friend! The best macrame cords for beginners, broken down for you in a way that’s hopefully as fun as it is informative.

Remember, choosing the right cord isn’t about finding the “perfect” one it’s about finding what works for you. Whether it’s the smooth feel of cotton or the rustic charm of jute, the most important thing is to enjoy the process and embrace your creative journey.

So, are you ready to start making some beautiful macrame art? Happy knotting!