Macramé yarn, cord and rope may look similar, but they differ clearly in structure, feel and the way they work. The best choice depends on the finish you want: soft brushable fringes, clean shape-holding knots or a fuller, more textured result.
Single twist
Macramé Yarn
Soft and brushable.
For fringes, leaves, feathers, wall décor and fine details.
Braided
Macramé Cord
Firm and shape-holding.
For bags, plant hangers, accessories and clean knots.
3-ply twist
Macramé Rope
Full and textured.
For wall hangings, curtains and larger decorative projects.
1. Macramé Yarn: soft and easy to brush out
Macramé yarn is made from fibres twisted in a single direction, often called single twist. The fibres can be opened and brushed out easily, making it a good choice when a soft finish and decorative fringe are important.
Properties
- Soft and flexible
- Easy to brush out
- Ideal for soft fringe
- Good for fine details
Best for
- Wall hangings
- Dreamcatchers
- Fringes, leaves and feathers
- Detailed macramé projects
2. Macramé Cord: braided and shape-holding
Macramé cord is braided and is often chosen when strength and shape retention matter. It frays very little and gives projects a clean, even appearance.
Properties
- Strong and shape-holding
- Frays very little
- Clean, even structure
- Suitable for many crochet projects too
Best for
- Plant hangers
- Bags and accessories
- Curtains and decorative projects
- Projects that need to keep their shape
3. Macramé Rope: 3-ply twist with visible texture
Macramé rope in a 3-ply construction is made from three strands twisted together. This creates a clearly visible structure with more volume and a more robust appearance.
Properties
- Strong and voluminous
- Clearly visible twisted structure
- Suitable for larger projects
- Can be untwisted for textured fringe
Best for
- Wall hangings
- Macramé curtains
- Plant hangers
- Larger decorative pieces
Other macramé materials
Supracord is a filled woven cord that can be used for jewellery and selected crochet projects. Polypropylene cord is light, strong and absorbs very little moisture, making it practical for bags, accessories and projects where an easy-care structure matters.
Which thickness do you need?
1–3 mm
For finer projects, accessories, dreamcatchers and detailed work.
4–5 mm
For plant hangers, wall décor and projects with more visible knots.
5 mm and above
For larger, robust projects where volume is an important part of the result.
What should you consider before choosing?
- Project: choose yarn for soft details, cord for shape retention and rope for more texture and volume.
- Structure: single twist, braided and 3-ply twist behave differently while knotting.
- Location: consider whether the material will mainly be used indoors or also outdoors.
- Thickness: the thicker the material, the larger and more prominent the knots will look.
Ready to choose the right material?
Explore macramé yarn, cord and rope in different structures, colours and thicknesses.
View macramé yarn, cord & rope